Downsizing to Independent living- How should I pick what to keep?
![Vivian](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/resources/imgs-responsive/avatar-letters/avatar-V-BC70FF.png?size=91x91)
![](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/resources/imgs-responsive/avatar-letters/avatar-V-BC70FF.png?size=50x50)
![](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/profile/2016/08/15/2420649_3.jpg?size=50x50)
![](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/member_1041698927274651_1041698927_214948020_n_3e533d2859a7c32df4980d418d2b7a2c.jpg?size=50x50)
Related Discussions
I have a 13X11’ living room. What size carpet should I get, please?
![Gayle Garbareno](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/profile/2017/06/18/25590027_1.jpg?size=50x50)
i have a small couch, a chair and cabinet for TV and small table in this room. Help please and Thank you!
What’s your favorite flower?
![Amy Poulton, Hometalk Editor](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/profile/2024/04/03/51782559_3.jpg?size=50x50)
Let's brighten up our day with some floral beauty! Flowers come in so many shapes, sizes, and colors, and everyone has a favorite. We want to know: What is your favor... See more
Should I paint or stain my oak kitchen cabinets?
![Lauren of Mom Home Guide](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/profile/2019/03/24/161201_3.jpg?size=50x50)
I was wondering if you could help me with something -- I have an entirely oak kitchen. I know it's the rage now to paint or gel stain cabinets. I've been considering ... See more
Any great tips for removing hard water stains from exterior windows?
![Bracha Moskoff](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/resources/imgs-responsive/avatar-letters/avatar-B-605BE8.png?size=50x50)
Hey there fellow forum members!I need some help to make my home's exterior windows shine again! Any tips on tackling those stubborn hard water stains? They're driving... See more
Can I dry pine cones Outside instead of the oven?
![Lorna](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/resources/imgs-responsive/avatar-letters/avatar-L-FF00A7.png?size=50x50)
they have been soaked in vinegar and water.
Can canvas outside window awnings be painted and how?
![Jeanne](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/resources/imgs-responsive/avatar-letters/avatar-J-1ABB71.png?size=50x50)
I have a dark green canvas awning and would like to change the color to gray. Is this possible and what type of paint do I use.
How can I make a DIY hair dryer diffuser?
![Rose](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/resources/imgs-responsive/avatar-letters/avatar-R-FF8282.png?size=50x50)
Best hairdryer diffuser attachment!Protect your hair from heat and damage with Hairizone diffuser that Amazon reviewers swear by!
sentimentality and necessity are probably the big things
How do you plan to use your space? If your dining table easily fits your dining area, keep it. If not, donate or sell it. Is your living room furniture comfortable? Get down to a sofa and two chairs max. Ditch any large coffee or side tables. Can you use a closet system in lieu of dressers?
When we move home we unearth a heap of stuff we'd forgotten about, and yet we find it hard to throw away for sentimental reasons. There's only one rule - if it's not useful or beautiful - it goes!
Having downsized recently myself, here's how I decided what to give away/donate and keep: to keep the item had to be both sentimental AND useful. Dust collecting decorations were donated, kitchenware not used was given away, furniture kept was no more than I needed. If your furniture is too large for where you're moving to, sell what you have and buy new. Give items to your children now (if you have any) that they would like to have from you. If you have any antiques and can part with then contact a dealer for sale. When I downsized I donated tons of household items and personal items to a battered women's shelter. Hope this helps!
create a photo album of all your sentimental things which serve no purpose, and then pass them on to someone special. this will
help you part with the things that won't work in your new space.
Thanks for the advice. I will definitely have to make some decisions and soon!