Downsizing to Independent living- How should I pick what to keep?

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!