Maximize Your Space--the 80/20 rule

Senior Thursday

When you are downsizing, space is limited. Therefore, you must be smart about how you use what space you have. Over the next few weeks, we will explore strategies to apply to any area of your home to maximize your space.

Rule One: Apply the 80/20 rule. We use 20% of what we own 80% of the time. So look at the 20% you use and that is what you want to keep.

• Closets—Review your clothes, shoes, purses, hats, and jackets. What do you find yourself wearing every week or two? What haven't you worn in over a year? What looks good on you? What doesn't? Keep the things you wear and love.
• Kitchen—Go through dishes, pots and pans, bakeware, pantry, glassware, flatware, and small appliances. Get rid of those things you haven't used in the last twelve months. Then put lesser used items in a box and pack it away. If you don't need to retrieve anything over the next six months, ask yourself if you really need it.
• Garage—Sort your tools, gardening equipment, and automotive supplies. Get rid of anything that isn't in good condition. For the rest, consider your new lifestyle and home situation. Will you need gardening tools, or will you be in a townhome with lawn service?
• Books/Magazines--Keep only your absolute favorites. Old magazines can be tossed. If you have a subscription, you can access the articles online.
• Bedroom—You only need two sets of bed linens for each bed per season. Choose your favorites.
• Bathrooms—This is an area most people can trim down. How many different shampoos, conditioners and lotions do you really need? What scents do you usually wear? Trim down on your toiletries, towels, and hair care.