If you're intending to downsize in the near future and are a bit concerned about the process of moving into a significant smaller property, here are a few tips which should make this experience a little less overwhelming.

De-clutter

Unless you are a minimalist, you will probably need to get rid of a substantial amount of your current possessions before you move house, as there won't be enough space in your new home for these items. At first, this may seem like a very daunting and perhaps even distressing prospect. However, it can actually be a very positive and empowering experience to rid yourself of the many things that no longer serve any real purpose in your life.

Donating, selling or disposing of that sports equipment that's gathering dust in your garage, or those mountains of magazines in the attic that you haven't looked at in years can feel quite uplifting. Additionally, on a more practical note, it will also drastically reduce the number of boxes that you have to lug around on moving day and will ensure that your new, smaller house doesn't end up stuffed to capacity with unnecessary 'stuff'.

Try to get started on the de-cluttering process long before you're due to move, as it can take quite a while to sort through a lifetime's worth of stuff. Set up a sorting 'station', which has three large containers, each of which is designated for items that are to be donated to charity, sold or thrown out.

If there are bulky items that you genuinely cannot bear to part with, but that won't fit into your new home, it might be worth renting out a self-storage unit for these goods. This will keep them safe and secure, and enable you to access them when they're needed. Self-storage units are generally quite affordable and as such, are still a good option even if you're on a tight budget.

Invest in some additional storage

Before you move, it might be wise to purchase a few extra storage items for your new home and put these into the property prior to moving day. This will spare you the stress of having to leave some of your belongings in their moving boxes for several days after you move, simply because there's nowhere in the house to store them.

In a small property, it's important to try to utilise every last inch of available space. So you could, for example, buy a few under-bed storage boxes, for keeping bulky seasonal items (such as extra blankets, duvets and coats that are only used in the winter), as well as perhaps one or two multifunctional furniture items, such as an ottoman with a hidden storage space inside it, or a vintage trunk that can be used as both a coffee table and a storage container.