Should You Downsize or Declutter Your Home?

Decluttering means reducing or organizing the belongings in your current space, while downsizing usually means moving into a smaller home and deciding what will fit there. If you like your current home but want less clutter, decluttering may be enough. If your home itself no longer fits your lifestyle, downsizing may make more sense. 

Key Takeaways 

• Decluttering changes what you keep in your current space.  

• Downsizing changes the amount of living space you have.  

• Downsizing usually involves some decluttering.  

• Self-storage can provide temporary space while you sort, move or decide what fits.  

• Measuring furniture and your new space before a move can reduce guesswork.  

• Public Storage rentals are month-to-month, which can work for changing storage timelines.  

Downsizing vs. Decluttering 

What Is Decluttering? 

Decluttering is the process of sorting and reducing belongings, so your current space works better. 

You may need to declutter if: 

• Closets and cabinets are difficult to use  

• You own multiples of items you rarely need  

• Frequently used spaces are crowded  

• Seasonal belongings take up everyday storage space  

• You want better organization without moving  

Start with one room or category rather than trying to reorganize the entire house at once. 

Create three basic groups: 

• Keep  

• Donate or discard  

• Store  

Seasonal décor, sports equipment, camping gear and other belongings used only part of the year may be candidates for storage rather than permanent space inside your home. 

What Is Downsizing? 

Downsizing means moving into a smaller living space. 

That might mean moving from a larger house to a condo, apartment, townhome or smaller house because your household or lifestyle has changed. 

You may be considering downsizing if: 

• You regularly use only part of your current home  

• You want less space to maintain  

• Household needs have changed  

• You plan to travel more frequently  

• Your current home has more rooms than you need  

Because the new home has less square footage, downsizing usually includes decluttering as part of the process. 

How Do You Decide Whether to Declutter or Downsize? 

Ask yourself one question first: 

Is the problem my belongings or the size of my home? 

If you still enjoy your home and simply need better organization, start with decluttering. 

If the house itself feels larger than your household needs or fits poorly with your plans, downsizing may be the larger solution. 

How Do You Declutter Before a Move? 

Start with belongings that are easiest to evaluate, then work toward categories that require more thought. 

A practical sequence might be: 

1. Remove obvious trash or unusable items.  
2. Sort duplicate household items.  
3. Review clothing and seasonal belongings.  
4. Measure larger furniture.  
5. Compare those measurements with your future floor plan.  
6. Separate belongings going to your new home from items you plan to donate or store.  

How Can Self-Storage Help With Downsizing or Decluttering? 

Self-storage can provide additional space while you organize your current home or transition into a smaller one. 

It may be useful for: 

• Seasonal décor  

• Sports and hobby equipment  

• Furniture that won’t immediately fit  

• Boxes during a move  

• Household belongings you’re still deciding how to use  

For a temporary move or transition, month-to-month rentals can provide flexibility while you determine how much storage you need. 

Use the Public Storage Size Guide to compare unit sizes before renting. 

What Size Storage Unit Might You Need? 

The amount of space you need depends on what you decide to store. 

Actual capacity depends on item dimensions and how belongings are packed. 

Should You Declutter Before Choosing a Storage Unit? 

Yes. Sorting first helps you estimate storage space based on what you actually plan to keep. 

Make an inventory after decluttering, then compare your belongings with common storage-unit sizes. You may discover that you need less space than you initially expected. 

FAQs About Downsizing and Decluttering 

Is downsizing the same as decluttering? 

No. Decluttering reduces or organizes belongings in your existing space. Downsizing generally means moving into a smaller home. 

Do I need to declutter before downsizing? 

Usually. A smaller home has less space, so reviewing furniture, household items and other belongings before moving can make planning easier. 

Can self-storage help while downsizing? 

Yes. A storage unit can provide temporary or ongoing space for eligible household belongings that won’t immediately go into the new home. 

Can I rent storage temporarily while decluttering? 

Yes. Public Storage rentals are month-to-month, which can work for temporary storage needs. 

What storage unit size do I need for downsizing? 

That depends on how much you plan to store. A 5’x5′ or 5’x10′ may work for smaller storage needs, while 10’x10′ and larger units provide space for furniture and belongings from multiple rooms. 

How do I find storage near me? 

Find a Public Storage location near you and compare available sizes, pricing and features.