Whether you’re preparing for a move, creating space for new life circumstances, or simply tired of feeling overwhelmed by accumulated belongings, downsizing can feel like climbing a mountain. The key to success lies in approaching the process systematically, room by room, with a clear strategy that makes the overwhelming task manageable and even liberating. Starting with the Right Mindset Before diving into any room, establish clear criteria for what stays and what goes. Consider implementing the “one-year rule”—if you haven’t used something in the past year and can’t identify a specific future need for it, it’s likely a candidate for removal. Create three distinct categories: keep, donate, and discard. This simple system prevents the endless back-and-forth decision-making that can stall progress and drain your energy. Remember that downsizing isn’t about getting rid of everything you own. It’s about creating space for what’s essential while eliminating the excess that clutters...