What are your non-negotiables when downsizing your life?

This list will be your guide and reality check when looking for your new smaller home

Non-negotiables are items that you will take with you to your new place no matter what. They include valuable pieces of furniture, homewares and decor, family heirlooms, equipment for work or hobbies, and pet paraphernalia. I covered this topic in detail in a recent YouTube video. But to quickly recap, it’s critical that you identify your non-negotiables as soon as you decide that you will be moving to a smaller place.

This “must keep” list will be your guide while house hunting. Armed with the dimensions of your essential pieces, carefully measure each room, taking note of the usable space in the properties you visit. If any of your non-negotiables will not fit, immediately cross that home off your list and keep looking. Make the list as short as possible to maximise the number of potential new homes. If necessary, create a second list of “nice to haves” that you would prefer to keep, but have some flexibility with.

My list contained exactly four non-negotiable items; my cat, and all her things such as her litter box and space for food bowls; an upright piano that has been in my family for over 40 years; musical equipment for my work; and some high quality bedroom furniture that I had only just purchased. And with that list in tow, I was able to find the perfect new home to suit my needs. And so will you!

Lilibet xo