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If you will be downsizing into a tiny house, you will need to figure out the best way to declutter before moving. In How to Declutter to Move Into a Tiny House, Part 1, I offered the following recommendations to get started.

1. Find a way to visualize your space.
2. Take actual measurements.
3. Only make use of storage if it is going to be a long-term solution.
4. Make use of decluttering strategies.

Now I would like to share a few more tips for downsizing and decluttering.

5. Figure out your priorities.

While popular decluttering techniques can help you to pare down your possessions, you will still have a difficult time with the task if you do not think first about the overall context for the life you live now and the life that you want to lead in the future.

You may for example have many pastimes which you only pick up from time to time, but for which you have accumulated many supplies. Moving all of these items with you into your tiny house may be impractical.

But this is a perfect opportunity to think about which activities in your life contribute the most meaning and value. It is a chance to not just reduce your possessions, but also cut activities from your schedule which are not really important to you. That way, you can focus more of your time and energy on that which really matters.

6. Do not force the pace.

A lot of people tackle decluttering as quickly as they can, attempting to get rid of as much as possible in one fell swoop. While this may be an admirable ambition, it can create a lot of unnecessary pressure and stress. You’re also more likely to make mistakes if you are in a hurry. So try to give yourself plenty of time, and be patient with the task ahead.

7. Don’t underestimate the amount of space you’ll have.

You might think that a lot of people moving into tiny houses overestimate the amount of room that they will have in their new abodes. While that is true to some degree, others overcompensate, and actually end up underestimating the space.

If you do that, you might regret it later, because you may end up getting rid of items unnecessarily which you valued and could have easily kept in your new space. For this reason, you should think in advance about space saving organization ideas for your tiny house.

As one simple example, my tiny house closet is probably less than a third of the size of the one I previously had. Nonetheless, my entire wardrobe fits inside it. Everything is squished together, but at least I have it.

Now you have a number of useful tips and recommendations for decluttering and downsizing before you make a move into a tiny house. While it may be one of the most challenging chores to do before you move, the results—like your new lifestyle—can be rewarding.