Downsizing to a smaller home can be at the same time a source of freedom and a source of anxiety. Clients who are ready to downsize do so because a smaller home is less to pay for and maintain. But the same clients can get overwhelmed when it's time to sort through all their belongings and decide what's going with them to the new home.

Unless you're a natural at keeping clutter at bay, editing down your possessions to fit in a smaller home isn't easy. Still, there are some things you can do to make you more productive:

1. Give yourself plenty of time

You might feel like you've got all the time in the world, but start now. Sorting through a lifetime's worth of belongings and choosing what to discard is hard work and brings up lots of emotions. If you put off downsizing until you're packing for your move, the stress of the clock is likely to cause you to just take it all and sort it later -- which almost never happens. Get started by choosing one clearly defined space to declutter -- maybe a closet or a chest of drawers -- and stick with it till it's finished, when you should take a break and look back at what you've accomplished. You'll make better choices and feel good about your overall effort.

2. Pick a number

"I need to cut my belongings by 50 percent" will produce a better result than "I need to get rid of some things." Think about the size house you're looking for and go from there. And overestimate -- your first number is likely to be too low. When you find yourself stuck -- and you will -- go back to your overall goal. Are you looking at a pile of 100 books? If you're cutting by half, you need to choose 50 to discard.

3. Start with areas of your home that hold fewer sentimental possessions

It's far easier to let go of a couple of an extra skillet than to go through your child's baby clothes. You're much less likely to get derailed in rooms like kitchens, garages and bathrooms. Take advantage of the momentum you build in those areas to tackle the harder ones.

4. Tame the paper beast

You don't need to move years of credit card receipts and utility bills (check out Bankrate's guidelines for how long to keep documents). Take a hard look at what you're keeping and how long you're keeping it. Buy an inexpensive shredder to securely dispose of your documents or check into a document shredding service.

5. Be methodical -- and ruthless

Relocation specialists and professional organizers use the OHIO rule: Only Handle It Once. This keeps you from amassing a "maybe" pile of delayed decisions. If you're struggling with a particular possession, ask yourself these questions: Do I use it? Do I love it? If it were gone, would I replace it? Your answers will help you make a decision.

6. Pare down collections by choosing favorites

No doubt, your collection of beer steins from around the world is cool, but it's a lot to move (and a lot to dust!). When editing a collection, choose the three or five pieces that are most representative of the entire collection or that have the best stories attached. Consider taking photographs of the rest to display in an album.

7. Sell, donate or toss

So what do you do with all the stuff you're letting go? Some of your possessions can certainly be used and appreciated by others, so look into selling or donating the bulk of your items. Start by consulting a professional appraiser about any collectible pieces you have, and hold a yard sale for the rest. Anything that doesn't sell goes to charity. But remember: The charity drop-off isn't a trash bin. If it's torn, broken, stained or otherwise doesn't work, toss it in the trash or recycling bin.

8. Enlist help

If, despite your best efforts, you wind up with more than you can take -- or a "maybe" pile -- ask a friend for a second opinion. It'll be much easier for them to see the things you're never going to use again and help you make a deeper round of cuts.

9. Focus on the long game

The work leading up to downsizing your home can be time-consuming and difficult, but keep in mind your overall goal. You've identified practical reasons to reduce your space, and the result will be worth the frustration it might take to get there.

Let's talk about your options when it comes to downsizing into your dream home. Contact me anytime at (540) 793-0442 or rpayne@mkbrealtors.com. Take a look at my listings hereand like my page on Facebook.