I have several friends and family members who, in the last few years, have moved to smaller homes. Some retired and didn't want to care for a large home. Others lives changed and they didn't need so much space.
It's not an easy task to decide what to keep and what to get rid of. You might have some things that have sentimental meaning but won't fit into your new space.
Decorator Lauri Ward, founder of the Use What You Have system of decorating, offers great advice on getting rid of, saving, and re-using what you have in a new, smaller space.
Comments
The best thing I did when I moved to a small apartment was to get a friend to install low level lighting. It made the place less stark and more cosy and warm. It was a reasonable expense ($600+) but it was worth it.