Many people who are moving are also downsizing. Perhaps you're looking for a smaller house for retirement, or maybe you're moving to a larger city that requires renting a smaller space. Whatever your reasons, downsizing can be stressful and challenging, especially if you've collected items over the course of several years.
These simple tips can help make the process of downsizing go more smoothly as your prepare for your upcoming move.
1. Start early.
You can't start packing the essentials yet, but you can start the process of going through storage areas. Start early on these areas so they don't overwhelm you later. Be ruthless in your assessment of things like old books, Halloween decorations, unused sporting equipment, seasonal clothing, old children's clothes and toys, and even furniture. Clear out basements, attics, and garages before hitting the more commonly used living areas in your home.
Starting early can also give you the opportunity to place more valuable things for sale on local swaps or even to hold a garage sale if it's the right time of year.
2. Keep what you use.
This is a simple tip in theory, but more challenging in practice. For example, if you have a beautiful set of china dishes that you only use once a year, but you have a cheaper set of plates that you use every day, and you only have limited kitchen storage, it's time to say goodbye to the unused dishware, no matter how beautiful it is.
This principle goes for all things in your home. You might have a nice quilt you got as a wedding gift but never use because it is too thin. Gift it to a family member or friend, and move without it. Do you pass over one coat in favor of another? The less-loved coat would be better off thrifted for a new person to use, freeing up space in your closet.
3. Handle it once.
As you're going through your house room by room, make a rule that you only handle each item one time. This means there is no "maybe" pile that you go through again. Not only will this save you time, but it will also help you to be more decisive about the things you really want in your life. When you pick something up, if you can't decide that it is worth keeping immediately, only handle it once and toss it in the pile of stuff you're going to get rid of.
4. Measure if you can.
Unpacking is tough enough as it is, but it's even worse when you find out your things don't fit in the house you're buying or renting. If possible, take measurements before moving day so you can know for sure that your couch will fit in the front room or that you'll still have space for your dining table. This way, you can find smaller furniture before the move, making it simpler to get into your new home when moving day actually arrives.
On a similar note, you should also take stock of storage solutions in your new home. For example, if there is only one linen closet, you might want to reduce how many sheet sets you have.
5. Don't hold on to material inheritance.
If you're keeping things around to pass on to your kids or other relatives when you pass away, don't wait for your dying day. Instead, disperse material gifts and heirlooms as part of a way of downsizing your belongings. This way, you get to make the bequeaths in person, and you also get to see them being loved and used by people you care about.
For more planning idea for your local move, contact a local mover like Kaster Moving.