8 Ways to Make Your Upcoming Downsizing a Success
Moving into a smaller home is challenging. Over years or decades, people tend to build up so much stuff that downsizing means getting rid of things they never thought they’d get rid of.
While moving into a smaller home can be a lot of work, it can also be a very positive experience. Downsizing can mean enjoying a simpler, less expensive life. If you’re moving into a smaller home sometime in the coming months, these tips can help.
1. Get an Early Start
Downsizing takes time! Make your upcoming relocation a success by getting an early start. The more time you have to sort through your clutter, get rid of your extra belongings, and downsize thoughtfully, the easier the process becomes. Start decreasing at least six months to one year before you plan to move, and if possible, start reducing years in advance.
2. Get Rid of the Stuff if You’re Getting Rid of the Room
Maybe your old home has a guest bedroom, but your new home does not. Get rid of the bed and furnishings in your guest room before moving into your new home, so you won’t have to find a new place to put all those displaced furnishings.
3. Declutter
Clutter takes up a lot of space and makes it hard to fit in a small home, so decluttering is an essential part of the downsizing process. Declutter your home one room at a time, covering at least one room every week. Decluttering is an art. During the process, you’ll have to decide what’s clutter and what you can live without. As you get into the process, you’ll become more comfortable with decluttering.
4. Give Away Sentimental Items
Sentimental items are too precious to throw away but often too numerous to keep. To shed yourself of your sentimental items, try giving them away to people who you care about and who would appreciate your sentimental items as much as you do. Offer them to children, relatives, or close friends.
5. Know When to Ask for Help
Downsizing is such a big project; it’s hard to handle on your own. Get help from friends or family, especially if the process involves pulling items down from the attic or difficult to reach storage areas in your house. Getting help can prevent injuries and can make the process less stressful overall.
6. Only Make Two Piles
Some people make three piles during the decluttering process: keep, get rid of, and maybe. The “maybe” pile just adds time to the decision making process. Make two piles only: keep and get rid of. This helps keep the sorting process more efficient and faster overall.
7. Donate the Rest
After you have given away the sentimental items, plan to donate the rest to charity. Some charities will pick up. Contact local organizations to see where you can donate.
8. Buy Multi-Functional Furniture for Small Spaces
When you’re downsizing, it becomes more important to have furniture that serves more than one purpose. Buying a bench? Look for one that can store your blankets. Purchasing a bed? Buy one with drawers under the mattress for storage of towels or seasonal clothing.
Work with the Experts
Moving is easier when you work with a professional moving company. Contact us to get started with your upcoming relocation.
