Downsizing Tips When Relocating to a Smaller Home

Moving to a smaller home offers several benefits, from less upkeep to lower utility costs. But downsizing to a smaller home means downsizing the number of items you own, too.

Going through your belongings can be an emotional process. It's often difficult to decide what to keep and what you can let go of.

Whether you're an empty nester or simply moving to a space that is easier to manage, these tips will help you downsize before your move.

Give Yourself Time

When it comes to downsizing your belongings, one thing's for sure: The process will take longer than you think.

That's why giving yourself plenty of time is essential. If possible, start three months before moving day.

The sooner you start the downsizing process, the better. For example, if you know you'll be moving within a year or two, downsizing now makes the moving process easier. Choose from several simple methods:

• Closet Hanger Method: Turn all the clothes hangers in your closet, so they're facing backward. When you wear an item of clothing, turn the hanger the correct way. After six months to a year, get rid of any clothing still hanging on a backward hanger.
• KonMari Method: This popular organizing technique involves going through categories of items — such as clothing, books, or collectibles — and getting rid of anything that no longer brings you joy.
• One Each Day: In the months leading up to your move, get rid of one item each day. Alternatively, donate the same number of items as the day of the month. For instance, get rid of seven articles on the seventh of the month and 14 things on the fourteenth.

Clear Out Rooms You Won't Have

Think about the rooms you'll have in your new home, as compared to the rooms you have now. For example, if you're moving from a four-bedroom home to one with only two bedrooms, or you are moving from a house with a garage to one without, you'll need to downsize and accommodate the difference.

Measure your new space, so you'll know exactly what will fit and what won't. For example, if that oversized sofa won't squeeze in your new living room, there's no reason to move it.

Making hard choices about keeping is easier when you've got concrete numbers to guide your decisions.

Set Downsizing Ground Rules

If you're having trouble getting rid of stuff, set some ground rules.

Create four categories:

• Keep: Work backward, thinking about what you'll need in your new life
• Sell: Make some money for your move by selling items at a garage sale or online
• Recycle or Trash: Items that can't be donated can be recycled or thrown away
• Memorialize then Donate or Sell: Take digital photos of items with sentimental value, such as figurine collections, then pass them on to a loved one or donate to a worthy organization

Don't deviate from these categories. When all belongings must fit into one or the other, it's easier to get rid of what you don't need.

Above all else, grant yourself the time to go through your items thoughtfully and take breaks when you need to. The less rushed you feel, the less stressful the downsizing process will be.

Moving Help

If you need assistance with the relocation process, contact us for a quote. We can help pack, load, unload, and even unpack for you. See what we can offer.