Making a house move is a part of life that most people don’t enjoy. It’s necessary, but usually filled with loads of challenges and can be very stressful. For a smooth house move, the preparation you do ahead of time is going to determine how easy or how stressful it will be. One way to prepare is to downsize.
Downsizing means reducing the number of belongings you have to fit into a smaller space. This means less stuff to move and fewer logistics needed to make the move. You’ll also save money with fewer boxes to move, as well. This is especially true when doing a long-distance move. In this article, we will go over some tips to help you downsize before calling Easy Company Moving.
1 – Create a plan
The first step in downsizing is to set clear goals. Be clear about what you want to achieve. Do you want to reduce your belongings by half? Or do you need to fit everything into a specific number of rooms in your new home?
Once your goals are set, create a timeline. This plan will help you stay on track. Start by setting a date for when you need to finish downsizing. Give yourself enough time for each step. For instance, you might need a week to go through your clothes, and another week for kitchen items.
Another important step is making a floor plan for your new home. Measure the rooms and think about where your furniture will go. This will help you decide what furniture to keep and what to let go of.
2 – Categorize and sort
When it’s time to sort through your belongings, a useful method is the “Keep, Sell, Donate, Discard” system. This means you categorize each item into one of these four groups. Items you use regularly or love should be kept. Things that are valuable but no longer needed can be sold. Items in good condition that you don’t need can be donated. Finally, anything broken or worn out should be discarded.
Start with one room or one category of items at a time. Avoid jumping between different types of items or rooms, as this can become overwhelming and confusing. Set yourself a small, achievable goal for each sorting session, like going through a single closet or a set of drawers.
3 – Sell, donate, or discard
Once you have everything sorted it’s time to get rid of them. Start with the sellable items since this can take the most time. Online platforms are popular choices. Be honest about the condition of the item and set a fair price. Garage sales are another option, especially for selling a large number of items at once. Advertise your garage sale locally and online to attract more buyers.
Many charities accept donations of clothing, furniture, and other household items. Local shelters, thrift stores, and community centers often welcome donations too.
Finally, when discarding items, make sure to separate them into recyclables to limit them filling up a landfill.
