Downsizing a home can be a VERY difficult task. Nowadays people are downsizing for a multitude of reasons. Yes, it is common to see some downsize when their kids move out to start their own lives; however, some chose to downsize for other reasons. One could be to save money, or perhaps to get rid of unused space in the home, some would prefer to put their money towards their passions i.e. traveling OR their retirement. Whatever the case may be, it can be an emotional process. No one enjoys having to say good bye to pieces that could be of special importance to them. This is why we’ve rounded up 5 tips when preparing to downsize your home!
Have a Plan
Preparing for any move is a frivolous task, so when you add in downsizing to the mix it’s important to have a plan in place. It’s important to start sorting through your possessions as soon as possible. Don’t wait until the last minute…that will only add more stress to your plate. Figure out what organization method works best for you. Don’t forget to pace yourself. This is not a task that will be completed in one day.
Measure Your New Space
In order to prepare properly for your move into a downsized space one of the most important things to do is…MEASURE! Make sure you take note of how much closet space you’ll have in your new place. Take note of square footage; will it accommodate all your furniture? Should you plan to giveaway/sell/donate some pieces? Perhaps you may need to budget for some new pieces that will fit the space. The last thing you’d want to do is come with too much stuff and then have no room for it all. That will only bring upon more stress.
Create a Sell/Donate Pile
Do you have multiples of certain items in your home? Perhaps a closet purge is at the top of your to-do list. Before taking anything straight to the garbage ask yourself could this item be sold or donated! There are a handful of online markets to sell your unwanted items such as: Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp and LetGo. If you don’t want to go through the hassle of selling items donation companies such as Good Will, Salvation Army or your local church will take the items. Some organizations will even do pickups from your home on certain days of the week! This makes it easy and saves you time, especially when you have a number of different things going through your head.
Save Memories
While downsizing does force you to purge and get rid of items it is important to save things that have meaning and are important to either you or your family. One-way memories can be saved instead of collecting them in a storage box is by digitizing them! Take a picture and create a photo album OR you can even put them on display by using a digital frame to display in your new home. Another way you can display memories is by creating a collage in a shadow box to hang in your new home. You can also save memories by passing things on to family members.
Ask for Help!
Feeling overwhelmed? Defeated? Don’t know where to start? Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Downsizing can be a very emotional process. It is important for you to recognize what specifically you need help with. Is it decluttering and recognizing what you should let go of? Maybe you need assistance with selling items or dropping off donations? Or, do you need help moving boxes? Whatever it may be, it’s important to figure out the specifics so that when you ask for the help you know exactly how to delegate! Start by asking friends/family. There are also some paid/for hire professionals out there whether you need to inquire with a moving company OR professional organizers!
Are you ready to begin your downsizing process? If the answer is YES! Then please do not hesitate to reach out to us and let us know how we can be of assistance!