Are you considering moving into a smaller home? Perhaps you’re looking to simplify by downsizing and simplifying your space. Downsizing can be a breath of fresh air, but the process of doing so can be a lot of work. We’ve put together some tips to help you streamline your process.
Declutter your space before you begin packing.
This is a must for any type of move, regardless of upsizing or downsizing. We have a tendency to accumulate more and more things the longer we live in a place. Decluttering is the first step to making any move easier and more streamlined.
Consider your hospitality and lifestyle.
Do you host dinner parties? Do you sew or craft often? If not, you may be able to get rid of all those extra place settings or the contents of your existing craft closet. It’s important to be honest with yourself about your hobbies and lifestyle to ensure you have what you need without excess.
Develop a vision for your new place.
When moving into a new home, especially a smaller one, it can be extremely difficult to recreate your old environment in the new space. Therefore, it can help to develop a new vision for what you’d like the space to feel like. This will help you approach decluttering and packing in a different way.
Rethink your furniture.
This ties in with the vision for your new home. If you have oversized furniture in your existing home, it may overwhelm a smaller space. You might consider trading in large, oversized, or bulky furniture for smaller or even fold-away style pieces. Perhaps you no longer need a guest bedroom but might opt for a sleeper sofa instead.
Sort with Yes or No Piles.
Perhaps the idea of downsizing is overwhelming as you begin to navigate the challenges of what to keep and what to get rid of. Sorting through things with yes or no piles can help you determine what you really need and want as well as what you’re willing to part with.
Consider Legacy Gifts Early.
Perhaps you have specific items that you’ve always wanted to pass down to future generations. When downsizing, you may be concerned about where to keep those items in your new space. To avoid this stressor, you may opt to go ahead and pass along some of those items to friends and family.
Sell Your Unwanted Items.
The saying goes, “one person’s trash is another person’s treasure.” When downsizing and envisioning your new home, it may help to sell some of your old items to purchase new ones. Websites like OfferUp, Poshmark, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace are all easy ways to list your unwanted items. You never know who might be looking for exactly what you’re hoping to get rid of.
While the thought of moving to a smaller home may be stressful, consider all the good that can come from it. Downsizing can mean savings on lots of things including time, money, and space.
Ready to start your move? Need help with supplies, packing help, movers, transport, or storage? Contact us or get a quote.
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