Have you decided to move from a big house to a small home or an apartment? If so, you probably know that you'll have to leave quite a bit of your belongings behind. What is the best and easiest way to declutter and prepare for downsizing? Learn the best tips to do it effectively and with a plan, so you don't regret throwing something you could need.
Downsizing to a smaller home
Make a List of Things You Just Can’t Go Without
Downsizing refers to items that are not essential and that you want to replace with newer or more modern items. It's not easy to decide what stays and what goes, but it has to be done since you'll have less space in the new home. Choose which are the things that are essential to you such as the bed, kitchen, and bathroom supplies, and see if you will take the ones you already have, or you want to buy new ones. Organize the stuff you're taking before the move by making an inventory list. That way you'll have a better idea of what you need to buy and what's already there.
Get Measurements of the New Place and See What Can Fit
It can be very frustrating to arrive at your new home and realize that your couch can't get through the door of the building. Before you put anything on the moving truck, make sure it can fit through the hallways, doors, and in rooms. This will save you money, time, and effort in relocating items to a smaller home.
If you can't visit the new place right away, ask someone to provide you with measurements of the hallways where the items should go through and the doors. That way you know what to take with you and what to leave behind. It's also good to know which of the bigger items you own can be disassembled and reassembled upon delivery. Still, to avoid those, and many other potential struggles, the best option may be to hire cross country movers.
If You Know That You’ll Have Fewer Rooms, Get Rid of All the Extra Things
Relocating from a four-bedroom apartment to a two-bedroom one means that you know from the start that there's no space for the items in two extra rooms. Start with the big stuff such as dressers, beds, and couches. Try to donate as many items as you can, instead of throwing them away or selling them.
It's a very humane way of helping someone in need, while you're just getting rid of things that don't have a use anymore. Contact the local thrift stores and charities and check do they need the items you have to give them. There is always someone that might need the things you consider unnecessary.
Go Through Every Room and Decide What Is Clutter
Let's be honest – all of us keep unnecessary items in our homes, no matter how big or small they are. If you live in a big house now, chances are that you have quite a few things that you don't actually need, but keep them just in case you might want to use them again.
Old toys, magazines, clothes, furniture, and duplicate things take a lot of space in our homes, and even if you've thought about getting rid of them, somehow in the end you don't. Leave enough time to go through every room, closet, and especially the garage, and be strict when deciding what you will do with that specific item. You will see that it's much easier to breathe with less clutter around you.
If You’re Short on Money and You Want to Earn Some, Make a Yard Sale
Consider this option if you want to make some extra cash before the relocation. Cross country moving isn't really cheap, so it's useful to have some money on the side. If the weather conditions don't allow it, you can sell the items online on eBay or Craigslist. This process can be slow so make sure you leave enough time for it.
Get Professional Help in Your Downsizing Quest
Hiring cross country movers is the best way to relocate the items you decide to keep. A professional company will also provide you with a storage unit where you can leave all the belongings that you can't decide what to do with at the moment. This is very helpful, especially if you're in a hurry and you don't have time to sell or donate unnecessary items. Having help from professionals will mean a lot in a stressful situation such as long-distance moving.
We hope that these downsizing tips will help you make it a smooth move.
About the Publisher
Bo Kauffmann is a residential real estate agent with over 18 yrs experience in helping buyers and sellers achieve their goals. Inducted into the REMAX Hall of Fame in 2010 and receiving the REMAX Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019, Bo has sold over 500 houses and condos in the Greater Winnipeg market. He is an accredited buyer representative (A.B.R.) and a Luxury Home Marketing Specialist.
Bo provides exceptional service to First-Time Home-Buyers, Seniors looking to downsize and Home Sellers of all ages.
He can be reached easily By E-Mail or call/text him Call/Text Here
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