5 Ways to Downsize For Your Next Move

Are you moving to a smaller home after your kids have moved out? Or are you just looking for a more cozy and compact living arrangement in general? Moving can be stressful, but also rewarding. Downsizing is no exception, as many people prefer to have less space after living in a home that is either too big or too cluttered. 

The perfect way to de-clutter, downsizing offers couples, singles, and families alike the rare chance to evaluate and sort through every belonging. Getting rid of things can be tricky for some, but it can be rewarding for others. 

Getting rid of furniture that hasn't been used in many years is cathartic for many families. The bonus that these unwanted items will potentially be donated or resold to increase their shelf life makes downsizing even more rewarding. 

With so many possibilities for starting downsizing, it can be a little overwhelming to sit down and brainstorm. To help streamline the process for you, we've created a list of the top 5 ways you can start to downsize before moving.

1. Categorize Items

This is perhaps the most formidable activity, but it is the most necessary for downsizing. Before getting ready to pack, start sorting through your items, separating them by type, purpose, or whether or not they've been used.

Preferably, you should sort these items in the same space or closeby, as it helps to see how much you have visually. After you've categorized all of your items, it should be easy for you to deduce which items are most necessary and which ones haven't seen too much use. 

Start a "get rid of" pile once you've accumulated a few unwanted items. That way, come time to figure out what to do with these items, it is easy (and efficient) to locate them.

2. Have Friends and Family Help

Sometimes, friends and family can be a big help when starting to move. Not only can they make the packing process a lot more manageable, but they can also benefit from taking unwanted household items. 

For example, if you've decided to move from a 2,000 square foot one-story home to a 1,200 square foot townhome, you might not have much use for your 5-piece sofa set. A family member or friend could have first dibs on this piece, depending on whether or not you'd rather sell it. 

Friends and family might be able to find uses for items you might have even wanted to toss, which might reduce how much trash you'll have to haul out.

3. Sell on an Auction Site

Auction sites, such as Craigslist or eBay, can help get rid of older things, especially if those things are worth something. Selling your old things can help make a little bit of extra cash in case of any unforeseen expenses. However, items are not guaranteed to sell quickly, so if you're aiming to get rid of things, try to do it long before your planned move. That way, if your listings don't get hits, you can remove them and donate the items.

4. Have a Yard Sale

This is a fun option, particularly if you have children. If setting up an online auction hasn't been beneficial to you, a yard sale might be, especially if you live in a well-trafficked neighborhood. A yard sale can give you the option to sell items quickly and at whatever price you wish, without undisclosed fees such as shipping and handling.

Setting up a yard sale is simple, only really requiring a yard or driveway and many items. You can sell anything you want at a yard sale, from clothes to collectibles. Larger, more varied yard sales might have a more significant reach in your neighborhood, so be sure to gather a lot of unwanted items before you start a sale. Sales with less might inadvertently drive buyers away, as they might feel like they've missed out on most of the deals just from skimming your selection.

Having a yard sale is an excellent way for your kids to have more hands-on involvement in your moving process, too. They will not only have fun, but they will also learn valuable life skills in the process. All in all, a yard sale is fun for the whole family, no matter how stressful the packing has been.

5. Donate to Charity

Another excellent option for those looking to downsize is donating unwanted items to charity. Not all things are a perfect fit in your home, but they can be in someone else's. Donating to charity not only helps those in need, but it can also benefit your family. 

Some charitable donations might be tax-deductible, which could help during the next year's tax season. Knowing that your item is being used by someone else is a beautiful feeling, especially if that person is in need. This is why donating things is so rewarding for many, as it can be a way to give back to your community.

Downsizing In Your Next Move

If you were inspired by the five tips above and want to begin your move, Family Moving & Storage would love to lend a hand. Our friendly, professional team is efficient and gentle with your items, ensuring they make it to your new home undamaged. If you've already gone through the hard work of downsizing, you shouldn't have to worry about how to coordinate your move. Let the experts here at Family Moving & Storage handle all of your moving concerns. If interested in our services, call us today at (772) 794-1755, or send an email to info@callfamilymoving.com.