Packing to move is the time most people discover that they have way too much stuff. Sound familiar? If you’re planning to downsize, you need to manage it.
You don’t want to get to your new, smaller space only to stuff it full of the things you couldn’t thin out.
It’s a lot easier to limit what you have in the weeks before your household moving day. Here are a few tips to help you get started.
Plan the Layout
Begin by making a layout for your new place. This might seem unnecessary, but it helps you figure out what you’ll have room for.
Keep in mind that each room needs a good flow. If you cram in wall-to-wall furniture, you’ll have a hard time getting around.
The layout also gives you a list of furniture you’re keeping. Everything else needs a place to go before you move.
Start with a Rough Sort
For the smaller items, it’s easiest to do a quick sort through each room. Don’t get stuck digging through piles yet.
At first, you’re just looking for things you know you don’t want. You can get them out faster that way.
Sometimes it’s less stressful to put things in bins and take them to a larger room for sorting. But if you think this will encourage you just to pack it all, you may want to keep it in the same room.
Donate, Sell, or Give Away
Downsizing means getting rid of a lot of stuff you have in favor of a simpler lifestyle. But it doesn’t mean you have to throw everything else away.
In the name of thrift or sustainability, feel free to pass these items on to someone who would love to have them. If you have a few vintage items or collectibles, they may fetch a good value when selling them.
Just remember that others may not love your stuff as much as you do. Donate anything that your friends and relatives don’t want.
Eliminate More Than You Think
As humans, we tend to underestimate what we have. No matter how much you think you’re eliminating, it may not be enough.
It’s more hassle to pack, unpack, and then have to declutter again.
You don’t need to go “scorched earth” on all your belongings. Just be realistic about what you can fit. Try to thin out one more box per room, which could make a big difference.
Declutter After Moving
Even if you packed way too much to take to your new home, you’re not stuck with it. It’s better to think of home organization as a lifelong process, not an occasional task.
Maybe your layout didn’t work out quite the way you thought. Perhaps you realized that you don’t need some of the stuff you packed. After the move, thinning out your stuff will make you feel better than trying to live with it for the next year or two.
Planning, Packing, Moving
Downsizing is a great way to lead a simpler life. You just have to get there in the first place. With these tips, you’ll find it more manageable.
We can help you get to your new home quickly and efficiently. After you have done the culling, we can take care of packing and transporting all your home goods. Contact us to see how we can help.