Downsizing? Here’s how to Decide what Stays and what Goes
Downsizing
Moving to a smaller home? Facing a bunch of unwanted clutter? Looking to save money by moving less stuff? Whatever the reason, you need to downsize. We see a lot of people who, on starting to pack for their move, realize they have a lot more stuff than they thought they did. But, while realizing the need to downsize may be easy, figuring out how to do it can be more difficult.
Our Best Tips for Downsizing before Moving
Deciding which of your belongings you’re going to get rid of when downsizing for a move is difficult; that’s understandable. To make the right choices, you need the right method. Here are our best practices for deciding what to keep and what to get rid of (that doesn’t mean throw away).
Ask: Would You Buy a New One if You Lost It?
Don’t be hasty when deciding which items you’re going to give away and which ones you’re going to keep. If the item is something you would replace if it was lost, keep it.
Two Small Men Tip: Make a list of things you would immediately replace if you lost them. Even if these things are technically irreplaceable, like family heirlooms, if you would immediately want them back if they became lost, put them on the list.
Take it Room by Room
Don’t just sit down at the kitchen table and start thinking about everything you have in your house. Go through each room one by one and take note of everything you have there. Remember to include garages, sheds, and basements.
Two Small Men Tip: Make an actual physical note of anything you forgot you even had, or anything you know you don’t want to take with you. Make sure to gather or move these things before your movers arrive. That way, you can be certain they won’t get packed up with the room.
Ask: Will It Fit in Your New Floor Plan?
Surprisingly, something a lot of people forget to think about when they’re downsizing is their new home. If you’re planning to downsize for a move, you need to consider where and how things will fit into your new home.
Two Small Men Tip: Get out the floor plans for your new home (if you have them) and try to draw in or visualize where all of your furniture will fit.
Get a Second Opinion
It’s hard to give things away. Even if you literally never use them. That’s why we always suggest getting an objective opinion from someone who doesn’t live in your home. They’ll be able to talk some sense into you about items you actually don’t need to take with you when you move.
Two Small Men Tip: Make a list of every item you considered giving away but then decided to keep. Ask your second opinion what they think to make sure you aren’t just making an emotional decision.
Ask: Could Someone Else Use It More?
Are you saving things in your basement or storage room because sometime in the future you or your family might need them? If you don’t know for sure whether you’ll ever actually use the item, consider giving it to someone who really needs it.
Two Small Men Tip: Donate these items to charities and organizations that can ensure they’ll go to a family in need. Two Small Men has a partnership with the Cerebral Palsy Associations of Alberta and BC wherein the organization will come pick up small furniture and clothing from clients before or on moving day. Not only is this a great way to give back to someone in need, it’s a convenient and easy way to downsize before moving.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to make your move more manageable and less stressful. Plus, you’ll have the added benefit of knowing that your unwanted items are going to someone who can use them. Happy downsizing!
Downsizing
Published on: 5/30/2018
Updated on: 9/19/2024