Ways to Downsize Before Moving
Downsizing your belongings before a move can be a great way to reduce the amount of stuff you have to take with you. Not only will it make packing and moving more manageable, but it can also help you get rid of items that you no longer use or need. Here are some tips on how to downsize before moving!
What Is Downsizing?
When moving into a smaller space, downsizing is the process of getting rid of belongings that you no longer need or use. This can include furniture, food, clothing, or random items you may have around the house that you’ve been holding onto but aren’t necessary.
Where to Start
When deciding to downsize, the first thing you should do is go through your belongings on a room-by-room basis. Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to get everything done right away. When going through your things, if you find items that you want to get rid of, catalog them in a list so you can stay organized and know where all your items are. Then, once you go through a room completely, move on to the next. By keeping yourself organized and on task, you can prevent stress and feeling like there’s suddenly too much happening.
Different Methods For Downsizing
Once you have everything organized that you are planning on getting rid of, the next step is to figure out how you are planning on getting rid of it. Throwing the item away in the trash should be the last resort, unless there is a safety or health reason for doing so. While you may not need the items, there are possibly a lot of others who would enjoy them and give them a new life.
Garage Sale
One of the most popular ways to downsize before moving is to have a garage sale. This is a great way to get rid of items that you no longer need or want, and you can make some extra money in the process! Make sure to advertise your garage sale ahead of time so that people know when and where it will be. Of course, weather can have a big impact on this choice, as if it’s too cold or rainy, you may need to postpone or think about other options.
Reselling/Online Communities
If you have items that are in good condition, but you no longer want or need them, you can try reselling them online or giving them away in online communities. There are many different websites and groups where you can sell items or give them away, such as Facebook Marketplace or Buy Nothing groups.
Second-hand Shops
Donating to second-hand stores is a great way to declutter your home and help those in need! Make sure to research different charities and thrift stores in your area to see where you can donate your items. Some second-hand shops are for-profit, while others are non-profit, so if that’s a concern to you, look at the different options in your area.
If you’re wondering, what’s the difference between all the different names people use for second-hand stores, here’s a quick look at them:
Thrift stores: Thrift stores work off of donations, and you are giving them your items for free and they will then resell these items.
Consignment stores: Consignment stores will buy the item from you if they think it will sell in their store. They are most often for profit. If you are looking to make a little extra money, this might be the option to look into.
Packing and moving can be a stressful time, but downsizing before you move can help make it a bit easier. These are just a few of the different ways that you can downsize your belongings before moving. Avoid opening up your boxes on the other side in your new home, wondering why you bothered to bring so many things that aren’t going to be used and maybe even kept in the box it was packed in.
For moving and packing, U & Me Moving is perfect for helping you have the smoothest experience. Learn more about our services and contact us today to get an estimate.