Moving is a stressful and expensive process. Hence, most people look for ways to make the project as smooth as possible and strategies on how to reduce the moving costs.
Even though there are various ways to reduce moving costs, like hiring affordable commercial movers, downsizing your home can help.
Downsizing your home helps in cutting down on clutter, keeping your rooms clean and tidy, and reducing the moving costs. However, the process of downsizing is not a simple one. This is because there are several factors you need to consider when you decide to get rid of your house belongings.
For example, there are so many things you need to do when downsizing. This might get you overwhelmed. But if you can manage to plan, break down the process, and concentrate on small tasks, you can manage.
Having a plan is very important. It will ensure you keep things organized, stay positive, and be able to know what to do with things you do not need in your new home. To help you manage to downsize, below are a few tips you can consider.
Tips for Downsizing
1. Have a plan
The first and the most important tip when you decide to download is to have a plan. This will help you go through the entire home. For instance, working on a room at a time will ensure everything goes smoothly.
It is also good to get a floor plan for the new home. Knowing the measurements of every room will help you figure out which furniture pieces will fit into the space. It will also save you the stress when you move in.
Having a place will help you know what to keep, donate, and throw away. You will also manage to create a budget for the packing materials you need before you start packing. Also, you will know whether you need to purchase new items for the new house.
2. Organize into three piles
When you begin to downsize, you need to organize the items into three piles: things to keep, things to donate or sell, and things to throw away. This will help you undertake the process in an organized manner.
Things to keep are in good condition and intend to use in the new home. Even though you might be attached to some items, do not keep items you have not used for a long time.
Nevertheless, please do not throw away items unless they cannot be repaired or are helpful. Many things can be sold or donated. There are several non-profit organizations in need of some items and clothing stores that recycle textiles.
If you find there are items in good condition, but you do not need them, the best option is to donate or sell them. You can decide to give them to your friends, family, or an organization.
If you are on a tight budget, you sell some items. Happily, there are many websites to sell your belongings or decide to have a garage sale.
3. Go digital
Going digital is also a great way to downsize your home. Fortunately, there are several ways you can digitize your documents to clear up the space. If you have a scanner at home, you can efficiently perform the task.
If you feel it is too much for you, many companies can handle the job for you. Even though they charge a small fee, it is a unique process that will help clear out the clutter.
4. Pack only the essentials
When packing non-essentials, you need to be very careful. You need to make sure you only keep the essentials items. For instance, do you need those dishware and glasses you do not use? Do you really need four pans and so many craft supplies that you do not use?
Be honest with yourself when sorting out your items. Even though it is very natural to hold on to things you may not need, do not keep something you may not use in the new home.
So, instead of thinking about the items, you may be losing, think about the costs and what you will be saving by having less in your new house.
5. Get a second opinion
If you have things you are unsure whether to keep or donate, it might be a good idea to seek a second opinion. You might have some clothes, décor, or other items that you are not sure whether you need anymore.
Get another opinion from someone who can give you an honest opinion. In most cases, hearing it from another person can validate what you already know but do not want to admit.
Bottom-line
Downsizing your home before moving can save you time, money, and stress. However, the process is not a simple one. This is because there are many factors you need to consider.
If you are not ready to downsize your house, you can seek help from professionals. A professional moving company such as NYC movers can help you sort out your belongings before relocating.
This means they can help you declutter, pack the items safely and carefully, move them to the new house, and unpack everything to ensure you get settled as soon as possible.
