When you move you want to make sure you take all the important items with you but it is also good to downsize.
Here are 5 tips on downsizing your possessions.
Are you about to move?
If so, you know how strenuous trying to get everything out of the door. From boxes to beds to a grand piano, things can start to get frustrating after some time.
To lessen the burden, you might want to consider downsizing your possessions.
If you read that and said you don’t want to lose your precious items, don’t worry. You have things you’ll want to get rid of that you never thought about tossing out.
Know where to get started with downsizing can be difficult though. And without the proper know-how, this part of the process could become just as difficult as the move. But, doing it right shouldn’t be hard.
Read on for five tips for downsizing when moving!
1. Use the Marie Kondo Method
The Marie Kondo method requires you to hold every item that you own. And what better time to go through it than when you’re moving? In short, this method helps you get rid of the things you don’t like and keep the ones you do.
First, you pick up an item and ask if it brings you joy. If it does, then you keep it, but if it doesn’t, you should toss it. It’s that simple!
Now, chances are that the lawnmower doesn’t bring you joy, but there are some items you’ll have to keep anyway.
Keep in mind that the Marie Kondo method isn’t a tip for moving alone. Plenty of people use it to tidy up their homes even when they’ve lived there for years. So, when you’ve been in your home for some time, you may want to consider going through the process again!
2. Consider Why and Where You’re Moving
Everyone moves for different reasons, but the reasons you are moving may determine how much clutter you can dispose of now.
For example, let’s say that you’re moving because your kids live on their own now. Moving from a four-bedroom house to a one or two-bedroom house is a big change! Chances are that you don’t need your child’s old beds or dressers.
Or, if you’re moving to the beach from Colorado, you might want to leave your skiing equipment behind. Of course, you might want to keep them, but ask yourself if you’ll use them.
3. Downsizing Your Possessions
It can be hard to decide what to do with your stuff when you’re moving. When the items are in good condition, it can also feel wasteful to throw something away.
Some things can go in the trash. You can assume that very few people will want your senior beach week t-shirt.
Other things, though, can go to places where someone else could use it. You could donate it to a charity or sell it at auction.
Deciding to sell or auction an item off is a good decision, but remember that people won’t pay what you bought it for. Especially if it has some wear and tear, the item may not bring you much money.
But when moving, it’s better to make some money from your decluttering steps than to keep the mess. Remember this when selling items.
4. Give Away to Family Friends
Sometimes an item doesn’t seem right to throw away, and other times, it may be too precious to give away to a stranger as well. But you don’t have room for it. What should you do?
Instead of parting in pain, consider giving items you don’t need to family friends. There’s something nice about knowing your stuff is going to a loving home.
For example, if you have a child that grew up playing with action figures or dolls, you may not be ready to give them to just anyone. Instead, give it to a child of some family friends or relatives with small children.
While you still have to let go, you’ll know that the items you had a special connection with will go to someone who loves them.
Keep in mind that some people might not want them. You don’t want to force your clutter on someone else!
5. Don’t Go Overboard
While you get started with downsizing, it can be easy to go overboard. This is a slippery slope you do not want to go down!
Make sure that you’re tossing the items that you don’t need. But don’t toss so much that you lose things you need.
As mentioned earlier, the lawnmower might not bring you joy, but that doesn’t mean you need to toss it out. The same goes for small and less important items as well.
Don’t feel like something needs to go to the trash only because you don’t use it either. This is a big mistake first-time cleaners make.
After moving, you might come to regret throwing away items you thought you didn’t need. A thorough magazine or coin collection should come with you even if you don’t look at it often.
You should also think twice before tossing an item of a relative who has passed away. Even if it’s as simple as a hairbrush or t-shirt, you never know when you’ll want a reminder of a loved one.
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Now that you’ve checked these tips out, you should be ready to start downsizing your possessions. Soon, your life will become clutter-free to give you the peace of mind you need.
If you’re looking for a last-minute move, please don’t wait to visit our site for a free quote.
