Whether you’re a mover from a rented home to a condo or are trading a two-bedroom for a studio type space, you will have to bid goodbye to some of your things because of a more limited space. Stressed out of how to reduce the things you will be bringing to your new home? Here are five top tips to downsize in a snap.
- Assess the New Home
Get a hold of the layout of your new place. Find out exactly the size of every room, and then decide which furniture can move with you. Knowing the size of the rooms allows you to estimate whether or not a furnishing will fit and let you visualize how to arrange stuffs in it. This will greatly help in making decisions a bit easier.
- Start Planning Early
If you wait until you’ll have to sign a contract for your new home, you’ll likely get overwhelmed and just take everything with you. Avoid cramming, so start going through your things as soon as you decide to move. When you have enough time to pack, the more you’ll be able to reduce your belongings and only bring the most important items with you.
- Heavily Edit Least Sentimental Parts of the House
For example, the kitchen; most people do not need eight mixing bowls and won’t resent for losing a spatula. If you are downsizing from a house to a condo, focus on the garage and basement. The lawn mower, shovels and ladder are unnecessary to your new home; and that giant cabinet in your basement, you can also live it behind.
- Ask Yourself Questions When In Doubt
If you’re in doubt whether to keep or get rid of an item, ask yourself if it is useful, when was the last time you reached for it, how often you use it and where you will keep it in your new home. If it sounds like it’s going to be useful, then bring it. If otherwise, proceed to the next step.
- Sell and Donate
As much as possible, do not throw anything. Sell or donate things that are still in good condition. As tempting as it is to just throw away wire hangers and furnishings, be environmentally friendly and let those items find a new home. Give them away to a neighbour, to a shelter or your cleaning lady.
After you have managed to pack everything up, relax and celebrate this major event. Have dinner with your family, go out with friends or treat yourself to a relaxing massage. You deserve it.
