7 Downsizing Tips When Relocating to a Smaller House

Downsizing is common among empty nesters and retirees, but more people are moving to smaller houses to cut living expenses and make lifestyle changes. If you have a home full of stuff, you may be anxious about decluttering and procrastinate for as long as possible. However, the downsizing process is painless if you follow the tips below.

1. Start Early

People often underestimate the time required to sort through all their belongings. Don't assume you can downsize in one weekend. Instead, start several weeks before the moving date and take breaks during the sorting process. Also, create a downsizing schedule beforehand to minimize moving stress.

2. Start Simple

You will quickly get overwhelmed if you start sorting sentimental items in the living area and the bedroom. Conquer areas with little emotional attachment first to get motivated to approach larger rooms.

For instance, dive into the linen closet, laundry room, pantry, medicine cabinet, and junk drawers first. Then, move onto storage areas like the closets, garage, and attic. The accomplishment of cleaning out storage spaces makes you feel pumped up to declutter bedrooms, kitchens, and the living room.

3. Think About Your New Space

When moving to a smaller house, some of your stuff won't have room in the new space. You might lack a dining area, garage, den, or office in the destination, so you must relocate some items to other rooms or get rid of them.

Furniture is especially tricky to move because room shapes and sizes differ between residences. The best strategy here is to get the dimensions of the new rooms and map out the furniture layout. Let go of furniture pieces that don't suit your new home to avoid crowding.

4. Consider Lifestyle Changes

A residence change often means a lifestyle shift, and you should prioritize things that support your new life and declutter those that don't. 

If you used to host many parties in your old home but don't plan on entertaining much in the new place, give away some silverware, candles, glasses, and other party items. If you are moving to a retirement community with meal services, you can do without all of your kitchenware. 

You probably have a list of activities and hobbies you intend to explore in the new neighborhood. Downsizing creates room for new items that encourage new adventures. 

5. Get Rid of Duplicates

You will be amazed at the number of duplicates around your home. The kitchen is particularly prone to having duplicates for common items like spatulas, whisks, mugs, stock pots, and blenders. Go through each drawer and cabinet and minimize washcloths, sheet sets, shoes, children's toys, pens, and other duplicates. 

6. Get Creative with Sentimental Possessions

Sorting through sentimental items gets emotional because they remind us of great memories. You don't have to throw away family heirlooms and prized possessions. Rather, get creative with how you keep them to save space.

For instance, digitizing boxes of old photos preserves your memories and frees up space. You can take pictures of other sentimental items like a child's artwork, tickets, and sweet notes.

Also, consider passing down antique furniture, jewelry, military memorabilia, collections of stamps and baseball cards, art pieces, and other family heirlooms to children and grandchildren. 

7. Sell Some Items

Facebook marketplaces, Craigslist, and eBay have made it easy for people to sell belongings. You will get good money for high-end clothes, shoes, and furniture, which you can use to facilitate the move. Consider a yard or estate sale for good returns if you have an extensive collection of items in good condition.

Once you finish downsizing your home, contact our expert movers at All America Moving to relocate your household successfully. We specialize in personalized relocation services to relieve the stress associated with moving.