When planning a long-distance move, downsizing is one of the crucial steps in the relocating process. As per Safe Ship Moving Services, downsizing helps alleviate tension, lowers transportation expenses, and eases the process. However, the job of sorting and getting rid of all the things that have been hoarded over the years can be overwhelming. Here’s how to get on with the downsizing process without a fuss so that individuals only take care of things that will be really in use in the new home.
- Start Early
Perhaps the biggest mistake people commonly make when downsizing is waiting until the last minute. The earlier one starts, the more they will have time to carefully go through their stuff and sensibly declutter them. Especially a household should start at least 2-3 months if not more, before the relocation, to ensure that they have adequate time to go through each room and sort things with diligence. Starting early helps lessen the stress of making wrong decisions – making them repent later.
- Sort Systematically
Adopting a system before shorting enables individuals to classify their belongings. A simple and logical way to adopt is shoring things into four categories ‘Keep’, ‘Sell’, ‘Donate’, and ‘Toss’
Keep: Items that are important or carry a sentimental attachment value.
Sell: Anything that is in good shape but will no longer be used. Possibly selling things on the internet or having a garage sale makes sense.
Donate: Items that are in good condition, but are no longer useful for the family. Speak to the philanthropic establishment or any donation center.
Toss: Items that are either broken or completely worn out and have no practical use.
- Tackle Room by Room
Safe Ship Moving Services considers, that focusing on the entire house happens to be chaotic. Instead, break down the task to one room at a time. For instance, start with the ones that have the least emotional significance, say a guest room or an attic, and gradually move to more important spaces such as bedrooms or living rooms. Pursuing this method can make the process more manageable and complete the task faster.
- Be Merciless with Sentimental Items
Sentimental things are often the toughest things to let go of, however, they tend to be the biggest sources of clutter. Consider taking snapshots of things that carry their emotions while some of them can be donated or even thrown away.
- Consider the Size of the New Home
Never forget to consider the available space in the new abode. Those who are downsizing considerably, be realistic to consider about the storage and living areas. Carrying large furniture, loads of clothes, or outmoded kitchen gadgets will no longer work for their new lifestyle. Make sure about the measurements to decide whether moving certain things will be a practical choice for new space before carrying.
- Ask for Help
Handling the job of downsizing alone seems to be extremely time-consuming, overwhelming, and emotionally draining. Nothing to feel hesitant to ask family members or relations to lend their hands in the sorting process. Noteworthy, these people can also get new perspectives enabling individuals to make tough decisions and keep them motivated.
- Stay Organized with Labels
After things are shorted and packing the things into boxes, make sure to label them clearly by what they contain or which rooms they are meant for. This will make the unpacking process in the new home easier and relaxing.
In the opinion of Safe Ship Moving Services, following the above steps will not only lessen the common stress of long-distance moving but equally help in saving lots of money in packing and transportation. Use that money to buy space-saving furniture and add value to the new life.
