As we get older, change is inevitable. Many of us find ourselves wanting to move into a smaller home that suits our needs. Downsizing can save effort and money on maintaining a larger property than is needed. However, it is not without its challenges. It’s often necessary to have a thorough clear-out before downsizing - this can be a welcome change or a chore. Whether it’s a big or small job, you might be struggling for a place to start. We’ve put together a list of helpful tips when it comes to decluttering and downsizing your home.
Allow Enough Time
Something that many people don’t allow themselves is enough time. Decluttering your home at the same time as your move is a mistake that many people make. Adding another chore to your list on moving day can create more stress on an already very stressful day. It’s always a good idea to make sure everything is taken care of before your new place - this will allow a fresh start in your new home as well as saving money and space on transporting unwanted belongings.
Make A Plan
However you want to organise your decluttering, it’s key to have an idea before you start. You could plan to tackle your larger items of furniture to start with, thinking carefully about the floorspace in your new home compared to your existing home. You might be cutting down simply on floorspace, meaning your furniture will be too big for your new rooms.
Another idea is to tackle one room at a time: Maybe even start with the room you’ve been dreading the most, as getting that out of the way will save time and fill you with a sense of accomplishment as soon as you begin.
You can store items safely with Make Space as you make your decisions. Find out more about our personal storage options.
Making Big Decisions
Hardest of all can be deciding on what to keep for your new home and what to part with. When moving into a smaller home, getting rid of unwanted belongings is absolutely essential. You simply can’t bring everything, which is why you need to ask yourself some difficult questions: Can you visualise this in your new home? Does it make you happy? Would you buy this if you saw it today?
Nostalgic Items
Our homes can be full of things that are sentimental to us. While these things might have no function, they can make us happy and remind us of our past memories and loved ones. One thing to remember is there are plenty of ways to store these things - consider putting all your old photos, travel tickets and other paper memorabilia into albums or frame them on your walls.
Alternatively, they can be stored electronically. This way, they can be safe from damage, loss and you can access them from anywhere. Another thing to consider is whether you need each item to remember your good times. Clearing out some of your old items can leave room for newer experiences and making new memories.
What To Do With Your Clutter
When you have decided what you would like to part with and what you will be taking with you to your new home, it’s time to start getting rid of items. If you think an item could be useful to someone else, you can donate or sell your item. There are plenty of online auction sites, such as eBay, or local give-away days in your area. It’s also possible to donate belongings like clothes and books to charity shops.
Another option, if you’re not ready to part with your items completely, is putting your items in storage. If you need info on how to organise your storage unit, read our blog for tips on storage solutions. This allows a fresh start in your new home and a chance to try life without that item. It can make selling it or donating it easier, or make you cherish it even more.