Downsizing takes time and effort, but it can also be gratifying when planning an upcoming relocation. Downsizing can have many benefits, whether you’re moving into a much smaller house or just want to save money by moving fewer things from one home to another. Below are five things you can do to make downsizing more effective.

1. Draw a Map of Your New Home (With Furnishings)

Create a blueprint of your new home and make a plan for each piece of furniture you hope to take to your new house. Make the blueprint to scale. If you can’t find a place for specific items, you’ll know that these are the pieces of furniture you must get rid of. Sell them online or give them away.

2. Focus On One Room At A Time

Decluttering or organizing your whole home might seem daunting, so take it one step at a time. You’re more likely to complete the entire process if you break it into smaller, multiple manageable projects. Create a plan or schedule divided up by room or smaller projects within a space to ensure that you stay on track and don’t get overwhelmed. Here are some examples of projects to take on one at a time:

• Sort through DVDs and video games
• Tame the “junk drawers”
• Select clothing and shoes to give away and to keep
• Organize small kitchen items
• Match up containers as well as pots and pans with their lids; discard leftovers
• Cull through and eliminate toys and games

3. Give Sentimental Items to Loved Ones

Sentimental items can make downsizing hard. It’s challenging to get rid of things that have emotional value, yet it’s hard to justify keeping items that do not have a day-to-day purpose.

One way to solve this problem is to give sentimental items to people you love. For example, pass on things to family members. This way, you’ll know that your items are still with family members who can enjoy them, but you won’t have to hang on to them 

4. Digitize As You Go

One way to downsize is to get rid of papers you don’t need anymore by digitizing your collection. For example, you might choose to digitize old photos, business documents, agreements, and more – whatever you feel like you can get rid of as long as you keep a digital copy.

5. Memorialize or Repurpose Items

You may encounter things you want to get rid of but don’t want to forget you ever owned. Take pictures of these items to create a record of your past.

There might still be some items that you still have a challenging time parting with. Consider turning those items into useful objects.

• Turn your sweatshirt or t-shirt collection into a quilt that you can use or display
• Modify your coveted pieces like children’s artwork or sentimental jerseys into wall art you can enjoy daily
• Convert a favorite old blanket or piece of clothing into a usable decorative pillow or stuffed animal.

Moving? Hire a Reputable Moving Company

If you’re moving, hire a reputable moving company to make your relocation more manageable and less stressful. Hiring a good moving company takes some pressure off you during the move and gives you more time to focus on downsizing. Call today for a quote for your upcoming relocation.