While gearing up for a move, one is likely to be focused on things like packing household belongings and hiring companies like Safe Ship Moving Services. However, preparing for a move presents an excellent opportunity for decluttering and downsizing as well. Downsizing goes much beyond just reducing the number of possessions one owns. It is also about consciously choosing to live with less. Things that are used regularly or have an irreplaceable sentimental value should be kept. But items at home that are no longer needed or used can be sold off, donated, recycled or discarded. The more one does declutter before the move, the easier it shall be to settle into the new home.
Safe Ship Moving Services sheds light on downsizing a home before a move
Downsizing is not just another trendy concept. It is a critical step when preparing for a move, especially a long-distance one. After all, the more goods one has to pack and transport, the more they shall also have to pay. Most moving companies tend to charge by weight and distance. In addition to having financial benefits, downsizing can also help people streamline their lives. It provides an opportunity to evaluate what one truly needs. A lot of people end up being surprised by how little they use diverse items at home. Getting rid of these extras or unnecessary items would imply to less packing, unpacking, and hassle.
When downsizing, one must focus on practicality. Rather than tacking the entire house at once, it is better to go room by room.
Kitchen:
- Keep only one or two of each essential item.
- Discard or donate unused appliances.
- Check expiration dates in the pantry, and throw away things whose expiration dates have passed.
Bedroom:
- Sort clothes by season and frequency of wear.
- Donate items that have not been worn in the past couple of years.
Garage/Storage:
- Be honest about “just in case” items, as things that have not been used in years are likely to be safe to let go.
- Paints, chemicals, and tools that are no longer needed should be carefully disposed of.
The team of Safe Ship Moving Services mentions that after one has properly sorted what stays and what goes, they need to decide what to do with the items that wouldn’t be moved to the new home. High-value items like furniture, electronics, or collectable can be sold off. One can sell these items online or host a garage sale at home. Gently used items can be donated to local shelters and charities. Things that cannot be sold off or donated can be recycled. This would include old electronics, clothing, and furniture.
Letting go of personal belongings can often be more challenging than anticipated. There are many people who form deep emotional connections to certain items, like family heirlooms, childhood books, or souvenirs collected from travels. However, holding on to everything can hinder the process of moving forward. One thoughtful approach is to pass meaningful items along to family members or friends who will truly value them. Another option is to repurpose cherished materials. For instance, a child’s baby clothes can be transformed into a quilt.
