How to Downsize Before Moving
Moving home, especially long distance is a great opportunity to reduce your belongings. Before you begin packing your boxes and wrapping furniture to be moved, go through each room in your home to see what items you no longer need.
Depending on the quality of your stuff, a lot of it can be recycled. Having a garage sale, or selling your items online is a great way to reduce and recycle your belongings. If you’ll also be donating, there are many charities and donation drop offs. Some organizations can even pick up your belongings.
Storage area
If your garage, attic, or basement is being used as a “storage” room, go through these areas first. They can later be used as a space to house the items that you no longer need. The process of downsizing and de-cluttering can make you feel much lighter and make your move easier. As you go through your belongings, decide what can be donated, sold at a garage sale or online, given to friends and family, or thrown away. If you’re indecisive about certain items, ask yourself: will it suit your new home? Can it be replaced? How often do you use this item? Is it valuable or hold sentimental value? Does it need repairing? Could someone enjoy it more than I do?
Taking the time to sort through your belongings and get rid of what is no longer needed, will save you time during the packing and unpacking process, and reduce your moving costs.