Moving Tip: How to Prepare for Downsizing

Downsizing can lead to stress for anyone who loves their belongings but hates clutter. As you begin to clear out items to move to a smaller space, it is important to have a plan to make the editing process as smooth as possible. But first, you must determine if downsizing is right for you. 

Is Downsizing Right for You?

Before you decide to downsize, ask yourself these 3 questions. 

Why are you looking to downsize and what do you want out of your move?

Whether you are moving because your children have all moved out and you are looking for less space, or you are wanting to move somewhere with less upkeep, cleaning, and yard work, knowing what you are looking for will help you decide if and how you should downsize. 

Can you afford to downsize?

In the long run, downsizing can save you money, but there are still initial associated costs. Consider the potential expenses before downsizing. Some of these expenses could include if your home does not sell for as much as you had hoped, or if your furniture needs to be replaced if it no longer suits your needs or home. 

What does your home mean to you?

For many people, a house is more than just a house. It is a home, memories of their family, a lifestyle, a community, and more. It is important to know your connection to your home to know how you will be affected by the move, what you are willing to give up, and if downsizing is the best option. 

What Do I Keep?

Once you decide that downsizing is a good option for you, you need to decide what items you are keeping, and even more importantly, what items you are going to part with. 

How Small Will You Go?

First, decide how small you are willing to go. 

Do you just want a few less rooms or are you planning to go all-in? Knowing how much space you are moving to is key when deciding what you are keeping. 

Start Sorting

Sort items into piles: keep, sell, donate, and trash. 

If your kids recently left home and you are still storing their items, have them come clean out their rooms and closets and pack any items you are going to continue storing for them. 

Sell nicer items online, hold a yard sale, and donate whatever is left. Get rid of duplicates and “just in case” items you keep around.

If you are getting rid of special items, consider taking pictures of the items to look back on. It is important to consult family before tossing anything that may have sentimental value, but don’t keep things assuming they will be sentimental to others. Digitize any important documents or photos. 

Make sure you are sorting your items in categories. Trying to clear your space in one day is going to be overwhelming. Start with books, papers, clothes, or another category and move from there. 

Downsizing Might Mean “Starting Over”

A downsized home is likely going to require different furniture than your larger, current home. Once you know where you are moving, measure your furniture and sell anything that you can not fit in your new space or do not wish to move. 

You can use the extra money to purchase furniture that better fits your new space and needs. 

Remember, your smaller home will often come with less storage. Make use of the space you have with these space saving storage hacks.

Storage Options

Long term storage

If you are looking for long term storage options, ADSI Moving Systems offers a full range of warehousing and storage services with over 160,000 square feet of space in out Augusta,Ga storage facilities. Our facility organizes and monitors your items using a barcode tracking system making it easy to locate to deliver to your home. 

Short term storage

We are the authorized Go Mini’s dealer in Augusta, GA. Go Mini’s portable storage containers are a great short-term solution. Go Mini’s storage containers offer 3 size options, easy to load clearances, padded wheels to protect your driveway, and more. Containers are delivered to your home for you to load and then can be picked up to be delivered to your new home or be stored at our facility until you are ready for it.