Moving to a new, cozier space is exciting. You get a fresh start, a new neighborhood to explore, and new routines to develop. What’s not so exciting is trying to fit all your belongings into a smaller home. Downsizing can be a wonderful thing that simplifies your life and helps you pare down the clutter to find what really matters to you. But it’s also difficult. It takes time, and it can feel like you’re sacrificing some of your lifestyle and precious belongings. After all, you’re not sorting through mere objects; you’re going through memories, keepsakes, and things that once felt important.
We’re here to make the process easier and less stressful with the ultimate guide to downsizing during a move. We’ll cover everything from making tough decisions about sentimental items to finding new homes for your unwanted belongings. By the end, you’ll have a clear plan to tackle your move with confidence, ready to enjoy your new life.
Start Small and Build Momentum
The thought of sorting through your entire home can be paralyzing. Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, begin with a small, manageable area. A junk drawer, a single bookshelf, or the medicine cabinet are all great places to start. Completing a small task provides a quick win, which builds the motivation you need to move on to bigger challenges, like a cluttered closet or the garage.
Use the Four-Box Method
A systematic approach can simplify the sorting process. Get four boxes and label them: Keep, Donate, Sell, and Trash. As you go through each room, place every single item into one of these categories. Be honest with yourself during this process. The Keep box should only be for items you truly need, use regularly, or absolutely love. Everything else should find its way into one of the other three boxes.
Adopt the One-Year Rule
If you’re stuck on whether to keep something, ask yourself a simple question: “Have I used this in the last year?” If the answer is no, it’s probably time to let it go. This rule is especially helpful for items like clothing, kitchen gadgets, and old electronics. Of course, there are exceptions for seasonal items or things with deep sentimental value. But the one-year rule provides a practical benchmark for what’s actually useful in your life versus what’s just taking up space.
Go Digital With Documents and Media
Physical media and paperwork can occupy a surprising amount of room, and there’s no need for that. Old photos, important documents, CDs, and DVDs can all be digitized. You can scan photos and documents and then store them on a cloud service or (more securely) an external hard drive. Additionally, you can find most movies and music on streaming platforms, so you can probably say goodbye to your DVD and CD collection if you still have one. Transitioning to digital frees up shelf and drawer space while also making your important files and favorite memories more accessible and secure.
Sell What You Can
Downsizing doesn’t have to be all work and no reward. You can make some extra cash by selling items that are still in good condition. Online marketplaces (e.g., Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Poshmark, Craigslist, etc.) are excellent for this. Just publish what you’re selling, and it will instantly reach a wide audience.
For a less hands-on approach, you might try consignment shops for clothing or furniture. All you have to do is bring your stuff in, and if the shop wants it, they’ll pay you a portion of the sale price or give you in-store credit.
Another idea, if you have the space, is to host a garage sale for a quick way to offload a variety of items at once. Whichever method you use, the money you earn can help offset moving costs or furnish your new place.
Donate and Recycle Responsibly
For items you can’t sell, donation is a fantastic option. Organizations like Goodwill, The Salvation Army, and local shelters are always in need of clothes, furniture, and household goods. Some charities even offer pickup services for larger items, which saves you a trip.
For anything that’s broken or can’t be donated, look for local recycling programs. By ensuring proper disposal, you do your part to protect the environment.
Don’t Forget About Storage Options
Sometimes, you’ll have items you just can’t part with, even if they don’t fit in your new home. These might include family heirlooms, seasonal decorations, important documents, or valuable collections. In these cases, a storage unit is your best bet. It gives you a place to keep your cherished belongings without cluttering your new, smaller living area.
And you don’t even have to plan a second moving day to relocate these items. Instead, full-service storage is perfect for busy people because these companies handle the packing and moving for you. They also tend to store your belongings in their own warehouses, which can be more private and secure than big-name, self-service storage companies.
Deal With Sentimental Items Last
Sorting through sentimental items is often the most emotionally draining part of downsizing. That’s why you should save it for last. By the time you get to these items, you’ll have already freed up some space and practiced your practical decision-making. Therefore, you should be in a good headspace to approach what you’re emotionally attached to.
For keepsakes you want to hold onto, think about creative ways to display them. You could create a shadow box or a scrapbook, or you could simply take photos of items before letting them go. It’s okay to keep things that bring you joy; just be selective.
Your New, Simplified Life Awaits
Downsizing for a move is more than just decluttering; it’s a chance to simplify your life and intentionally design your new living space. By following the tips in this ultimate guide, you can transform the daunting task into a rewarding journey. You’ll not only prepare for a smoother move but also cultivate a more mindful approach to what you own.
And as you settle into your new home, you’ll appreciate the freedom that comes with living with less. Are you ready to embrace your new, clutter-free chapter with open arms?
Feature photo by Parradee via Adobe Stock
