Moving is practically an art, and the impending task can have you wondering how to downsize before a big move to avoid the unneeded stress that comes with disorganization and too much stuff.
Downsizing is a bit of work, but it’s worth the time. Moving is the perfect opportunity to overhaul your possessions and see what can be tossed, donated, and kept. Read on for our tips for how to drastically downsize before a move.
1. AUDIT “JUST IN CASE” ITEMS
Your upcoming move is the ideal time to get rid of old phones, mystery chargers and cords, outdated headphones, and other electronics. Don’t spend the effort packing and moving these items, especially if you’ve already moved them before! Find an electronic recycling bin, often available in electronics stores, and get rid of them.
This also goes for clothes you don’t wear, duplicates of items you already have, and anything else that’s been hanging around your space for too long without a true purpose. Now is the time to start fresh and clutter-free.
2. CONSIDER YOUR NEW SPACE
Take your new space’s size into consideration. Do you have furniture that won’t fit in your new space, or are you moving to a place with fewer bedrooms than your current home? Keep your new place in mind while you sort through your belongings and determine what can come with you. Other items and furniture can be donated or sold – and who doesn’t love an extra couple bucks during a move?
3. BREAK IT DOWN
You don’t have to figure out how to drastically downsize all of your belongings in a day – you didn’t accumulate them in one day! Work by room if you can, so it’s easier to stay organized and you’re less likely to get overwhelmed by the task. Take inventory of what you have, what’s coming with you, and what can be donated, sold, or tossed.
TIP: if you’re getting rid of clothes, towels, sheets, or other textiles, look for a textile recycling program in your area. Animal shelters and rescues also love sheets and towels!
4. ENLIST THE FAMILY
To avoid moving things you don’t need, like toys that have been outgrown, enlist the help of your family when you downsize before a move to ensure that everything you’re bringing has a purpose and a place in your new space. Avoid any unnecessary complications by starting this process early and enlisting the help of the whole family to make decisions about what is coming with you, what can be donated, and what is destined for the recycling or trash.
5. DO YOUR MOVING RESEARCH
You’re on the right track by looking up how to downsize before a move and landing here. There’s plenty of information out there that’ll help you be as prepared for your move as possible. Take a look at some of our moving tips and articles:
- Moving tips: What to keep & what to toss
- Tips for using rental storage units
- Checklist for a stress-free move
With your possessions in transit, it can be easy to feel a little overwhelmed, but we’ll help you feel at home on the road. InTown Suites’ extended stay properties offer affordable accommodations in convenient locations.
Looking for temporary housing during a move? InTown Suites is a great option for temporary housing while moving, as well as longer term accommodations for any reason. The fully furnished, recently renovated premium suites offer a comfortable and convenient extended stay solution for as long as you need.
