How to Downsize for Your Household Move

When you need to downsize your household move, you may be worried about managing the logistics and where to begin. It helps to break down the work into manageable tasks.

Work with a competent moving company to plan your downsize and advise you on preparing for the move.

Below are ways that will help when you need to downsize your household move:

1. Evaluate what you can’t live without

When you need to downsize, it is essential to prioritize what you will take on the move and what items must be left behind. Be realistic and do not hold onto things that may overwhelm or cost too much money to store. You cannot take everything with you, so identify the un-shippable items. Get rid of items that you can easily replace.

2. Dispose of unwanted items

Once you have identified what to leave behind, you can dispose of the unusable things. You may donate or sell these items so they are not gone forever. Sell old sporting equipment on Craigslist or through consignment shops. If there is no need for your furniture, get rid of it by selling it in classified ads or donating it to charity.

3. If you have not done so already, buy boxes for your move

You should pack things in resealable bags, especially when transporting delicate items. For the larger pieces of furniture, prepare the box by wrapping up the legs with plastic wrap and using masking tape to secure everything tightly in place.

4. Begin to downsize your items that are left behind

Once you have prepared the moving boxes, you can pack up belongings that will not be transported with you on the move. Contact local charities to schedule donations of these items. Make sure to create a list of all of your possessions with approximate values for insurance purposes if any of these items are lost or damaged during the move.

5. Prepare the items to be taken on the move

Do not pack up your belongings haphazardly. Label all boxes with a permanent marker and sort them according to their destination at your new home, so nothing gets lost along the way. If you need help packing, call a reputable moving company for assistance.

6. Schedule a move date

For your convenience, choose a moving company that offers multiple dates for your move so you can pick the time that works best. This way, there are no conflicts with your schedule.

7. Engage the services of an experienced moving company

It is vital to hire professional movers so you can be assured that all items will be transported safely and securely without damage. A good mover will give you advice on how to prepare for the move and help you make decisions about what items are left behind or donated.

8. Keep the moving costs within budget

Moving costs can add up, but it should not be why you cannot downsize your household. Negotiate with your mover to find competitive rates and ask about any special discounts for reducing customers or needing light packing services.

Final notes

When downsizing for your household move, remember that it is not about getting rid of everything. You can still keep special items in storage while they are waiting for you to transfer out of the country.