What To Do With Your Stuff When You're Downsizing
Downsizing to a smaller home can be beneficial for many reasons, including lower financial strain and fewer spaces to clean. But figuring out which items to keep for your new space can be a bit of a challenge. Here are some ideas on how to get rid of your stuff.
Create a Space Plan for Your New Home
One of the first things to do is create a space plan for your new home. If you approach the move by asking yourself if you want to keep each item you own, you might lean towards keeping way too much. This is especially true if you've had your furniture and belongings for quite some time; it's easy to see each item as essential. Instead, try approaching the plan as, "what do I need in my new space?" Once you have an idea of what you see in your new space, you can fill in the plan from the items that you already have. Things that are left over after this exercise may not have a place in your new, smaller home.
Try Storage
If you are really reluctant to get rid of anything, you could try using climate controlled storage units to guide your move. Try starting out with just the essentials in your new home, and then put everything else in storage. If you find yourself missing certain items, you can make a list and slowly bring them out of storage. Whatever is left in your storage unit after a year is probably safe to get rid of.
Give Items to Friends
It may be less painful to get rid of items if you know they're going to someone you love. You could host a party where you let friends put their name in the hat for items they want. That way, you won't have to choose outright between two friends who want the same couch.
Hold a Sale
Holding a sale is another way to help you downsize with confidence. The money you make off of selling your extra items can go directly into the costs of your move and/or buying a few nice items that fit with the look and feel of your new home.
Donate
Finally, it's never a bad idea to donate to someone less fortunate. If you had too much space and too many items in your old place, now some of that stuff can go to someone who may be lacking the bare essentials.