How to Downsize When Moving: Tips for Buyers and Renters

Trying to figure out how to pack and move a house full of stuff into a smaller space can be completely overwhelming. The good news is that taking the time to downsize ahead of the move can make the process a whole lot easier and less expensive. Sure, it’s a hassle — but it’s worth it. We all accumulate a little extra stuff over the years (and some of us accumulate way more than a little). But it’s a great time to pare down the excess, especially when you’re paying by the box or by the hour to to move all that stuff. Use these moving tips to start the downsize process:

• Evaluate your new space. When you’re considering which items should make the move to your new place, determine what’s likely to fit — not only in terms of size but also style. Don’t keep the pool table if your new house doesn’t have a game room. Consider selling your formal dining room set if your new home has an eat-in kitchen. Renting storage space can be a temporary (and expensive) solution, but unless your items are heirlooms or have sentimental value, you probably won’t miss them.

• Divide and conquer. Divide the contents of every room in your house into the following categories: keep, trash, recycle, and donate. If you don’t love it or use it, get rid of it. And be sure to put actual trash in the trash — charitable organizations don’t want donated boxes of ripped clothing and holey underwear or old, stained mattresses. In fact, it actually costs them money to have trash donations hauled off, so be selective about what you give. Once you’ve got your piles in order, get rid of them immediately. The longer they stick around, the more likely you’ll be to hang on to them and end up taking them with you. Don’t prolong the process.

• Minimize the junk. Go stand in one of your closets and take a long, hard, critical look. What can you toss out? What can you donate? For most of us, the 80/20 rule applies to closets (you only use 20% of the stuff 80% of the time). A few sentimental exceptions are ok, but try to be a little ruthless: if you haven’t worn something in over a year, don’t bother packing it.

• Get rid of multiples. Do you really need 4 sets of dishes? Maybe, maybe not. Select your favorites and donate the rest.

• Deal with electronic clutter. Many of us tend to hang on to broken electronics. Dead cell phones, cracked tablets, and outdated laptops need to go before you move. First, you’ll want to make sure to completely erase all personal information. But don’t throw them in the trash! Many of the materials used in making these products can be recovered and reused, including plastics, glass, metal, and aluminum. Additionally, many electronics can also contain toxic substances such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, which must be disposed of carefully (take a look at electronics recycling programs you can use). Have lots of extra cables and chargers lying around? If you’re 100% sure you no longer own the device they match, it’s ok to get rid of them. Anything else, pack into a single box and hang on to it in case its mate turns up at some point during the move.

• Make a “first night box.” Put together a special box with paper towels, light bulbs, cleaning supplies, toilet paper, disposable plates and utensils, bed sheets, and basic toiletries. Clearly label it and keep it with you on moving day. This way you don’t have to dig through multiple boxes on the first night in your new home just to get comfortable for the evening.

Do you need help strategizing your next move? The Rhoades Team loves helping home buyers and sellers plan this important transition in their lives! Give Robert a call at 713-515-3463 or contact him here to get started.