Whether your kids have left home and you no longer need all that space, or you simply long for less square footage and less house to maintain, downsizing can feel daunting, no matter the reason. It likely took years to accumulate everything you own, so it will take time to go through it all and decide what stays and what goes. The most important advice we can give you is to start sooner rather than later. Every day and every month matters. Here are some of our best tips to help you begin the process with confidence.
Practical Strategies to Start Decluttering
Getting started is often the hardest part. These tried-and-true methods can help you build momentum and stay consistent throughout the process. Before you even begin decluttering, it helps to have a solid plan in place. Our moving timeline checklist is a great place to start, so you know exactly what needs to happen and when.
Try the Backwards Hanger Trick
Have you heard of this one? Simply turn all of your hangers around so they face the wrong way, and only turn them back when you actually wear the item. After two or three months, donate or sell anything that still has a backwards hanger. It is a simple but surprisingly effective way to identify what you actually wear versus what is just taking up space.
Set a Time Goal
Give yourself a set amount of time to declutter, say one month, and work through it systematically. Aim to get rid of one item on day one, two items on day two, three items on day three, and so on. It adds up quickly, and by the end of the month, you will be amazed at how much lighter you feel. Having a deadline keeps you accountable and prevents the process from dragging on indefinitely.
Use the Four Box Method
Grab four boxes and label them “donate”, “sell, “trash,” and “keep or store.” Make sure at least one item goes into one of those boxes every single day. This method keeps you moving forward without feeling overwhelmed by having to make big decisions all at once.
Dealing With Sentimental Items
This is where downsizing gets emotionally challenging for most people. Letting go of items that carry memories is genuinely difficult, even when you know they will not fit in your new home. Here are a few ways to handle sentimental belongings with care.
Create a Memory Box
Give yourself permission to keep some of your favorite sentimental items in a dedicated memory box. Using a small box ensures it will not take up too much space in your new home while still giving you a place to preserve the things that mean the most to you.
Take Photos of What You Cannot Keep
For items you are attached to but know you cannot hold onto, take a photo before letting them go. You will always have the digital memory to look back on, and freeing yourself from the physical item becomes a lot easier when you know the memory is preserved.
Turn Clothing Into a Keepsake
If you have clothing items that hold special meaning, consider turning them into something new rather than simply discarding them. A quilt made from meaningful pieces of clothing is a beautiful way to hold onto the memory while giving the item a new purpose that fits into your downsized life.
Getting Ready for the Move Itself
Once you have worked through the decluttering process, it is time to start thinking about the move ahead. Knowing what to expect on the other side can also make letting go a little easier. Our guide on settling in after a move walks you through exactly how to get comfortable and organized in your new space once moving day is behind you.
If packing everything up feels overwhelming on top of everything else you are managing, our packing and unpacking services are designed to take that stress completely off your hands so you can focus on the bigger picture.
Let Eyring Movers Help You With the Rest
Downsizing is a big undertaking, but you do not have to do it alone. The Eyring Movers team is here to help with packing, moving, unpacking, and everything in between. We serve the Cleveland area with local moves and also handle long-distance moves for those heading further afield. Contact us today for a free quote and let us help you start this exciting new chapter on the right foot.
Because every family is different, so is every move.
Moving is not a "one size fits all" approach. We know that you need options that best match your needs and budget. You can select from our available services so that your unique needs are met.