The Go-To Guide for Downsizing Your Home

Downsizing your home can provide you and your loved ones with some amazing benefits over the years. In addition to lower energy bills, keeping a smaller home clean and tidy takes just a fraction of the time. If you are planning on moving to a smaller place in the near future, then read ahead for some tips that will make the transition as smooth as possible.

Assess Your Needs

Before you begin packing, you need to sit down with your loved ones and write down some of the necessities that must be in and around your new home. Many people do not realize just how different it is to live in a smaller home and making sure your new place has a few key features will lessen the shock. This might include an enclosed garage or nearby parks for the kids.

Give Yourself Time

Trying to move into a new home under a strict schedule will almost always result in unnecessary stress. Even if you are not ready to begin packing your personal items, you can still collect moving supplies and start going through unused rooms. Many moving companies suggest that families should start packing three or four months in advance. Starting early will also give you plenty of time to sell or give away anything you do not plan on bringing with you.

Start Creating Piles

Unfortunately, those who plan on downsizing their home will have to make some tough decisions. If you are having a difficult time getting rid of any items, then you might want to start creating three or four separate piles in each room. One pile should contain all of the items that you absolutely must keep. The other piles should include possessions that you are still on the fence about. Some of the items in the "maybe" pile can even be put in storage for a few months to give you time to think about it.

Find Affordable Storage

Just because you are downsizing your home doesn't mean you need to sell or donate all of your belongings. Renting out a storage unit will give you more time to go through all of your possessions and decide what must be kept and what can be tossed. Storage units are also an excellent option for any seasonal supplies that you do not need throughout the year. You can use a local storage unit to safely house items such as holiday decorations and old tools.

Ask for a Loved One's Opinion

No matter how objective you try to be, there may come a time when you simply cannot make a decision. Going through a lifetime of belongings can be extremely difficult, and you might want to have a loved one help you through this process. When you come across any possessions that you can't decide on, the experts at a Texas self storage facility recommend calling a friend or loved one and have them take a look. At the very least, they might need the item themselves.

Donate Your Extras

Seeing a trashcan full of your family's possessions is going to be heartbreaking. By donating the items instead, you can rest assured that they will be going to those who need them the most. Many non-profits offer free curbside pickups for families that are getting ready to move. As an added bonus, you might be able to claim the donations as a charitable deduction on your taxes.

Downsizing can be incredibly therapeutic, but many families find moves to be quite stressful. Taking some time to plan out your move well before the day arrives will allow you to avoid any number of common mistakes that could cost you time and money.

By Marlena Stoddard. Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. c2016. All rights reserved.

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