The Only Downsizing Checklist You will Ever Need

The most important advice moving experts give about downsizing is to take it one-step at a time. That might seem impossible since there are so many things to consider when moving into a smaller space. Make sure you get started sooner rather than later – that will make moving day so much less stressful. To help you stay organized; use this simple checklist to cover all of your bases.

Get yourself organized first

Before you start to think about combing through your current home, you need to have your own plans organized. That means prioritizing your moving timeline. You should be realistic about this timeline. One of the most important reasons you need to start far in advance is so that you do not find yourself scrambling at the end to get everything done. 

Being organization should include getting estimates from moving companies, setting a date for the move, and knowing how much space your new home has. Then, you are able to work backward to create a reasonable schedule for how long it will take you to organize each room. 

Decide what stays and what goes

With your timeline in hand, go through each room and decide what to keep and what to sell, donate, or get rid of completely. Big appliances should also be a part of this inventory. Depending on where you are moving, you might not need your washer and dryer or kitchen appliances.

Make sure you carefully inventory each room. Do not leave closets and drawers out of the mix, either. These spaces often contain many items that can be discarded or donated.

Sort, sort, sort

Once the inventory is complete, you need to get to work sorting the items. Instead of writing out lists to keep you organized, consider using colorful sticky notes or stickers to designate what stays and what goes. 

If anything is broken, stained, or torn, toss it. Donate items that are gently used but still have some life in them, and consider selling items that are still functioning well.

List your salable items online or consider having a yard sale if that is allowed within your community. The sooner you do this, the better since it might take some time for your items to sell.

Admin  

Once you have decluttered your space, make sure you take care of the admin side of moving. That means you need to update your address with the post office and will all companies and providers who have your address on record. This includes your bank, credit card, and loan companies. Do not forget doctor’s offices, your vet, or the gym. 

Talk with utility providers and schedule activation appointments in your new home. 

It is time to pack

With everything in order, the last thing you need to do is pack. If you have hired a moving company, they will do this for you. If you are packing yourself, make sure you have more boxes than you think you need and lots of packing paper and tape on hand. 

Most importantly, do not forget to label your boxes. The last thing you want is to move in and not know which box holds what you need.

When you start with small steps, it is easy to make downsizing stress-free and straightforward. Take an hour a day to work toward your move out date, and before you know it, the project will be complete.

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