Whether you’ve had a recent change in your circumstances or you’re simply no longer using all the space in your current home, downsizing may be the right next step for you. We’ve pulled together our top tips and things to think about for people considering downsizing to a smaller home.
Why Downsize?
There are many reasons why downsizing can be the right option for you right now. And, contrary to popular belief, research shows that downsizing is very common. For inspiration on paring back your possessions, our guide to minimal living principles covers the interior design choices that make a smaller home feel spacious and intentional. Before the packing begins, decluttering your home workspace is one of the most effective ways to reduce the volume of belongings you need to move.
Some people choose to downsize due to a change in their family situation – such as a divorce, a bereavement, or children moving out of their parents houses. While others may be driven by economic considerations and the need to reduce outgoings – something that many people are experiencing this year with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
While downsizing does mean reducing the space you have, it can come with great benefits if you take the time to plan it well. The most obvious benefit is the reduction in outgoings as mortgage costs, council tax bills and energy bills likely reduce. However, having a smaller home also means less property to maintain, freeing up more of your time to spend doing other things. Pay particular attention to packing fragile items safely, as glassware, artwork and ceramics are among the most common casualties of a downsizing move. Kitchenware is often the trickiest category to sort through, so our guide to packing plates and glasses safely can help you protect what you decide to keep.
Declutter To Downsize
The first step to downsizing is to declutter. This process is important in making sure that what you’re taking with you to your new home is what you really want and need, rather than simply what you’ve always had. Here are three simple steps to decluttering:
Step 1: Start 3 Months Before Your Move
Decluttering a month or just a few weeks to the move can cause a lot of stress, particularly if you have larger items, such as sofas, beds or white goods to remove. Starting early will help you plan what items you want to give to friends and family, sell on or donate to charity and will leave you enough time to arrange the logistics of getting these items to their new owners. Families will find our advice on moving house with children helpful for keeping younger members settled throughout the transition to a smaller property. If your collection has grown over the years, our step-by-step advice on how to pack books for moving house will save you time and box space.
If you need a hand with dismantling your bed for moving, check out our handy guide!
Step 2: Decide What To Keep, Donate, Sell Or Throw
Decluttering is the ultimate decision-making activity, as you have to make snap decisions on what to keep, what to sell, what to donate or throw away. While it can be cathartic to declutter, it can take time to sift through everything you own and make these decisions. If you find decision making hard, consider creating a ‘maybe’ pile of things you’re not sure what to do with. Come back to the ‘maybe’ pile when you’re feeling more decisive or ask a friend or relative to help you. Once your move date is confirmed, work through a thorough change of address checklist to ensure your bank, GP, DVLA and utility providers all have your new details. For larger appliances that will not fit in your new home straight away, our guide to storing a washing machine long-term explains how to prepare and store white goods correctly. Large furniture presents a particular challenge during a downsizing move, and our expert guide to moving a bed without dismantling it covers the safest techniques.
Step 3: Digitise What You Can
Documentation can take up a hefty part of your storage space that you may not have in your new property. It isn’t necessary to keep every document. Scan the documents you know you don’t need a hard copy of. And anything you no longer need, shred and recycle. Keep paper copies of your most important documents, such as birth certificates and qualifications, in a waterproof and fire-resistant document holder.
Top Tips For Downsizing
Here are our top tips for downsizing to a smaller home successfully. You can use them as a downsizing checklist. If downsizing means relocating within the capital, our renters guide to affordable areas to rent in London highlights neighbourhoods that offer good value without compromising on amenities. If your timeline shifts unexpectedly, our last-minute moving and storage options in London are available to keep your plans on track.
Determine How Much Space You Need
Before signing the contract on a new home, have a really good think about your space needs. Look at your current home and how you’ve been using it. Do you utilise all of the space or are there pockets of unused space? Is the layout of your home causing you to under-utilise the space effectively? Asking yourself these questions will help you frame what you are looking for when viewing smaller properties. You might be surprised at the space offered in a well-laid out, functional smaller home.
How To Sell Or Auction Items
It’s easier than ever to sell your unwanted items to new owners. Many people opt to sell in online marketplaces like Facebook, Gumtree or eBay. For clothing, look into selling your products on Depop. You can also try more traditional methods like posting an ad in your local supermarket or newspaper. Other options would be to hold a garage sale, rent a stall at a car boot sale or sell your items at a local auction house. There are plenty of options, so spend some time planning out which options would work best for you.
Invest In A Quality Storage Unit
If you’re unable to part with some of your most prized possessions, but you will not have room for them in your new home, you may benefit from renting a storage unit. Quality storage providers will have a range of different sized units, robust security systems and temperature controls to keep your possessions safe, secure and in good condition. There are temporary and long-term storage options available.
Arrange Your Move
When moving day is approaching, you will need to plan the logistics of moving your belongings to your new house. To avoid undue stress, you might want to consider hiring a removal firm to help with anything from packing, heavy lifting, transporting, unpacking. A good quality removal company will be experienced in moving items without causing damage so you can rest assured that your belongings are in good hands.
You can also use apps for moving house to help you organise your move – check out the best apps in our guide!
Let Us Do The Heavy Lifting For You
If you’re looking for a professional, reliable company to help you with your move, Removals & Storage Experts can help. We offer a full service from packing to transporting and storage. Get in touch today for a free quote.
