Years and years of collecting life’s memories can result in a garage, attic or basement filled to the brim.  Events in our lives carry great significance as well as all the stuff that comes with them.  Pictures and artwork, furniture and heirloom toys, bedding and even clothing can all hold high sentimental value.  So where do you begin to sort it out when moving to a smaller home?

Give yourself the gift of time.

Experts suggest allowing at least 3 months to prepare for a downsizing move.  We recommend you should start at least 6 months before depending on how long you’ve been in your current home.  Use this time to go through your things and decide what is most important to you.  Take some time each day or week to go through a closet, storage bins or storage area.  If you give yourself enough time you will reduce the sense of stress and will make better decisions about what to do with your items.  Papers and photos usually require the most attention so give yourself ample time to sift through those filing cabinets or boxes.

Don’t throw that away!

As you look through your belongings consider a number of options for the items you no longer need or want.  Of course gifting to family and friends is always a great option for the heirloom items with the most sentimental value.  Once you’ve made those more difficult choices the rest of your items can go into a garage sale, the local shelter, thrift store or charitable organization.  Some of these organizations will even pick up larger items at your request.  Recycle, reuse, sell or donate are all great environmentally responsible options.

Check out FreeCycle to locate the group for giving stuff away in your town or nearby location.

Be decisive

Be careful not to waste too much time belaboring the importance or value of your items.  Use two categories to sort by: yes and no.  Yes is for the items you must keep and cannot do without.  No is for the items that must go because you simply won’t use them or don’t have the space to keep them.  Don’t fall into the ‘maybe’ trap or you’ll risk getting derailed in your efforts to get ready for the move.

Ask for help

Enlist the help of family and friends as you go through your belongings. Sometimes an objective opinion is just the nudge you need to make more difficult sorting decisions.  Getting an appraiser or subject expert is important for pieces that are of high value.  If you have items that are of historical significance such as military memorabilia consider donating to a museum where they can be properly maintained and enjoyed by the public.  Be forewarned.  An appraiser or subject expert frequently values your items a bit less than you do.  Don’t be offended.  They are considering the market and sale-ability of your item, it’s really not personal.

Before you start packing give us a call.  We’ll give you a free estimate and make the rest of your downsizing move a smooth transition.