5 Essential Steps to Take When Planning to Move and Downsize

Have your family circumstances changed? Children flown the nest? Simply want to sell up and move to a more affordable property? Downsizing can be a difficult decision, particularly for those who have lived in their homes for years and years. Our properties are full of memories, and they can be hard to move on from. However, downsizing can be a fresh start and benefits can include:

• Moving nearer to family and friends
• Moving into a more affordable property
• Moving to a property that is easier to manage
• Having money in the bank from selling your larger house

If downsizing is on the agenda, you may be worrying about the amount of furniture and belongings you have – they simply won’t all fit into a new home. Below, we reveal the best tips to help you downsizing without the stress.

1.    Break your project down

You will likely know well ahead of schedule that you’re going to be moving. Even if you haven’t put an offer in on a property, there’s no harm in starting the de-cluttering process. A great method to adopt is focusing on one room at a time, methodically going through everything and assessing furniture. You can determine what you’re going to get rid of, what you’re selling, donating, and what’s staying put.

2.    Check the floor plan of your new property

If you have a moving date on the cards or have secured a new property you should have access to the floor plans. These will detail room sizes, allowing you to determine what furniture you will be able to keep and fit into your downsized home. You will definitely want a tape measure handy!

Don’t be disheartened if your current furniture or appliances don’t fit. Rather than squeezing them into your new home and jeopardising your space, see this as an opportunity to sell or donate large items. You can use any money accumulated to put against new furniture that fits perfectly into your new property.

3.    Start decluttering as soon as possible

There are a variety of different de-cluttering methods when it comes to downsizing. Some people adopt the KonMari technique, others prefer the one-a-day trick, whilst others pack their life neatly away using the four-box approach. However you plan on downsizing starting sooner rather than later is key. Many people say the sweet spot is 3 months before your move.

4.    Give yourself rules

When decluttering it can be tempting to keep items ‘just in case’. These exceptions build up and, before you know it, virtually everything is in the ‘keep’ pile and you haven’t achieved anything. The best way to avoid going round in circles is to be ruthless with your belongings and set yourself rules. These five categories can help you spring into action:

• What are you taking to the new property?
• What can you sell?
• Are there items you can give to friends and family?
• Are there any items you can donate?
• Could you recycle anything?

If there’s items you cannot bear to be without but that won’t necessarily fit into your home why not consider household storage? You can rest assured that your belongings are in a safe storage environment, and you can access them whenever you require.

5.    Don’t take on too much

Moving house is hard enough, let alone the added pressure of downsizing. Whether you are putting items into storage, simply want to start packing, or require full removals the Britannia Movers team are here to help.

We offer a professional and reliable full or part packing service tailored to your needs. We have helped countless customers downsize seamlessly, with our team offering solutions to make the process easier.

Ready to kick off your downsizing project? Search for your local Britannia Movers branch and let us take the stress out of moving for you.