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5 Tips For Downsizing (2021)

Girl taking donation box full with stuff for donate

Oftentimes, when preparing for a move, families or retired couples are faced with having to downsize, or sorting through some of the unnecessary stuff they’ve collected over the years. Downsizing can be stressful, so you’ll want to have a game plan to accomplish this tedious job.

Below, we’ve outlined 5 tips to accomplish your downsize.

Make a List and Prioritize

Sit down and start a list. List out each room (including the junk room everyone has) and list the most important items. Then walk through each room and see if you’ve left anything off of the high importance list. While in the room write down items that can be found in a new home with another family (donation) or can be thrown away altogether. Rule of thumb: if it doesn’t have sentimental value and you haven’t used it in over a year, it’s time to let it go.

Don’t Rule Out Storage

Did the list end up longer than you thought it would? If you find that it’s impossible to let go of things that won’t fit in the new place, maybe it’s time to look into storage options. Check out what will work with your budget and how long you plan on using the storage unit. Each vendor is a little different so make sure to ask the right questions for your family’s needs.

Buying New vs. Moving Old

Another aspect to consider is cost. Do some price comparison, for example, with larger pieces of furniture or electronics. Which is more effective, to move the current item or to buy it new once you’ve moved in? If you were already considering updating household items, now may be the time to do it.

Eliminate Rooms You Won’t Have in Your New Home

If there are certain rooms (game rooms, home workout spaces, kid’s playrooms, etc.) that won’t be available to you in your new space, you should take them into special consideration. Again, you should take inventory of the room, make a list, and prioritize what you’d like to keep. Designate a specific space for these items in your new home. If you can eliminate items from these rooms altogether, even better.

Get Rid Of Duplicates

This can be a great rule of thumb to use when going through kitchen items. Getting rid of duplicate kitchen utensils and cookware can help eliminate a lot of cabinet space. This is also a great rule of thumb for sorting clothing items or other household objects.

Helping You with Your Move

If you’re ready to downsize, let us help you with your move. Get a quote today.

5 Tips To Help You Declutter Before Your Move

Whether you’re planning on moving in a week, a month or a year, these decluttering tips will help you make sure you’re only moving the items that matter. 

1. Plan Your Decluttering Timeline

If you have a move date, we’d recommend you start decluttering and organizing as soon as possible to decrease stress as your move approaches. When you pick one of the decluttering strategies below, create a calendar around it to know what you need to get done and when.  

2. Pick a Decluttering Strategy

There are a few main ways you can tackle decluttering. 

One option that’s popular is to go room by room. 

Make a list of the rooms and spaces in your house you need to declutter and then put dates that you want that space done by. Writing it down in a list can make it less daunting than trying to tackle each area blindly! Plus, you’ll get great satisfaction when you check a room off the list. 

Another way you can approach decluttering is by going through item types. Your list might look like this: Clothes, Shoes, Furniture, Decorations, Kitchen Supplies, Books, Holiday Decorations, Gardening Supplies, etc. You’ll do more room-hopping with this method, but you’ll then be looking at your items in that category as a whole as you sort through them. 

You can also combine these two approaches. Create a calendar for the rooms you want to sort through, and then once you get into those rooms, go through each item type. 

3. Use the Keep, Throw Away, Sell, Donate Strategy

As you approach each room or group of items, have four boxes or piles set aside to help you sort. The four piles are for these main areas: keep, throw away, donate, and sell. You might also decide to leave you ‘keep’ items where they are and have just three main piles instead. 

By the time you’re through your room, you’ll have a better idea of where each item is going and what the next steps for those items are. 

4. Have a Process for Handling Tough Decisions

Going through your items can be difficult, especially as you encounter sentimental items or gifts you receive that you no longer need or use. Rather than getting stuck on these objects, find a process to help you decide what to keep or give away. 

One method you might have heard of is the Marie Kondo method. Marie Konda recommends you look at the item and ask, “Does this item speak to my heart? Does it bring me joy?” If the answer is no, then you give it away.

Another method you can use is visualizing your ideal life in your new home or cleaned space. Does this item fit in with that vision of yourself and your life? If not, find the appropriate pile (throw away, donate, or sell) and let go of the item. 

5. Know How You’ll Get Your Unwanted Items Out of Your House 

You’ve gone through a room, and now you have three piles that you’ll need out of your house: throw away, donate, and sell. It seems straightforward, but you should have a plan for how you’ll handle each of these areas! 

Trash

Depending on your trash pile’s size, you might need to make arrangements with your trash provider to dispose of your items. If you have a large thing you need to throw away, like a broken dresser or something you cannot sell/donate, then you might need to pay to have the item taken with your regular trash. You could also see about visiting a landfill. Overall, just be aware that some things will not be able to be handled normally! 

Donations

Depending on your city’s size, you might have multiple options when it comes to items you’re donating. Some popular donation places include Goodwill or the Salvation Army. 

However, you might also search for local nonprofits looking for the items you’re trying to donate. For example, in Indianapolis (where we’re headquartered) you can donate gently used, near-new professional attire to Dress for Success, a nonprofit that empowers women to take charge of their lives.  

Selling

It’s easier than ever to sell your items online. A few popular websites include:

Need Help With Your Move?

We’re here to help! As a Mayflower affiliate since 1927, we are experts in moving. Request a quote for your move by clicking the ‘Request a Quote’ button above or by clicking here. 

How to Move with With Your Pet

cat in the boxPets are family too, and you want to make sure they are taken care of as they should be! So, what does that mean for a cross-country move? What are the best ways for them to be comfortable and acclimated both during and after the move?

Here at Hogan Moving, we have a few tips to help you with these questions.

Make a Vet Appointment

First things first, make an appointment with your pet’s vet. Let the veterinarian know you are planning to move and will need to be updated on shots, licenses, paperwork. Not only will the vet help with keeping everything kosher for your favorite fluffy ball, but also be able to see if there may be any potential stressors for them while they are traveling and address them then.

Know What Type of Pet Carrier You Need

If you are flying to your new destination then be sure to check the regulations for pet carriers for your specific airline. They are all a little different so before purchasing one for the journey get all the info to avoid having to return the product or being turned away at the airport.

If you’re driving your pet, you might also look into what types of carriers will fit in your car and allow your pet to be as comfortable as possible.

Find Pet-Friendly Stops

This may go without saying, but make sure to check that all your stops along the way when moving are pet-friendly. This means making sure your stops allow four-legged family members to be there. This would include places like hotels, rest stops, and then of course your ending destination – especially if you’re moving into a rental.

Watch Out for Your Pets as They Adjust

Much like people, animal companions need time to adjust to a new location and lifestyle. Be sure to pay extra attention to them in the first couple of weeks. Try giving extra pets, treats, walks, or even conversation. Be patient if they are skittish at first, do some hiding, or extra sniffing. Those are all normal behaviors for pets learning and adjusting to their new home.

We hope these tips help with your cat, dog, or even iguana during their move! If you have more you’d like to add to this list please let us know!