Moving into a new home is the dawn of a new chapter in your family’s life but there’s no denying that the moving process itself can be a little hectic at times. When you’re downsizing, you’ll have the added concern of whether your belongings will fit into a smaller home. However, you can take the stress out of moving with these top tips for families downsizing to a smaller property:
1. Take an Inventory
Before you start packing up items or deciding whether to throw anything away, take an inventory of everything in your home. This will allow you to identify any duplicate items and highlight the things that you no longer want or need. Once you’ve done this, you’ll find it easier to discard, donate, or sell the items you won’t be taking with you.
2. Measure Furniture and Appliances
As you’re taking an inventory, be sure to jot down the measurements of larger items, like beds, couches, and fridge freezers. You’ll be able to plan what will go where in your new home and identify any issues well in advance. If your existing furniture is going to be too big for your new home, it’s better to know in advance so you don’t go to the trouble of moving it in!
3. Arrange Storage
There may be some items that you want to keep but that won’t be suitable in your new home or that you won’t need right away. If so, storage can be a great short- or long-term solution. Look for a local self-storage facility you can access 24/7, as this makes it easy to drop off and collect items.
4. Book House Cleaning in Advance
When you move out of a rental property, you’ll be expected to leave it in a clean and habitable condition for the next occupants. Of course, in the hustle and bustle of moving day, carrying out a deep clean probably isn’t going to be your top priority. As well as booking a removal company, be sure to arrange house cleaning in advance too. With professional cleaners on-site, you can be confident that the condition of your rental property will satisfy the terms of a tenancy agreement.
5. Give Yourself Plenty of Time
The process of packing up a home always takes longer than you expect but, when you’re downsizing, you’ll want to spend a bit more time thinking about what you want to keep. By starting early and giving yourself plenty of time, you can ensure that you don’t inadvertently discard cherished items or take everything with you because you’re packing in a rush.
Plan Your Move Now
If you know you’re going to be downsizing, why wait to start planning your move? Even if you haven’t found your dream home just yet, you can begin the process of creating an inventory and deciding what your ‘must keep’ items are. By doing so, you can ensure that you’re ready to get your move underway as soon as you find your next property.
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