Small Living Room

Downsizing! Before the recession, this was one of the dirtier words in the English language. After the recession, this has become a harsh reality for millions who have had to take a “less is more” approach to this current economic climate. When choosing a moving company, many Americans have to face facts that they have to downsize the size of their home as opposed to increasing or at least maintaining their current square footage. For those that are not downsizing their homes, they may be looking at moving in a practical manner by cutting cost or having to relocate more of their belongings by getting rid of non-essential items they no longer use. Coleman Worldwide Moving would like to offer five useful tips on downsizing before a move.

1. Plan Early Odds are, a move will be in your future whether you’re planning for one or not. Be prepared. Spring cleanings should not come once a year or once every five years. Work on clearing your excess at least once a quarter and begin to marvel as you begin to live a clutter free lifestyle. Don’t wait until three weeks before the moving company arrives to begin this process. Procrastination will lead to literal or figurative hair loss!

 

2. When Was Your Last Yard Sale? A yard sale makes for a great way to turn unwanted items into a little bit extra coin to add to your budget. Thrift shoppers love yard sales, so it’s a great way to interact with others in your community while earning a return for offloading some of your clutter. If you have items that are a little more on the valued side, you can also try ebay or other auction and classified sites such as iOffer or craigslist.

 

3. Donate to Charity

Do you still have items left over from the yard sale, or do you not even have time to do the yard sale and aren’t concerned about getting any money for your goods? Well, the old adage “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” is especially true today. Before you pitch the unwanted clothes and dishes, think about donating to a local Goodwill, Red Cross, Salvation Army, or other local charities, as it could change someone in need’s life.

4. Get Rid of Excess Papers & Store Documents Most people hoard old bills, bank statements, and tax returns like they’re going to be worth money one day. Here’s a hint: THEY’RE NOT! In most instances, if a document is over six years old, you can feel free to pitch it. Want to review some basic guidelines for record storage? Check out this article from Bankrate.com 5. Be Realistic and Patient Downsizing, just like anything else, takes time. When inventorying everything you own, think to yourself, “When was the last time I used something and will I realistically ever use it regularly again?” Also, don’t be hesitant to ask for or receive help from anyone. With a little bit of luck and patience, you should be well on your way to having trimmed down your belongings before you call for a free moving quote.

 

Sources and Companion Articles: “Tips to Make Downsizing Easier” (The Seattle Times) “10 tips for downsizing Baby Boomers” (Chicago Tribune) Lessons Learned from the Recession (MSNBC Money)