Recently, a Chu On That… newsletter subscriber said they were ready to relocate to a smaller home. The problem was that they lived in their house for over 30 years and had no idea where to start. It’s a common situation – and it can be very stressful. Luckily, with years of experience in move management, I have a lot of information to share to make the process easier. Here is a list of my essential downsizing and moving tips.
Start Decluttering As Soon as Possible
If you think relocating to a smaller home is in your future – even years into the future – start planning now. It takes time to sell, donate, or give away your possessions. Naturally, you need to keep the things you regularly use, but if they no longer have value (functional or emotional), let them go.
Kids often don’t want their parents’ stuff but may wish to keep some sentimental items. Consider hosting a family-friendly downsizing party to let your relatives and friends choose what they treasure most.
I have plenty of posts about decluttering, so feel free to search for specific topics. However, based on my experience as a home organizer and move manager, here are the most common categories of items people need help with:
- Pianos
- Books
- Clothing, including children’s clothes
- Garages and outdoor spaces
And remember to declutter or clear out the secret hiding places where you may have placed items you no longer want or need.
Recognize the Hidden Costs of Downsizing and Moving
There are emotional and financial costs of moving and downsizing. Giving away or selling your items can be emotionally challenging. Financially, the costs can vary depending on what items you plan to sell, donate, or dispose of. Consignment shops take a percentage of the sale price, as do online auctions. There are even fees to throw items into the garbage – which don’t include the long-term environmental costs.
Another hidden cost is the need for custom crating of artwork or large and heavy yet fragile items. Remember to factor in these costs if you’re moving your marble dining table or expensive framed paintings to your new home. Additionally, book a crating expert as soon as you know your moving dates.
People who downsize from a large family home to a small apartment might need to factor in the cost of new furniture. That large sectional in your home theatre probably won’t fit into the living room of your two-bedroom condo unit, nor will the 12-person dining table. When downsizing and moving, consider multi-function furniture. Look for storage ottomans and end tables with storage that can double as nightstands.
Above all, time is your friend. The more time you have, the more resources are available at a lower cost. You can also make environmentally friendlier decisions on what to do with your stuff.
Measure Everything
The Out of Chaos team spends a lot of time measuring furniture and room sizes. We also measure doorways, elevators, stairwells, the entrance to parking garages, and more! Nothing is worse than arriving at your new strata complex only to find the moving van is too big for the parking garage, leaving the poor moving team to walk up and down the sidewalks with your furniture. Likewise, no one wants to leave their wall unit in the driveway because it won’t fit through the door.
Gather the Right Equipment
Many people get free cardboard boxes from a grocery store, but they are not always sturdy enough to pack your precious household goods. Moving boxes come in various shapes and sizes and are designed to protect your items. I have several posts with tips on how to pack. Here are a few:
- 10 Tips to Successfully Pack Moving Boxes
- Top 7 Packing Supplies for a Successful Move
- How to Pack and Move Books
- How to Pack Fragile Items for a Move
- How to Pack and Move Artwork
Book Early
Of course, you’ll need to book a moving truck to transport your possessions to your new home. However, you might also need to reserve the following:
- Parking permits for the moving truck at the origin and destination
- Loading docks and elevators if you’re moving into or out of a multi-residential building
- Custom crating and specialty packers for artwork, billiard tables, etc.
- Cleaning services for origin and destination
- Repair/maintenance technicians to remove or install lighting, furniture, or appliances
More Downsizing and Moving Tips
Naturally, you’ll need to change your address. You can sign up for the Chu On That… newsletter to receive a free address change checklist or read a summary of who needs to know about your address change.
Are you preparing for an international move? You must inventory all your household goods and effects – everything on the moving truck and everything you carry yourself. Here’s how to make an inventory for an international move.
When you pack your belongings at your old home, create a few “unpack-first” boxes that contain the essentials you need to set up your new house and settle in quickly.
Even if you are moving locally, you might have to unexpectedly stay in a hotel or at a friend’s place. Here is what you should pack in your suitcase when you move.
One of my move manager secrets includes taking photos of furniture when you disassemble it so you can reassemble it easily. I also suggest that people create a “safe zone” in their homes to store items that the move manager should not pack. You can also check out my move management packing secrets and my top ten tips for taking the stress out of your next move.
If you’re starting to dread your “big day,” don’t worry – you have the Out of Chaos move management services in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland on your side. You don’t even have to lift a finger if you don’t want to. We can build a customized plan for your move and manage every detail, right down to unpacking and organizing your belongings in your new home. Contact us today for a consultation.
