There are many reasons that people need to downsize; seniors do it after retirement so they can move into a smaller home that’s easier to take care of, while younger homeowners do it once their children are grown and have moved out. For some, cash offers on a home can lead to a time crunch where moving is concerned, and when you need to get out quickly, it might be difficult to pack up an entire home.
Downsizing not only offers a helpful solution, it allows sellers to make a little extra money by having a yard or garage sale or unloading unwanted pieces of furniture to interested parties, such as an antiques dealer.
When you have a lot to pack and not much time, it’s one of the best options. Downsizing can be a little overwhelming, however, especially if you have a lot of belongings to go through. Here are some of the best tips on how to downsize when time is of the essence.
Get some help
Garner support from friends and family members who can help you go through your things room-by-room. Designate someone to gather packing materials, someone to take care of removing trash, and someone to help you sort through the items you want to sell, keep, and donate. This process will take quite a while if you try to do it alone, but having a team will help you get through it quickly.
Get organized
The best way to draw out a project is to be disorganized, so start in one room and complete it before moving on to the next. Make a list of tasks, as well as packing lists that can be taped to the outside of each box; this will help you find things in a hurry. Be sure to leave several boxes for moving day, which will be reserved for last minute items such as medication, items belonging to your pets, cleaning supplies, and bedding. For more tips on packing, read on here.
Hold a sale
If the weather is nice, hold an estate sale to make a little extra money and to get rid of anything you don’t need anymore. Keep in mind that few people will want half-burned candles or worn-out shoes; save usable items for the sale and place them nicely on tables. If possible, put something out that will sparkle a bit, such as a piece of crystal, to attract passer-by. Don’t forget to start with some cash to make change and draw up some colorful signs to place around the neighborhood beforehand.
If it’s winter, you can use social media to your advantage. For instance, Facebook has a “yard sale” feature where you can post items you have for sale and share them with anyone on the site.
Think outside the box
If you find yourself in a position where you need to move fairly quickly but you haven’t found a home yet, you can always look for a rental that will allow you to go month-to-month until you can secure what you really want. Ask your realtor to help you find something that will accommodate your needs so you can vacate your current home on time.
Downsizing is a big job, especially if you have a big home with lots of rooms, but in many cases it’s the best thing you can do for yourself. Paring down and learning to live without things you rarely use can help you become more eco-conscious and can even help with anxiety and stress, something that studies have shown to occur after an individual declutters their home.