Are you exploring the idea of downsizing, but aren’t sure how to downsize your home? Downsizing can be a great way to de-clutter and simplify your life.

Like anything in life, it’s important to approach it in the right way to maximize the benefits that downsizing can bring you without getting too overwhelmed. Our guide to downsizing your home is a simple, straightforward roadmap that you can use to begin your journey. Ready to downsize? Following this checklist for downsizing and learn how personal storage can help you get started today!

Why Downsize Your Home?

There are many reasons individuals choose to downsize. The act of downsizing is moving from a larger home to a smaller space. Sometimes, the reasons for this are obvious. You may have one or more children that have moved away for college and no longer need a room in your home. Or you may just want to simplify your life.

A small space requires less time spent cleaning and less money spent on utilities. But, if you are going to downsize, what are you going to do with all of your belongings and possessions that may not fit in your new home? Let’s break down how to downsize your home effectively in four easy steps.

1. Explore Your New Home

One of the most important downsizing steps is to gain a firm understanding of which of your belongings will fit into a smaller space. If you’ve already bought a new home that you are planning on moving into, it’s a good idea to take the time and assess how much storage space you’ll have. This will help inform you about which items you can take with you to your new home, and which belongings you may need to store in a storage unit. You’ll also want to gauge how much additional storage you need, based on how small your new space is.

If you approach this step with thoroughness and patience, you’ll be sure to avoid any surprises. If you are certain about holding onto specific furnishings or appliances that may not be needed in the home, be sure to take note of their measurements. As you move to your new home, use those measurements to help ensure those items will fit.

2. Move Room by Room

This step is the bread and butter of downsizing. You’ll need to move through each room and assess all pieces of furniture in your home. Consider what you’ll need to store in your new home and what you can keep in your nearby storage unit. 

As you move through each room, it’s usually beneficial to pack as you go. When packing for a storage unit, it’s suggested to pack similar items and sort similar boxes together when you store them. Be sure to use quality packing materials, and if you run out, remember that your local Price Self Storage facility has high-quality moving and packing supplies available for purchase.

3. Identify a Storage Solution

When downsizing, you can benefit from some extra space by using a storage unit for any of those extra belongings. If you follow these storage unit tips and put a plan in place, you can downsize efficiently. Once you’ve assessed what items/boxes will need to go in storage, you’ll want to assess different storage unit sizes. Be sure to get measurements of your boxes or refer to our storage size guide before you secure a unit.

Reserve a storage unit with Price Self Storage and let our space become an extension of your home. Our units range in size from small units to larger ones that are capable of storing the household goods of a 4-5 bedroom home. Plus, with features like free courtesy carts and keypad controlled access, it will be easier than ever to store and retrieve your possessions!

4. Be Patient and Flexible

Following our downsizing home checklist and approaching the process with patience and flexibility will help the process move smoothly. Giving yourself plenty of time to downsize is often best. This will give you time to evaluate your belongings with ease and allow time for rest. 

Being prepared for the downsizing process will help you create an inviting new small space to live in that’s free of clutter. Reserving a storage solution early makes the process even easier! By having your storage unit ready, you can downsize efficiently room-by-room and see gratifying progress as you go.

Downsize…Don’t Depart with Belongings

Downsizing can be an exciting experience that gives you the opportunity to change your relationship with your living space. If you’re looking to simplify your life, save some money, or simply need extra space to store your belongings, downsizing can be a chance to make changes and start fresh.

Don’t forget just because you are downsizing doesn’t mean you have to depart from all of those belongings, household goods, and pieces of furniture you might not have room for in your new home. Consider renting a storage unit at one of your local Price Self Storage facilities. A storage unit will allow you to extend your storage space, giving you quick, convenient access to your possessions.

To begin your downsizing journey, let us assess your storage needs! Contact our Free Concierge Service so that one of our helpful storage professionals can help you understand our storage options and find the unit that’s perfect for you. If you need any help with the actual moving process from your previous place to your new place, check out our moving out checklist for help every step of the way!

Sources

  1. https://www.thespruce.com/getting-rid-of-stuff-when-downsizing-2436511
  2. https://www.thespruce.com/get-rid-of-sentimental-clutter-4126430
  3. https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/10-super-smart-downsizing-tips-from-our-readers-244590