DOWNSIZING WITHOUT THE DRAMA
Look around. Do you have rooms filled with things you don’t use? Maybe the kids have headed off to college and their furniture has become a breeding ground for dust? Toying with the idea of simplifying your life and moving into smaller digs? Do your parents need to pare down their homes as they transition to smaller spaces?
Whatever the case may be, you probably have been putting off de-cluttering as long as possible because you’re not sure where to start and the task feels overwhelming. Here’s the good news - downsizing does not need to be stressful. In fact, it should be liberating.
Here are 10 tips for reducing clutter and discovering the freedom of having less.
1. Gather the family
Schedule a family meeting and get everyone’s input about the plans to downsize. This is a great time to learn which stuff is important to each member of the family.
2. One thing at a time
Tackle one room at a time. Don’t get overwhelmed by thinking you have to organize the entire house in one day. The process often takes weeks or months, not days. If it feels overwhelming, get professional help. A certified move manager and organizational specialist will get you moving in the right direction and help you make progress quickly.
3. Size up your new space
Use your new space as a guide for what you’ll bring. Measure the new space and the furniture you plan to take before you move. Purge before you move. It’s more efficient and cost effective.
4. Live with what you love
Focus on the most-used and loved items and let the rest go. Nobody needs two sets of silverware or three sets of sheets. This is often the most challenging part of downsizing, especially with an elderly person.
5. Document it
Take photos. Life’s precious memories are easy to bring along and fun to look at again when you are settled in your new home.
6. Toss it (seriously)
If felines have flopped on your furnishings leaving behind their fuzzy gifts or if it’s stained, broken or chipped, throw it away. Nobody wants things that aren’t in great condition.
7. Help those in need
Furniture, art, china, crystal and even home decor that are not going to your new home can be sold or donated. If you have an income, donating may be the best financial outcome for both you and your community. And helping reputable nonprofits feels great! Be sure to understand and specifically target which nonprofit you want to support when you donate. Make sure they offer free pick-up service.
8. Show me the money
Sell your furnishings and home décor. To get the best selling price be sure to partner with consignment or liquidation services that have robust professional websites with good mobile user experiences. The biggest audience in furnishings buying today is the younger consumers who are very tech savvy. Your merchandise will sell for higher prices and faster when you consign or sell with the right company who is reaching the right target audience the right way. Look for companies that offer FREE merchandise pick up.
9. Reduce, reuse, recycle
Get to know the recycling rules in your community. Many things can go to the recycling center to be re-made into other products.
10. Embrace change
Change is hard. Companies who have a comprehensive, one-source solution including packing/clean outs, moving services, donation and retail and online sales provide you with less stress and more value.
VNTG Home is the single source solution for all your transitional needs. We offer free white-glove pick up service for consignment and donated merchandise. Our 24/7, online experience puts your once loved items in front of treasure hunters looking for unique and distinctive items. We work with you to get the best value for consigned items. Getting started is easy and FREE. Visit VNTG Home to learn more.