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Why You Should Downsize Before Your Residential Move

We all have them — those gifts that we really didn’t like, but we kept so we wouldn’t hurt the givers’ feelings. We keep those clothes from 20 years ago so that we can wear them again when we lose weight. We hang onto that large overstuffed sofa that belonged to our aunt because discarding it seemed heartless. 

Now, you’re moving to a new home, and it’s time to declutter your home. It’s time to let go of some of the things you have been holding onto. Here are some reasons to start your purge.

Save Some Money

The more stuff you move, the more you’ll pay for the move. Moving companies charge based on weight and labor costs. That large sofa that you don’t really love could add to your moving costs. Packing up all those clothes and gifts will also require more space and packing hours, again raising the price.

Save Time

Sorting and deciding what to discard does require some time upfront. However, downsizing saves time in the long run. You won’t have to unpack all these items and find a place for them at your new home. You won’t have to dust, sweep, and vacuum around them every week.

Earn Money

You’ve heard the saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” That overstuffed sofa might earn you a little cash at a garage or estate sale. Your old clothes may make you money at Thredup or a consignment shop. Those gifts that you didn’t like might pique someone else’s interest on e-bay.

Sell Your Home Faster

Most real estate agents advise you to clear out unwanted items from your home before putting it up for sale. Decluttered rooms appear larger, while cluttered homes can distract buyers from imagining themselves and their furnishings in the house. Cluttered homes also give potential buyers the impression that the home has not been well-maintained, while uncluttered ones provide the feeling of being taken care of. Well-maintained homes and those that the buyer can envision as their own tend to sell faster.

Help Others

You can help others by donating items you no longer need or want. Your old clothes might be perfect for someone who has lost their job and needs something to wear to the interview. Those gifts you didn’t like might interest a shopper at a charity thrift store. 

Improve Your Health

Clutter negatively affects health. Having too much stuff in a home often gives a sense of discontent. Too much clutter sends a message to your brain that you have too much to do, making relaxation and sleep difficult. You also spend what could otherwise be leisure time looking for possessions you have misplaced. Letting go of possessions can be calming and freeing.

Start Fresh

Moving provides an opportunity to start over — not just in a new place but with new habits.  If you take all the clutter with you, you’re likely to quickly go back to your old habits. Also, a new home cries out for new furnishings. By downsizing before the move, you’ve created space for those new items that are perfect for your new surroundings.

Get Moving

Downsizing is challenging. You may want to procrastinate. But downsizing has so many advantages that it’s well worth the effort.

We can help get you to your new home. Contact us for a free quote.

 

 

 

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