Moving and Downsizing is hard enough on its own, but trying to decide what to do with everything is very frustrating.
I just recently downsized and had to go through years and years of clothes, furniture, glassware, records, CDs, towels, trophies and beyond!
The decision about what to keep, toss and give away was a huge undertaking since at one time we had a family of 7, and memories and furniture from 3 generations in the house. I hope you can use some of these suggestions and if you think of something else, please let me know at LeslieSellsSavannah@gmail.com.
Downsizing can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little planning and effort, you can get rid of all the stuff you don’t need and make the move to a smaller home a lot easier.
Here are a few tips for downsizing and getting rid of your stuff by selling and recycling:
- Start by decluttering. The first step to downsizing is to declutter your home. Get rid of anything you don’t use, need, or love. This could include clothes, furniture, appliances, electronics, toys, books, and more.
- Sell what you can. Once you’ve decluttered, you can start selling the items you don’t want to keep. There are a number of ways to sell your belongings, including online marketplaces, garage sales, and consignment shops.
- Recycle what you can’t sell. If you can’t sell your belongings, don’t throw them away. Instead, recycle them. This is a great way to reduce your environmental impact and save money on disposal fees.
- Get help from a professional. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the task of downsizing, you can hire a professional organizer to help you. A professional organizer can help you declutter, sell, and recycle your belongings.
FURNITURE
This picture is a great example. This is a 1920s icebox that has floated around my family for years, but I just couldn’t let it go. When I decided to move, I teamed up with a furniture painter to figure out what to do with it (see the main pic on this page above for the final product… wine bar… I’m in LOVE).
If you have something sentimental and special, make it special, and use it and love it. If someone offered me $5k for this piece, I couldn’t let it go!
Also, if you have wooden furniture that you’d like to let go, make sure you also call one of these places because oftentimes they search for ways to upcycle them and resell them. Look for local furniture painters to get ideas of ways to use your current pieces in the future.
COLLECTIBLES
Here are some additional tips for getting rid of collectibles:
- Do your research. Before you sell or donate your collectibles, it’s important to do your research and find out what they’re worth. This will help you get the best possible price for your items.
- Pack them carefully. When you’re packing your collectibles, be sure to pack them carefully to avoid damage. Use sturdy boxes and plenty of packing material.
- Label your boxes. When you’re packing your collectibles, be sure to label the boxes clearly so that you know what’s inside. This will help you find your collectibles when you unpack at your new home.
CRAFT SUPPLIES, TOYS, GAMES, VHS TAPES
I posted in my neighborhood group when my kiddos outgrew some of their craft supplies. There were some younger girls that were super excited to receive all of the beads and jewelry making kits that we no longer used. Now we like using the puzzles that another neighbor gave to us!
Think outside of the box with items like YARN or FABRIC. Our local YMCA has a volunteer group that makes blankets for the elderly and they live off of donations.
The daycare at a local school was able to put to good use some of the VHS tapes we have held onto for WAY TOO LONG! I posted on facebook that I had a bunch of 8 track tapes and regular cassettes, and a local collector came over and gave me some cash for these dusty items!
Downsizing your home can be a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity to simplify your life and save money. By following these tips, you can downsize your home and get rid of your stuff in a way that’s both efficient and environmentally friendly.
I did process myself and it is very freeing! Feel free to message me and ask me about how best to downsize your home and make your life simpler in the process!
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