I have assisted hundreds of families with their moves, and one thing they all seem to agree on is that moving stinks. As a helpful professional organizer, I always strive to assist my clients in picturing their new home, how they will fit into it, and how to transition with the least amount of stress. However, this can be a challenge for many, and as a result, a lot of unnecessary items are moved with regret. I recommend that you read this article to help you plan your move. Chances are, you’ll move more than you need. My best advice is to minimize the stress of your move by reducing your belongings, so you move fewer items. It’s difficult to let go, but it’s more challenging to live among boxes for several months.
Step One
Knowing your destination is the most crucial and significant task. This decision becomes the foundation of all subsequent decisions. You must consider the distance of the move, the size and amenities of your new place, and other relevant factors. These choices will have a considerable impact on the furniture you bring with you, the yard equipment you require, and the amount of cookware you can fit for example. Knowing all these answers in advance will help you plan your move and make it more efficient.
Step Two
It is advisable to get a floor plan made, which would help you visualize where your furniture would fit in your new space. This is particularly useful if you are downsizing. Identify the furniture pieces that are essential or your favorites. Additionally, consider what storage space you’ll have in the new home and what furniture you can keep that can store items. Based on these choices, you can determine what furniture can be accommodated in your new space.
Step Three
It’s time for family to discuss what they want and don’t want. More and more these days I am hearing adult children say they don’t want much. They have homes of their own and their homes are full already. It can be difficult to accept that no one in the family may want your things. But once you know what your family does and doesn’t want you can get closer to downsizing and obtaining your main goal. An easy and stress-free move!
Step Four
How do you dispose of the items you no longer need? There are several ways to discard your unwanted items. Some methods require more time and effort, while others are quick and easy. Some options may even bring you a small return on your investment. However, when downsizing, it’s not the best time to try and make money. What’s important is to make your move easy and stress-free. You can use more than one option below to maximize your returns, but it’s essential to consider your time and stress level. Using multiple methods can make your move more complex.
Donate
Donating items is the easiest way to transition. There is no need to haggle over prices or find a buyer. You can even find organizations that will pick up the items for you. While they may charge a small fee for pick up, it’s worth the help in getting the items moved out of your home without you having to do any heavy lifting. If you live in Richmond, Virginia here are several organizations I recommend donating to.
Estate Sale
If you’re planning to sell your estate, you can also consider having an estate sale. It’s best to conduct this sale once you have moved out and have taken with you all the things you want to keep. This way, you can leave behind the items you want to sell. However, it can be challenging if you can’t move into your new home and keep the home you’re living in simultaneously. The benefit of having an estate sale is that you can leave the task of marketing the sale, marking items for sale, and creating lots to the experts. Although not everything may sell, you’ll still make some money off your items, and your items won’t end up in a landfill. Keep in mind that you may need to have some items hauled away in the end.
Yard Sale
You can have a yard sale to get rid of things. However, organizing a yard sale takes a lot of time. Heavy lifting (to get items to your yard) and effort on your part. Before you start, you need to plan how to notify people of your sale, such as putting up signs or posting on social media. To attract potential buyers, highlight your best items and make sure they are visible. Keep in mind you may get bad weather, and not everything will sell, so consider doing it a few weekends in a row. Be prepared to donate or dispose of the remaining items. You may not make a lot of money, but you’ll save yourself the hassle of hauling everything away.
Sell Online
If you wish to sell your items, you can consider using a platform like the Facebook Marketplace. However, you need to follow certain steps. First, take clear photographs of your items, and then post them along with their prices on the platform. It is important to be available to meet with interested buyers, but for your safety, it’s best not to meet them at your residence. Before setting the prices, make sure to research the selling price of similar items to avoid overpricing or underpricing your items. This will help you price your items competitively and save you time. Descriptions matter. Be sure to include all pertinent information in the listing or buyers will pass you by.
Auction
If you want to sell your items, you can use an auction company. They will either come to your home to take your items or you can bring them to the company yourself. The company will determine how to sell items so several items may be put in one lot. Keep in mind that you won’t know what price your items will sell for and you’ll have to accept whatever you get. This can be a quick and easy way to declutter your home and prevent items from ending up in a landfill.
Consignment
Another option is to consign your items. However, this requires that the items are in mint condition. Consignment stores are very selective and usually want only current items that are in like-new condition. It’s unlikely that all of your items will be accepted, but if you’re okay with receiving a percentage of the sale of a few items, this could be a good option. However, you should keep in mind that if your items don’t sell within a certain period, the price will be lowered. Eventually, you may be asked to take back the items or the store may donate them on your behalf.
Hauling
If items are damaged, or worn and filthy don’t donate them. Have them hauled away. Haulers will take the items to a proper facility to be recycled or broken down for parts. Also, if you have an organization you want to donate to but can’t pick up your items a hauler can do it for you.
Moving is an expensive task. Additionally, getting rid of items will also cost you money. If you consider this when planning your move and budget it may sting a little less. You can choose to have an easy and stress-free move or save/make money but unfortunately, you can’t likely have both.
If you need help with an upcoming move Sara Jane Organizing can help. Click here for a FREE consultation and we can start planning your move together!
