There has never been a more perfect opportunity to downsize than when you’re moving.
Downsizing allows you to save money. And that money can be used to pay rent or your mortgage. Downsizing also allows you to make space for and maintain only the essentials in your life.
A lot more people are moving from the suburbs to the cities and into smaller apartments.
No matter what your reasons are for downsizing, it’s guaranteed to have a great effect on your psyche.
Again, you are making space for only the essential things in your life.
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The difficult part of preparing for a move from a bigger home into a smaller home is letting go of things that you no longer need but give you a sense of comfort.
Getting rid of excess stuff is easier said than done. Plus, downsizing may not at all be your primary choice.
No matter how unpleasant, downsizing is still a move forward. So, onward we go.
#1 Take inventory of your stuff
The first step is to take a close inventory of your belongings. Ask yourself what you would take with you in case of a fire? What items are irreplaceable?
List down the things that are actually important to you and the things that you CAN live without.
Now, the things that you can live without don’t necessarily have to go. They just aren’t your first priority when it comes to packing. These are also the things that can move into a storage facility.
Say you can live without your huge TV. When you’re downsizing, you can easily replace your big TV with a smaller one.
This full inventory is also going to be really helpful in securing homeowner’s insurance.
#2 Sell or donate the things that you CAN live without
Take a look at the list of things that you can live without. These are usually kitchen appliances, dining sets, shoes, clothes, books, electronics, extra beds and futons, furniture, etc.
The things that you are holding on to are only depreciating in value. Therefore, do not be afraid to part with them.
You can either sell them or donate them. Get cash for the things you can do without by either holding a yard sale or selling them on eBay or Craigslist.
Buy yourself a newer couch that suits your downsized home perfectly rather than hold on to your old musty couch.
The things that you cannot sell, you can donate to your nearest Goodwill.
#3 Get creative with storage options
Downsizing means having less space. The good news is that it helps you get creative with storage. Go to your local Home Depot or IKEA and you’ll see ottomans with inside storage, wall-mounted shelving, and beds with under storage boxes.
The rule of thumb with space saving storage is going up and not out.
#4 Choose wisely what you’re going to allow to enter your space
So you’ve moved into a smaller apartment and are deep in the throes of downsizing — be wise about what you let occupy space in your dwellings.
You need to be ruthless if you want to avoid clutter in your home. Your space is now at a premium, and it’s easy to clutter a small space.
Make sure that you absolutely need everything you take in. Or make compromises. For example, if you’re buying a new pair of shoes, sell or donate about two pairs. Get with the mindset and let it be your habit.
#5 Go digital
We are in the digital age. Bulky CDs, DVDs, and all other paperwork are best digitized. Explore your cloud storage options, with Google Drive, you get 15GB free. With a Microsoft Office 365 account, you get 1TB free cloud storage on Onedrive.
If you don’t trust the cloud, get a hard drive. You can get a cheap one for $50 for 1TB of storage.
All of this can free up many boxes of documents and files.
#6 Rent a storage unit
Remember the list of things you can live without but you don’t actually wish to part with because you have a legitimate need for them in the future? For those items, you can rent a storage unit.
With a rented storage space, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your belongings are properly stored and in a safe environment.
You can leave your belongings there and find them just as you had left them.
San Francisco Moving Company Storage Space: Cummings Moving Co.
Whether you need a temporary home for your belongings or long term storage space, or even extra room for your business (in which case you’ll need warehouse space), Cummings Moving Company has plenty of clean, safe storage available.
Pay only for the storage you need. Our storage spaces are clean and well-lit and equipped with video monitoring and alarm system.
Our warehouse building has private lockers and industrial grade shelving for larger pieces of furniture. Rest assured, your belongings remain sealed, blanket-wrapped or boxed and stored until you are ready to pick up or have them delivered.
Request a FREE Residential Storage Quote or FREE Small Business Storage Quote.
Or give us a call at 415-387-4000 or 650-692-3000 with your questions.
Remember, with Cummings Moving Co., you only pay for the space you use!
