Where to Begin when Downsizing Your Home

Making the decision to downsize due to a move or an empty nest since your last child left home is just the beginning. There is a lot more that needs to be done before your home shrinks down even further. Where do you take it from there?

Go Through Each Room

The first thing you need to do is go through each room and make an inventory of what you have. This does not have to include every shred of paper or article of clothing, but it should give you a basic idea of what you have.

As you go through drawers and cupboards you may be surprised at all the appliances, utensils and books you no longer use or read. Make a note of these and then move on to the next room until you have exhausted each room. Include what's in the garage, as many people use their garages for storage, rather than for a car.

Sort Items into Different Categories

Once you have gone through each room in the house, start over, but this time you should go through each room with the intention of categorising items. Sort items into piles of things you intend to keep, shred, donate, or sell. When trying to decide what to do with furniture, knick knacks, or papers, ask yourself if you can afford to pay for the extra weight, if you really need to keep it (and if so, why) or if would be better to just let it go.

Set Up Garage/yard Sales and Consignments

Moving is not cheap, which is why it pays to consider setting up garage/yard sales and sort through personal belongings to take to consignment shops. At the end of the garage/yard sale or once you have sold consigned items, put the money toward your moving fund. If you still have several months to go before you move, hold multiple garage/yard sales, to help maximise your earnings even more.

Use EBay, Craigslist and Place an Advertisement in the Newspaper

If you do not like the idea of getting up at the crack of dawn to host a garage/yard sale on a Saturday morning, but still want to make some money as you downsize in preparation for your move, consider using eBay or Craigslist or place an advertisement in the local newspaper. Then wait for the customers to come to you. Just be sure to provide a detailed description of items you have for sale, along with prices and pictures, if appropriate.

Downsizing can be time consuming and stressful, but once it is done, you will feel relieved and motivated to carry on with the rest of your move. Downsizing not only helps reduce moving costs, but it gives you the perfect excuse to de-clutter and dispose of items you no longer use or need.

More from this contributor:

How to Get Used to Living with Less when You Downsize Your Home.

The Benefits of Downsizing when You Move Abroad.

How to Move you're your New Home Before Your Household Goods Arrive.