Moving on can feel daunting, even when you’re looking forward to a fresh start in a new, and smaller, place that’s easier to take care of. While it’s an exciting time, it doesn’t make the process any less work. Your downsizing adventure can be made easier by using a step-by-step approach to the tasks ahead.

1: Start with the Big Stuff

A life coach once spoke at a conference about a strategy called “big rocks first”. If you fill a jar with big rocks first, you still have room to add smaller rocks, thereby collecting more rocks overall. But, if you start filling the jar with little rocks, you’ll end up with no room for the big rocks. Apply this strategy to your downsizing process and start with the big decisions first. Here are some questions to ask yourself:  

Large appliances. Does the new place have them? If not, decide if you want to keep your old fridge, stove, etc. or buy new ones when you move.

Large electronics. The same rule applies here. Your old TV may have served you well, but does it fit with your new digs? Can it be wall-mounted to save space? If it’s time to retire your existing TV, consider the advantages and flexibility of investing in a home theater projector that mounts on the ceiling to provide big-screen entertainment in less space.

Large items with a history and Collections. Do you have legacy tools, art pieces, china, furniture, or other collectibles that are kept for sentimental value? Consider whether you’ll be happier keeping them or passing them down to another generation.

Cars. If you have a classic or hobby car, there may not be room for it at your new location. If not, think about whether you can afford to store it or perhaps sell or bequeath it to someone.

Musical instruments. A piano or other large instrument represents a major investment, but take up a lot of room if you don’t play them any more. Quality instruments do increase in value, so consider selling or passing them on to a new young talent if you no longer play.

2: Create a Four-Station Sorting System

      i.         Give away - items that others in your immediate circle can and will use.

     ii.         Donate - serviceable but unwanted items to charitable agencies such as Goodwill. Many of these offer pick-up services.

    iii.         Sell – items you no longer need/want that have cash value, and use the money to help with moving costs.

    iv.         Throw away – things that are broken, unusable, or beyond cleaning or repair.

3: Scour Hidden Spaces

Don’t forget to make a raid of rarely-used spaces that tend to become general dumping grounds. Apply the above sorting rules to spare rooms, sheds, garages, the attic, basement, crawlspaces, broom or linen closets and bathroom cabinets.

4: Current Furniture

If you’re taking at least some of your existing furniture with you, take measurements and ensure they will fit in your new rooms and fit through doors and hallways. Choose only the pieces you really want, and send the rest to a new home with a family member, friend, storage unit or local charity.

5: Kitchen Time

Don’t be overwhelmed by the volume of kitchenware. Select the items you use most and can’t live without such as coffee makers, favorite pans, silverware, dishes and tools first. You’ll likely be able to part with most of what’s left.

If you’re considering moving to smaller accommodations in the Portland area, we can simplify both your search, and the selling of your current home with our professional and proven real estate services.

The Sadle Home Selling Team
Keller Williams Realty Professionals
503-828-9551
info@sadlerealestate.com