Tips For Downsizing Your Home

We frequently meet homeowners that are looking to downsize, but are struggling with what to do with the furniture and belongings they’ve collected over the years in a much larger home. Having gone through a few moves ourselves, here are our tips for moving to your next chapter: 

Develop a Plan

• Determine what will fit in your new home

• Decide what you want, use and need

• Decide what you can live without and whether you’ll sell, donate or throw these items away

• Plan out a timeline for when you intend to list items for sale or schedule donation pick ups/drop offs

Start Decluttering Early if You Can:

Once you confirm that moving to a smaller home is in your future, it’s time to start decluttering. Starting this process sooner rather than later will save you the stress and headaches of waiting until the very last minute. This is a good time to start getting rid of unwanted clutter that no longer serves a purpose. Start room by room to avoid getting overwhelmed.

Tips for Getting Rid of Items That No Longer Serve You

While letting go of possessions is always easier said than done, sometimes starting a new chapter with only your favorite and essential items can feel like a breath of fresh air. Here are some ways to let go of unwanted items: 

1. Reach out to Family and Friends 

   Share with your family and friends the items that you’re looking to part ways with to see if anyone in your network can take them off your hands. At the same time, avoid holding on to too many items for future generations unless they are significant and meaningful.

2. Facebook Marketplace

   For valuable items you’re looking to sell, Facebook Marketplace is easy to use. Items that are desirable and reasonably priced can sell quickly. 

   Tips 

   • Right before you post the item to the marketplace, Facebook will ask you if you want to share the listing in any groups. Most cities and towns have yardsale and exchange groups. Opt to share your items there for maximum visibility and a faster sale.

   • You can also list items for free on the Facebook Marketplace. I recently posted a free mattress that I thought no one would want and had 32 messages in my inbox! It was picked up 4 hours after I posted it.

   • List items that you do not use sooner rather than later.

3. Donate

   Donating clothes, furniture, kitchen supplies, etc. is a great way to let go of belognings while also feeling good knowing that the items are going to someone else in need. 

   Tip

   • Many donation centers offer free pick up, even for furniture. Try a quick Google search for “furniture donation pickup + (your city)” to locate one of these services. 

   • Donating items can also be a tax write off.

   • Consider donating to a Veteran’s organization like Vietnam Veterans of America - they offer pick up services.

4. Leave Items Behind

   Did you know that when selling to Flight Home Solutions, you can leave unwanted items behind as long as it’s discussed before we agree to purchase the home? If there’s an organization you’d like to donate pieces to, we’ll take care of it.