Practical Tips When Downsizing for a Move

If you’re downsizing to a smaller home, you can transform this challenge into an opportunity for a fresh start. Downsizing allows you to streamline your possessions, reduce moving costs and create a more manageable living space in your new home.  

When planning to downsize, consider how much of your stuff you can part with, and which must-haves you’ll need to make a smaller space functional and livable. How will you organize and store what remains in a way that keeps your downsized digs uncluttered?   

In this article, you’ll discover essential tips and strategies to guide you through the downsizing process. Read on for tips and advice to help you work through the challenges of downsizing to simplify your life, save money and gain more freedom. 

Assessing Your Needs

Before you can start packing, assessing your current belongings in terms of the available space in your new home. Go room by room and evaluate what you need to live comfortably, determining what you want to keep and what you want to get rid of before you settle into your downsized home. 

Storage 

When planning your move, think about the amount of storage available in your new home. When you downsize, space is often limited, so multipurpose furniture and hidden storage spaces become important. Look for beds with built-in drawers underneath, tables that fold against the wall and couches with hidden storage compartments. You’ll also want to maximize vertical space as much as possible with wall shelves, hanging racks and lofts. Measure closets, cabinets and storage spaces to ensure your most important items will fit. This will help avoid bringing too much and feeling cramped in your new home. 

Determining What to Take

When downsizing, list the things you can’t live without, like a comfortable bed, a small kitchenette, a toilet/shower combo and a place to unwind. Resist the temptation to cram in nonessential extras just because you’re used to having them.  

If you haven’t used an item in the past year, it’s likely you won’t miss it in your new home. This rule applies particularly well to clothing, kitchen gadgets, single-use small appliances and hobby-related items. However, be mindful of seasonal items such as holiday decoration that may still be worth keeping despite infrequent use. 

Downsizing

Downsizing goes beyond simply reducing the number of your possessions; it’s consciously choosing to live with less. Items you use regularly or hold irreplaceable sentimental value should be kept. For items with monetary worth, consider selling through online platforms or yard sales. Donate gently used items to local charities, supporting your community while decluttering your space. Remember, the more you declutter before the move, the easier it will be to settle into your new home.  

Get creative with storage for small spaces. Use lidded baskets, bins and containers to keep items organized and contained. Pare down your wardrobe to high-quality essentials that mix and match. Choose clothing that folds or hangs compactly. Underbed boxes and wall mounts are great for small closets. 

Photos, mementos and decorative items should be few but meaningful. Display them prominently. Get rid of knickknacks that create clutter—and resist that sentimental compulsion to hold onto the past. 

Avoiding Hidden Costs and Unexpected Expenses 

When downsizing for a move, it’s crucial to anticipate potential financial surprises. For example, storage fees can quickly accumulate if you underestimate the time needed to sort through belongings. Disposal costs for large items or hazardous materials may also catch you off guard. Don’t forget about potential cleaning expenses for your old home or repairs needed in your new space.  

Also, consider the cost of replacing items that don’t fit your new lifestyle or living space. By factoring in these often-overlooked expenses, you’ll be better prepared for a smooth and budget-friendly transition to your downsized home. 

Decluttering Room by Room: The Ultimate Guide 

Downsizing can feel overwhelming if you try to tackle everything at once. A room-by-room approach will help you stay organized and focused. It will also ensure you only bring the essentials to your new home. As you go through each space, use categories like Keep, Donate, Sell and Discard to make decisions easier. Here’s how to approach downsizing in each major room of your home: 

Living Room

Start by evaluating large furniture pieces like couches, coffee tables and entertainment centers. If your new home has a smaller living area, consider downsizing to multifunctional furniture that serves multiple purposes. Don’t forget to pare down electronics, decorative items and media collections you no longer need. 

Simple, Effective Tips to Packing a Living Room

Kitchen

Kitchens are notorious for clutter, especially with duplicate items and gadgets. Take time to sort through appliances, cookware and utensils. Keep what you use regularly and donate or sell excess items. Minimize pantry items by consuming or donating food before the move. If you’ll be moving with Mayflower, ask your agent if they participate in the Move For Hunger program.  

How to Pack Kitchen Items: Your Dishes, Appliances and More

Bedrooms 

Closets are one of the most critical areas to address when downsizing. Sort through clothing, shoes and accessories, donating items you no longer wear or that no longer fit. Reduce excess bedding and consider the layout of your new bedroom before deciding what to keep. A bed with built-in storage can help maximize space in a smaller bedroom. 

How to Pack a Bedroom: Moving Your Clothes, Bed and More

Bathrooms 

The bathroom tends to accumulate extra toiletries and linens. Properly discard any expired products and medications, old makeup or unnecessary duplicates. Limit towels, linens and personal care items to what will comfortably fit into the smaller space.  

Garage/Basement/Attic

These spaces are often used as storage catch-alls, making them prime candidates for decluttering. Sort through tools, seasonal items and old decor. Consider selling or donating oversized items like old appliances or furniture that won’t fit in your new home. 

Special Considerations When Downsizing to a Smaller Home 

If you are downsizing to move into a smaller home, there is more to consider than what you plan to keep. Consider these factors when exploring your options: 

Zoning Laws

Check with your local municipality about zoning laws and building codes for tiny homes. Some areas prohibit tiny homes altogether, while others have specific requirements on square footage, foundations and utilities. Look for areas zoned for recreational vehicles, mobile homes or accessory dwelling units. 

Size 

The most important question to ask yourself when moving to a tiny home is, how small are you willing to go? Tiny houses range from 100 to 400 square feet. A smaller size, around 100 to 200 square feet, is ideal for one or two people. Plus, it’s easier to tow and site. Larger tiny homes, 300 square feet and up, sleep up to four people and have more spacious interiors. However, they can be more challenging to move and place. 

Layout

Think about how you want to use the space. An open concept with a combined kitchen, living and dining area works well for small spaces. Lofted beds, fold-out furniture and built-in storage can maximize floor space. For privacy, consider a partition wall or curtains to separate sleeping areas.  

Features

Choose features wisely for your needs and available space. A kitchenette with a mini-fridge, sink and two-burner stove is sufficient for a single person. On the other hand, families will still want a full kitchen. A composting toilet uses no water and little space, while a shower stall takes up minimal room. Built-in benches, tables and storage cabinetry serve multiple purposes. Skylights, windows letting in natural light and neutral colors make a small space feel more open and airier. 

Utilities

Any location you consider has access to necessary utilities like electricity, water and sewage. If utilities are not already set up, decide if the area can support installing them for your tiny home. Some remote areas may need off-grid options like solar power, composting toilets, and rainwater collection systems. 

Community

Seek out tiny home communities where you plan to move. Some offer rental lots with utilities already set up. Living in a community provides security, amenities and a built-in social network with like-minded people. You may find communities on private land with an open-minded landlord or RV/mobile home parks open to tiny homes. 

Natural Surroundings

For many, being close to nature is an enormous appeal of tiny home living. Look for locations near parks, hiking and biking trails or with nice views of natural scenery. Make sure the climate in that area suits your needs. Tiny homes can be more challenging to heat and cool, so locations with temperate climates are preferable. 

Simplify Your Move with Mayflower

Ultimately, the best advice when downsizing is to focus on what matters to you. Get rid of the excess stuff weighing you down. Design a cozy space that makes the most of every square foot. Learn to do more with less. Connect with others on the same journey. And don’t forget, there’s a whole world of discovery outside your front door. 

The experts at Mayflower can help make your moving experience a breeze. With a full-service moving package, you can access a personal move coordinator, full packing and unpacking services, qualified drivers and equipment. Mayflower can handle your moving needs so you can focus on decluttering and downsizing for your new home. To simplify your moving process and downsize efficiently, get a quote today. 

We also hope you’ll check out the useful content we have available on subjects like packing your belongings and settling into your new neighborhood as well as our guides to regional cuisines, cities, and more. And our digital magazine, Welcome HOME, is a must-read for any savvy mover!