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A GON Reader Asks

Hi Maria,

I am moving to a new house (one bedroom, about 900 square feet), downsizing from a five bed, 3,600 square foot house due to a new job! I am at a point where I cannot decide what to do with my household items, clothes, toys, books and furniture that my family is currently enjoying. We have spent a good amount of time and money in selecting and buying them as it is our first house, but they will not fit in the new house.

My family and friends have already taken what they needed, but I still have lots of good items. I have started to donate, discard, and recycle some. I also tried selling perfectly good items online/garage sale with some success.

But the process seems like it will take forever, instead of two to three months. Maria, please help me to figure out what else can I do to reduce my load without wasting anything.

This Reader Question was submitted by:

--Clueless in Chicago


Maria Gracia responds...

Thank you so much for your note and your question.

With your new move coming up, there is definitely a need to downsize, and you are looking at twenty five percent of the space you have now, so this is a major downsizing. You're already off to a fantastic start!

Something that may help, if you're able, is to get or take some photos of your new home, as well as get some measurements. Then, begin listing each piece of furniture and each item that will go in each room. You may be able to visualize, right away, what's not going to fit in your new space.

Begin thinking about the furniture you're going to be bringing with you. Be sure it's going to fit without it being bulky. Sometimes, even if we love a particular bed or table, the reality is that it may be just too big for the space we're trying to fit it in. Choose the pieces that you're taking with you based on the size of the rooms in your new home, and begin taking photos of the furniture you're going to have to sell. If you're moving in two or three months...this is definitely the time to begin selling anything that's not absolutely necessary to keep right now...which is pretty much everything you're not taking, besides the beds your family is using, perhaps your sofa, and a table and chair set. Begin listing these on social media buy/sell sites, and in your local newspaper. If they're 'priced to sell' and they're in good condition, they likely will sell. Anything that doesn't sell is going to need to be donated, so begin checking around with local charities that will pick up items from you, well before you have to move out.

For clothes, each person should choose the clothing that they enjoy wearing AND that will fit in their closet/dresser in the new house. I'm not sure where you're moving. If you're staying in the Chicago area, you'll need to hang onto coats and boots. If you're moving to Florida or another warm weather state, you can let go of most cold-weather items.

As for books, I would only take a few treasures, and I highly recommend you switch over to digital books if you haven't already. Books take up a lot of space. You can always pick up what you need from the local library and allow that establishment to be your 'book shelf.'

For household items, like appliances, computers, knick knacks, lamps, etc., again, it's important to remember that you have to truly downsize. I would make a list of the absolute necessities. For instance, no way I could live without my coffee maker and blender...but I could definitely live without my bread maker and waffle iron if I had to. Also keep in mind that, even if you do use something right now, you may have to leave it behind and choose a smaller version for your new home depending on your available space.

Toys? Ask your kids to choose a determined number of favorites. Donate the rest to schools, day cares, or charities.

Holiday items? Keep keepsake ornaments, and donate the rest.

Glassware? Dinnerware? Pots and pans? Take one 'set.' Donate the rest.

I know this is hard, but try not to think about the money you originally spent on these items. You bought them...they served you well...and now they can serve someone else well. A new chapter is opening in your family's life and new adventures await. Take a more minimalist approach now, and you can always add to your new home and new dreams in the years to come.

I wish you a successful, no-stress move...and hope you'll write again and let me know about your moving adventures once you're in your new digs.

--Maria

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