22 Jul 2020
Whilst the decision to downsize can be a significant one, it can also be a sensible and positive move for many homeowners.
Downsizing will free your from the responsibilities of a larger property, reducing your monthly outgoings and worries, plus it can release equity. Downsizing can also be a great opportunity for a fresh start either in a new place or with new friends and neighbours.
Once your have found your new perfect, smaller home, you may have a hard time in deciding what to take with you as there is likely to be less space. This can especially be the case if you have lived somewhere for a long time and brought a family up - you are likely to have amassed lots of things over time!
Whilst attempting to sort this out may seem daunting at first, it can be a cathartic and refreshing experience. A good way to look at it this is that you focusing on keeping the things that you really love... and maybe shedding a few of those items that you never really liked in the first place, or now no longer need.
One immediate benefit of cutting down on the number of items you have may be cheaper moving costs, as you will need a smaller van and less men on the job.
To get started, we recommend that you make a floorplan of your new property so that you can see if your existing dining table or favourite chair will fit in to their new rooms. It can be fun to do, plus give you some confidence about your move.
1. Gift items to friends and family
Feel free to offer some of your more cherished and useful items to family members and friends (but please do not get offended if anyone says no, as after all, styles and tastes do vary!)
Some removal companies, like ourselves, will happily drop larger items of furniture off to nearby friends and family en route to your new home, so please do ask to see if this service is available to you.
2. Donate items to charity
Many charities will come and collect larger items from you so that they can sell them for much needed funds. You can book a free collection service with The British Heart Foundation - but please do check their list as to what they are unable to to take.
Bishop's Move also offer a De-clutter and Donate service, where we will supply your with stickers and bags for you to place any items you want to donate to charity. Then on moving day, we will simply collect this from you and deliver everything to the local charity, such as Sense.
3. Car boot sales or online auctions
Gumtree, FridayAd or eBay are all great places to list an item for sale, whilst car boot sales can be a great place to get rid of smaller items, plus make some cash at the same time to treat yourself at a later date.
For more valuable items there are many specialist auction companies that can help you to sell any antiques and collectibles, and most provide free valuations too.
4. House clearance services
Across the country there are various house clearance companies who will take as little or as much as you would like.
As in the case of selling items online, please do it safely, and maybe have someone with you when these individuals visit your at your home.
If all of this seems too much to handle or a little overwhelming Bishop's Move can provide extra assistance. We offer a bespoke Concierge service to help you plan every aspect of your move, from simply handling all the admin to helping you to calmly get organised.
Bishop's Move offer removal and storage services for those looking to downsize and move home in the UK, within Europe or moving abroad, simply contact us for free quote or more information.
