Downsizing your home can feel overwhelming when selling your home, both emotionally and physically. However, it can also be a great opportunity to simplify your life, save money, and start fresh. We know that going through all of your personal belongings can be stressful but if you are planning to downsize your home in Atlanta, here are seven tips to help you make the process as smooth as possible so you can settle into a new home with fewer possessions, costs, and concerns.
1. Start Early
One of the most important tips for downsizing your home is to start early. Don’t wait until the last minute to start sorting through your belongings and packing. Give yourself plenty of time to make decisions about what to keep and what to get rid of. Getting your items cleared out can also help you get a leg up on moving or staging if you are also trying to sell your current home. Rarely does it help to procrastinate with anything in life, but if you need to downsize your home in Atlanta, you really don’t want to wait. Contact ATL Cash Home Buyers and we can help you get things rolling.
2. Create a Plan
Before you start packing, it’s important to create a plan for downsizing your home. Decide what items you want to keep, what items you want to donate or sell, and what items you want to throw away. If you have many rooms of sorting to complete, you may want to consider hiring a professional organizer to help you create a plan and stay on track. Also, if you do find that you have a lot of items to sell, it would be wise to start that process as soon as possible. It’s not guarantee that your belongings will fly off the shelf and it may take some time.
3. Measure Your New Space if Possible
Before you start packing, make sure you know the dimensions of your new space. This will help you determine what items you can bring with you and what items you will need to leave behind. If you haven’t yet found a new home and need to downsize, you can estimate using your current living areas. Plan for fewer rooms and for the spaces to be about half the size of your current living areas. This should ensure you have plenty of space for your belongings in a smaller home. Any sort of planning that you can accomplish because you were able to measure your new space or at least have an idea of what your new space will look like, can only help aleviate stress during the process.
4. Get Rid of Unwanted Items
Downsizing is the perfect opportunity to get rid of unwanted items. Sell or donate items that are in good condition, and throw away items that are no longer usable. Consider hosting a garage sale or using online marketplaces to sell unwanted items. This extra cash can easily offset any moving costs you are set to incur. The more stuff you can get rid of will only create a bigger sense of relief when it comes to moving time.
5. Pack Efficiently
When packing your belongings, be sure to pack them efficiently. Use boxes that are the appropriate size for the items you are packing, and label each box with its contents. This will make unpacking in your new home much easier.
6. Consider Storage Options
If you are downsizing but don’t want to get rid of certain items, consider renting a storage unit. This will allow you to keep your belongings safe and secure until you are ready to use them again. That said, ensure the items have a value that outweighs the cost of storing them. Some people end up spending hundreds of dollars to store items that would be better off sold. It would not make much sense to get a storage unit for $100 a month only to store knick knacks. Also, you’ll want to consider if you need a unit that is climate controlled or not. That can be an extra amount to make sure you don’t have to worry about moisture and hot temperatures.
7. Get Professional Help
Finally, consider getting professional help if you want to downsize your home in Atlanta. Real estate agents at ATL Real Estate Services can help you sell your current home and find a new one that meets your needs. They can also provide valuable advice and resources for downsizing, including recommendations for professional organizers and storage facilities.
Downsizing your home in Atlanta can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By following these seven tips and getting professional help from the agents at ATL Real Estate Services, you can make the process as smooth as possible and start enjoying your new, simplified life. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you when buying or selling your house in Atlanta! 404-439-9984
