Downsizing can be a tough job. Downsizing in a hurry can be even more stressful. Giving yourself plenty of time to sell, donate, or trash some of your belongings is ideal. But if you find yourself in a situation where you don’t have the luxury of time, don’t fret. There are ways that you can downsize quickly. Here’s what you need to know.
Designate a sorting area
Do you feel overwhelmed by the amount of stuff you need to sort through? Then we suggest clearing an area and using it as a sorting station. This could be just a corner of your living room, an entire bedroom, or part of your garage or basement. Use this area to sort items into those you are keeping, those you are donating or selling, and those you are throwing out.
Get rid of duplicates
We know how comforting it can be to have back-ups. But if you need to downsize, then you should get rid of any items that are duplicates. This includes everything from kitchen utensils to plastic containers. Keep only the best of the bunch and let go of the rest.
Sell items with the house
In extreme cases where you need to unload a large amount of stuff, consider selling items with the house. This can be great for any custom-made furniture or other items that take up a lot of space. For example, if you have a dining table custom-made for your dining room or you bought a king-size bed that fits perfectly in the master suite, then think about including these items in your listing. Just be clear that these items will be staying with the home and frame them as a feature.
Sell items online
If you’d like to make some money while you’re downsizing, then consider selling items online. You can list your items on multiple websites to get a faster sale. This can be particularly good for large items that are difficult to move, as the person who buys the item will be responsible for getting it out of your home.
Have an estate sale
Another way to quickly downsize is to host an estate sale. Unlike a yard sale where you price everything yourself and haul it outside, you hire a professional company to have an estate sale. They will get everything in your home ready to sell and take care of pricing and labeling. They will also handle all the transactions on the days of the sale. Estate sale companies have a wide marketing reach and devoted shoppers, so you’ll no doubt get a good turnout for your sale and see a profit.
Find charities that will pick up your items
If you want to donate a large amount of stuff to charity, then look online for those that offer pick-up services in your area. Instead of having to load up your car and make several trips to your local donation location, they will come to you. This is great for large items such as dressers, desks, tables, and couches. You generally do not need to pay a fee and your items will be given a second life.
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