Downsizing Checklist: Steps To Staying Organized While Moving

You only have so many cardboard boxes, but you have so much stuff to pack. Are you thinking of downsizing before you move out? By cutting down on clutter, you’ll enjoy the following benefits:

• Less mess, less stress! When you’re surrounded by clutter, it adds unnecessary stress to your life. By reducing the number of belongings in your home, you’ll enjoy more peace of mind.

• More options when choosing an apartment. If you have a lot of stuff, you won’t be able to move into a smaller apartment. Expand your options by limiting the amount of furniture and clutter you have. 

• Make your move easier. For every item you declutter, you’ll have one less thing to pack and move into your new apartment. When moving day arrives, you’ll thank yourself for it.

Ready to start downsizing? We’ve put together this checklist to make moving a little less stressful:

List Your Belongings

It’s hard to get an overview of all your possessions when they’re all over the place. You might find it easier to take an inventory of your things before you begin. Draft an itemized list of areas where you’ll want to declutter, like the bathroom cabinet, the dresser, and the kitchen pantry. When it’s all laid out on paper, you can create a plan of action.

Go Room by Room

The task ahead of you may seem overwhelming at first. So, instead of trying to do everything at once, take it room by room. You might want to start with something small, like the bathroom, and then move on to the bedroom or living room.

This organized approach will also make it easier to keep track of which items are packed in which boxes. You can also label the boxes so that when it’s time to unpack, you’ll know exactly where everything is.

Decide What to Do with Junk

How do you know when it’s time to get rid of something? Start by asking yourself when the last time you used or wore it was. If it’s been longer than 6 months, it’s probably time to part with it.

Your “discard” pile is growing by the day. Soon enough, it’s a towering pile of items you no longer want or need. What should you do with it all?

Whenever possible, look for ways to recycle things or pass them along to others. You can call friends and family members to ask if they need anything you’re getting rid of. Or, donate them to a local store that accepts drop-offs. Looking to make a little extra cash? Try selling them on a local marketplace, like Facebook or Kijiji.

Some things are better just to toss. To get rid of a larger piece of furniture, call the city (311) to request a special pickup.

Give Yourself Plenty of Time 

Have you ever tried to move everything in one day? Chances are, you seriously regretted it. Moving takes time, physical energy, and mental effort; it’s an exhausting process, to say the least. 

If you’re downsizing in a hurry, you might get rid of something that you’ll want later. It’s better to give yourself ample time for a project this big. Depending on how long you have before your move, you can set aside time each day to sort your belongings.

If you’re on the hunt for Winnipeg apartments, then you’ve come to the right place. At Globe Property Management, we feature hundreds of apartment listings on our website. Browse our selection today!