Moving? How to Decide What to Keep

Moving can be a bittersweet chapter in the life of a homeowner. It’s a transition packed with the potential for fresh beginnings, yet often fraught with the complexities of managing the possessions we’ve accumulated over time. From clothing and furniture to kitchen gadgets and sentimental items, it can be challenging to determine what should make the cut for the next chapter in your life. We’ll share some tips and strategies to help you decide what to keep when moving, making the transition smoother and more efficient.

Consider the size of your new space

One important factor to consider when deciding what to keep when moving is the size of your new home. If you’re downsizing, you may need to prioritize which items are essential and let go of things that won’t fit in your new space. Take measurements of each room in your new home and compare them with the dimensions of your current belongings. This will help you determine if certain pieces of furniture or large items need to stay behind. Think about the functionality and practicality of each item – if it doesn’t serve a purpose or bring you joy, it may be time to let it go. Consider selling or donating items still in good condition but no longer needed.

Start with a decluttering session

Once you know how much space you have to work with, the next step is to declutter your home. Take inventory of all your possessions and separate them into categories such as essentials, sentimental items, and things you can live without. If you haven’t used or worn something in over a year, it may be time to let go of it. Donate or sell items that are in good condition but no longer serve a purpose in your life. Remember that moving is an opportunity for a fresh start, so don’t hold onto things out of guilt or obligation.

Think about functionality

When deciding what items to keep when moving, think about functionality. Do you really need three sets of dishes or five throw pillows? Consider how often you use certain items and whether they serve a practical purpose in your daily life. For example, kitchen appliances that sit untouched on countertops may not be worth bringing along if they don’t get much use.

Assess sentimental value

Moving is an emotional process, especially when it comes to parting with sentimental items that hold memories from years past. While it’s important not to hold onto everything for sentimental reasons alone, carefully assess which items truly bring joy and happy memories into your life. Consider taking photos or creating digital keepsakes of sentimental items that may not be practical to bring along but still hold emotional value. Focus on preserving the memories rather than the physical objects themselves.

Seek advice

If you’re struggling to decide what to keep when moving, consider asking family or friends for their input. Sometimes an outside perspective can provide clarity on which items are truly essential and which ones can be let go of. If there are items that hold sentimental value but don’t necessarily fit into your new home decor, consider passing them down to children or other family members who would appreciate them. This way, you can ensure that cherished possessions stay within the family while also decluttering your own space. Ultimately, trust your instincts and make decisions based on what will make your move easier and more enjoyable.

Moving can be a chaotic time filled with decisions about what belongings are worth keeping during the transition from one home to another. By following these tips on how to decide what to keep when moving, you can streamline the process and ensure that only essential items make the journey with you. Letting go of possessions doesn’t mean letting go of memories; it simply means making room for new experiences and allowing yourself the freedom of a clutter-free space in your new home.

Move into a new Simplicity Home

If you’re looking to buy or build a new home, we can help. Simplicity Homes builds high-quality homes perfect for your family. When you’re ready, contact us and we’ll get you started on the exciting journey towards your dream home!