They say the best way to truly find yourself is to let go of what no longer serves you.
When it comes to moving, this quote couldn’t be more accurate.
Downsizing isn’t just about making a move easier; it’s about making life lighter, simpler, and more intentional.
Did you know that the average American home has over 300,000 items?
It’s no wonder that moving, especially a cross country move, can feel overwhelming.
According to a report by the American Moving & Storage Association, reducing your belongings before a move can save up to 30% on moving costs.
Let us tell you, downsizing is more than just a practical choice; it’s a transformative one.
Think about it: how many things in your home have you not touched in years?
That bread maker sitting on the top shelf, the clothes in the back of your closet still with tags on them, or that treadmill doubling as a clothes hanger.
All these items take up space, not just in your home but in your mind.
If you’re planning a cross country Los Angeles move or relocating to a smaller space, learning how to downsize before a move is essential.
Nearly 60% of Americans report that their home feels cluttered, and 1 in 4 even say they can’t fit a car in their garage because of the excess stuff.
But here’s the good news: downsizing doesn’t have to be stressful.
With the right plan and mindset, it can actually feel empowering, like a fresh start.
So, let’s chat about how you can downsize smartly and efficiently.
Let’s be honest—downsizing might not sound exciting at first, but once you do it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner.
Let’s discuss some key reasons why it’s so important.
Save Money on Moving Costs
Did you know that moving costs are often based on the weight and volume of your belongings?
The fewer items you have, the less you’ll pay.
According to the American Moving and Storage Association, the average long-distance move costs around $4,300.
Downsizing can reduce those costs significantly—up to 25–30%, depending on how much you reduce.
And if you’re using one of the best cross country movers, you’ll get even more bang for your buck by trimming unnecessary items.
Reduce Stress
The fewer items you have to sort, pack, and unpack, the smoother the process will be.
Think about it: do you really want to spend hours wrapping fragile items you haven’t used in years?
Studies show that decluttering reduces cortisol levels, which helps to lower stress.
Downsizing isn’t just good for your move—it’s good for your mental health, too.
Make Your New Space Functional
If you’re moving to a smaller home, you simply won’t have room for everything.
Instead of cramming your new place with things that don’t fit, downsizing lets you create a space that works for your lifestyle.
Save Time During the Move
Packing is one of the most time-consuming parts of moving.
The more you downsize, the less time you’ll spend packing, loading, and unpacking.
For example, cutting your belongings by just 25% can shave hours off your moving process.
And when you’re working with professionals like the best cross country moving company, less stuff means a faster, more efficient move.
Feel Empowered and Free
This one’s a bit personal, but it’s true: letting go of excess stuff feels incredible.
Downsizing gives you the chance to focus on what truly matters.
Did you know that 61% of Americans say they feel “burdened” by their belongings?
Now, it is your chance to break free from that weight.
The first step in downsizing is understanding your new space. If you’re moving to a smaller home or apartment, you’ll need to prioritize what fits and what doesn’t.
Obtain the floor plan of your new place and measure key areas like closets, storage spaces, and rooms.
This will give you a clear idea of what furniture and other large items you can keep.
For example:
If your current living room sofa measures 90 inches but your new space only accommodates 70 inches, you know it’s time to part ways with the oversized couch.
Downsizing also helps reduce storage fees. According to statistics, 39% of Americans rent a storage unit during a move, which adds unnecessary costs.
Procrastination is your enemy when it comes to downsizing.
Begin the process at least 8–12 weeks before your move.
This gives you ample time to sort through your belongings without feeling rushed. Set a schedule and tackle one room at a time.
To simplify your downsizing journey, use the Four-Box Method.
Label four boxes:
Keep
Donate
Sell
Trash
Start with small areas like a single drawer or closet and work your way up to larger spaces. This method keeps you organized and focused.
Paperwork, photos, and old DVDs can take up a surprising amount of space.
In today’s digital age, you can reduce clutter by digitizing these items.
Scan important documents, upload photos to cloud storage, and convert DVDs to digital files.
This step is particularly helpful during a cross country move, where every square inch of your moving truck counts.
We all have items we hold onto for emotional reasons. While it’s okay to keep a few treasured belongings, you don’t need to keep everything.
Instead:
This approach is particularly useful if you’re working with the best cross country movers, as they’ll charge based on the weight of your shipment.
Not everything needs to be thrown away. Items in good condition can be sold or donated.
Here are some options:
Sell Online: Use platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or eBay.
Host a Garage Sale: This is a great way to get rid of multiple items at once.
Donate to Charities: Organizations like Goodwill and Habitat for Humanity accept furniture, clothing, and household items.
When downsizing, focus on keeping high-quality items.
For example:
If you are relocating with the best cross country moving company, they’ll appreciate your efforts to pack strategically and efficiently.
Sometimes, downsizing can feel stressful. That’s where the best cross country movers can help.
These professionals have the expertise to transport only what you need and can even assist with packing services.
Kitchen
Donate duplicate appliances (e.g., that second blender you rarely use).
Discard expired pantry items.
Keep only the cookware and utensils you use regularly.
Bedroom
Sort through your wardrobe using the “One-Year Rule.” If you haven’t worn it in a year, it’s time to let it go.
Pare down bedding to two sets per bed.
Living Room
Decide if large furniture items like sectionals or entertainment centers fit in your new space.
Garage and Storage Areas
Properly dispose of hazardous materials like old paint or cleaning supplies.
Donate or sell tools and equipment you no longer use
|
Category
|
Examples to Keep
|
Examples of Let Go
|
|---|---|---|
|
Furniture
|
Compact sofa, foldable chairs
|
Bulky sectional, old recliners
|
|
Kitchen Appliances
|
Multi-cooker, microwave
|
Extra coffee maker, old toaster
|
|
Clothing
|
Timeless basics, seasonal gear
|
Outdated trends, duplicates
|
|
Sentimental Items
|
Photo album, heirloom jewelry
|
Extra souvenirs, old trophies
|
Take photographs of these items to preserve the memories without retaining the physical objects. For particularly meaningful pieces, think about repurposing them into something functional or passing them on to family members.
Start by evaluating each clothing item and asking yourself if you’ve worn it in the past year. If not, it’s likely safe to let it go. You can donate gently used clothing to local charities or sell it online.
Measure your new home to determine what furniture will fit. For pieces that won’t, sell them through online marketplaces or host a garage sale.
Sort through your kitchenware and keep only the items you use regularly. Dispose of broken appliances and donate duplicates or seldom-used gadgets.
Both options have their benefits. Selling items can provide extra cash to offset moving expenses while donating can offer tax deductions and help those in need.
Choose Cross Country Moving for your next move because of our expertise, comprehensive services, reliable team, and commitment to customer satisfaction.
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