We bring in the downsizing professional, Mick from Clear Space, to help you take the stress out of moving home. His practical advice comes from years of experience helping individuals to sift, sort and shed the layers of stuff that can build up over many years.
1. Make a plan
Group your objects into categories and start culling less emotional items such as paperwork, kitchen utensils, stationery supplies, cleaning products, clothes, linen and plastic-ware. Once you’ve done these you can work your way up to photos, books, knick-knacks and other sentimental memorabilia.
2. Start early
Start to make decluttering decisions well in advance of your actual move date. This is important if you have a high level of attachment to your belongings and allows you to stay in control of decision making. Starting early also helps you to be ready for open for inspections.
3. Take measurements
RetireAustralia’s sales staff will provide you with a floor plan of your villa or apartment including room measurements. Take advantage of this by taking measurements of all the spaces and storage areas and use this to help decide what to take.
4. Keep sessions short
Use a timer when decluttering, even if it’s for only 15 minutes at a time. You’ll slowly be able to do longer periods.
5. Be honest
To help make decisions on what to keep, ask yourself “do I need it, use it or love it?” Be honest with yourself and remember objects don’t have feelings.
6. Take photos
Consider taking photographs or video of things that can’t go to a new home. It will preserve the memory without taking up any space in your new home.
7. Swap old for new
It’s OK to still buy new items but try adopting ‘the one in / one out’ rule. For example, if you buy a new set of wine glasses, donate the existing ones.
8. Gift or sell things
Firstly, ask your children if they want any of the items you don’t want but be prepared for them to not want many of them, no matter how precious they are to you. Secondly, consider a private garage sale for people you know and trust and put coloured stickers on the items you no longer want. Thirdly, ask charities if they want your unwanted items but don’t just assume they will – charities often have limited room or too much stock already. Auction houses can also be a destination for selling your unwanted items but they can be very fussy about what they’ll accept.
In addition to home downsizing services, Clear Space offer professional assistance with hoarding support, organizing, decluttering, and estate clearances. For more information, please phone Mick Mezzino on 0404 361 386.
