How to Downsize Before Moving

What are some cost-saving tips for downsizing before a move?

Moving can be expensive, but there are ways to minimize the financial burden. Cutting moving costs starts with downsizing. Sell or donate items you no longer need, reducing the amount to be moved. Opt for a self-move or hire a reliable, affordable moving company. Packing your belongings efficiently and using cost-saving strategies like buying used packing materials can also help trim expenses. Planning ahead and being resourceful can save you money during the downsizing process.

What Are Some Common Moving Mistakes to Avoid When Downsizing?

When downsizing your home, it's crucial to be aware of the common moving mistakes to avoid. One significant aspect is avoiding common moving pitfalls. These may include underestimating the amount of items you own, not purging unnecessary belongings beforehand, or failing to measure the new space accurately. By being mindful of these mistakes and planning accordingly, you can ensure a smooth transition into your downsized home.

How to Downsize Before Moving

  Moving home, especially long distance is a great opportunity to reduce your belongings. Before you begin packing your boxes and wrapping furniture to be moved, go through each room in your home to see what items you no longer need. Depending on the quality of your stuff, a lot of it can be recycled. Having a garage sale, or selling your items online is a great way to reduce and recycle your belongings. If you’ll also be donating, there are many charities and donation drop offs. Some organizations can even pick up your belongings.

Storage area

If your garage, attic, or basement is being used as a “storage” room, go through these areas first. They can later be used as a space to house the items that you no longer need. The process of downsizing and de-cluttering can make you feel much lighter and make your move easier. As you go through your belongings, decide what can be donated, sold at a garage sale or online, given to friends and family, or thrown away. If you’re indecisive about certain items, ask yourself: will it suit your new home? Can it be replaced? How often do you use this item? Is it valuable or hold sentimental value? Does it need repairing? Could someone enjoy it more than I do? Taking the time to sort through your belongings and get rid of what is no longer needed, will save you time during the packing and unpacking process, and reduce your moving costs.

Storage Locations

Los Angeles
5698 Bandini Blvd B.
Bell, CA 90201
P: 888.860.7200 Ext. 102
San Francisco
2000 McKinnon Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94124
P: 888.860.7200 Ext. 135
New York
200 Murray Hill Pkwy,
East Rutherford, NJ 07073
P: 888.860.7200 Ext. 131

Business Hours(PST)

Monday: 8am - 4pm
Tuesday: 8am - 4pm
Wednesday: 8am - 4pm
Thursday: 8am - 4pm
Friday: 8am - 4pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Shannon L.
Shannon L.
Jan 5, 2024

Movers who packed my things up in NY were great. I was also very impressed with how clear everything was, how fast the move coordinator Eric was with getting back to me. Read more testimonials

Danielle
Danielle Francisco
Feb 11, 2024

Terrific experience with Andres and his team. They were quick, efficient and very knowledgeable. Read more testimonials

Ria B.
Ria B.
Jan 10, 2024

Everything went smoothly with CA-NY Express Movers. They packed up my apt in NYC in no time, put it into storage for me while we found our new house. Read more testimonials

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