02 Feb 2021

Downsizing and moving home

Helpful advice on decluttering when moving home

Without a doubt, the global pandemic has caused many people to re-think how and where they live and, with the added incentive of reduced stamp duty rates until 31 March 2021, many people are now on the move. In this helpful post, Carol Lovesey of Lovesey Organising shares her tips for downsizing and moving home.

a room filled with packing boxes and a mirror standing against the wall

The key to a successful move

Whether you are downsizing, relocating to be nearer loved ones or moving to a larger property, the whole process can seem completely overwhelming.  The key to a successful move is to plan as much as possible in advance.  Even if you are moving to a larger property there is no point in taking things you never use. It requires excess thought, packaging and energy to pack up things you don’t want, just to have to unpack them in your new home. Moving unnecessary stuff could also increase your moving costs.

Whatever your circumstances, decluttering your home can be physically and emotionally draining.  Little and often is usually much easier than blocking out entire days; you may get halfway through a day and be totally exhausted.

Build "declutter muscles"

With many of my clients I try to start with the least emotive areas such as hall cupboards, kitchens and bathrooms.  Working here allows you to get used to making quick and easy decisions on what to keep and what to let go.  Having managed these areas you will then be able to build up to tackling more difficult places, such as studies, bedrooms and lofts where people often store things away that are just too emotionally challenging to cope with.

Just as you would when you start a new physical exercise regime, start slowly, and build up your “declutter musclesâ€