Downsizing before a move means deciding what comes with you when you’re moving somewhere smaller. It’s practical, and it’s often emotional too: a home is full of years. The kindest way to do it is to start early and go slowly.
This guide is about your belongings only. For the property and money side, talk to your estate agent, solicitor or a financial adviser.
Start earlier than you think
If you can, start eight to twelve weeks before moving day. That gives you time to decide without rushing, and time to sell, give away or pass things on. Last-minute decisions are often the ones people regret.
Measure the new space first
Get the floor plan or measure the rooms. How many beds, wardrobes and bookcases will actually fit? How much kitchen cupboard space is there? It’s much easier to decide when you know what you’re aiming for.
Go room by room, easiest first
Start with rooms that hold fewer memories: the garage, the loft, the spare room, the kitchen. Leave photos and keepsakes until you’re in a rhythm.
For each room, sort into:
- Coming with me
- Going to someone (family, friends, a charity, selling)
- Not sure yet
“Not sure yet” is fine. Put it in a box, label it, and come back to it in a week.
Questions that help
- Have I used this in the last year?
- Is there a place for it in the new home?
- Would I buy it again today?
- Is someone I love likely to want it?
Be kind about the big things
Furniture, collections and family pieces are often the hardest. Take photos of things you’re letting go of. Ask family early if they’d like anything, and give them a date to collect it by. It’s fine to keep something just because you love it.
Plan where things go
Know before moving day what’s going where: which charity, which family member, the tip. In West London, our free donation sorter lists where different things can go.
For what’s leaving: where to donate in West London, and a free sorter for what goes where.
When it helps to have someone beside you
Sorting a whole home before a move is a lot to do alone. I help with moves and other big changes, sorting alongside you and keeping the decisions yours. See services for how it works, and pricing for costs.
If you’re moving, the Moving House Planner keeps the dates, boxes and jobs in one place. There’s a free Change-of-Address Checklist for the week you move.
Downsizing for a parent? See sorting a loved one’s home, and Swedish death cleaning, the gentle way.
FAQ
How far ahead should I start downsizing? Eight to twelve weeks is a good guide. Earlier is kinder if you have a lot of things or a lot of memories.
What should I get rid of first? Duplicates and things you haven’t used in years, in the rooms with the fewest memories. Leave sentimental things until later.
What if my family wants to keep things I’m letting go of? Ask them early and give them a collection date. That way it’s their choice, and you’re not left storing things for them.