From tiny houses to minimalist living, the theme of decluttering and downsizing seems to be a common trend in modern America.
However, packing light and downsizing are more than just popular buzzwords for many families and individuals; it’s a way of life. People who move frequently (such as military families or individuals with jobs that require a lot of travel and relocation) already know the importance of keeping a minimal amount of belongings.
The Atlantic points out, there is little room for clutter in military life. Whether you (or your spouse) are in the military or you just move more frequently than most people, the following downsizing tips from Youngstars Moving & Delivery could be of benefit prior to your next moving day.
A few tips to keep in mind:
1. Know where to start.
Downsizing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. For those who are new to downsizing or minimalist living, it can be helpful to start with assessing what you’ve used in the last year. Take inventory of your belongings and note the last time each possession was used.
Why is this helpful when downsizing? It gives you a better idea of whether an item is really worth keeping. If you haven’t used it recently, will you really use it in the future?
In other words, assessing personal usage of your belongings can prove helpful when downsizing.
2. Reduce clutter.
Once you’ve assessed what you’ve been using (and what you haven’t), you’ll have a better starting point for the process of decluttering your home and reducing your possessions. After you have an idea of what you’re using and not using, you can start by dividing your belongings into piles: keep, sell, and donate.
This process helps take the emotional response out of sorting through your belongings — and you’ll never have to worry about being the subject of one of those shows or articles about people who can’t get rid of any item that comes into their possession. Rather than agonizing over what to keep or feeling overwhelmed about having to pack everything you own for your next move, you can let go of what you no longer use. It can be a cathartic experience!
3. Organize your paperwork.
When it comes to organizing your home and decluttering your life, don’t forget about your paperwork. Even in the digital age, most of us are still swimming in paperwork. This is especially true in military families, where it seems like there’s an official form for every little thing.
Any important paperwork like identification and tax files should be securely filed and safely stored. You should also consider digitizing applicable files for safekeeping. That way, if you lose your paperwork or you experience a tragedy (like a fire, for instance), you’ll have backup copies of your files on the Internet.
4. Ask for help.
If you’ve tried these tips and this process still feels difficult for you, try asking for assistance from a friend or trusted loved one who’s less emotionally attached to your belongings. You might also consider hiring a professional organizer who specializes in decluttering.
According to Fast Company, the industry of professional organizing has been booming in recent years as more and more people become interested in downsizing and decluttering their homes. This can be particularly helpful to those who move frequently, including busy parents or military families who juggle many other daily responsibilities.
5. Choose your new space wisely.
One of the best ways to ensure you don’t overfill your new space is to choose a home or apartment that doesn’t provide the opportunity to regrow your belongings. Carefully assess floor plans and square footage when surveying properties in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
Enjoy the Decluttering Process and Enjoy Your New Journey!
Even though the Census Bureau reports low United States mover rates, you shouldn’t feel anxious about breathing the rarified air that comes along with starting something entirely new.
Downsizing your belongings in anticipation of your next big move can help reduce any anxieties you might be feeling. As an extra measure, consider implementing the “one in, one out†rule. Before bringing a new item into your home, you’ll need to get rid of one existing item.
The one in, one out rule helps you keep your possessions to a minimum. After all, keeping your home clean, clutter-free, and organized will make your moving day less stressful and reduce any unnecessary complications.
Whether you enjoy living a fairly nomadic lifestyle or you simply find yourself moving frequently due to your job, it can be helpful to maintain a fairly minimalist lifestyle, which will help reduce those moving anxieties that many people experience.
When you’re ready to move, partner with a reliable and professional moving service like Youngstars Moving & Delivery to ensure a seamless experience. We provide services across the DFW Metroplex, and we offer competitive rates. Reach out today to find out more!
972-803-7186