Downsizing after kids is a stressful process, that is for sure! However, with a few tricks and tips for downsizing after kids, the process can be a bit easier…and hopefully a little more exciting! Not sure where to start? Let me help! Here are 5 tips for downsizing after kids. I hope this helps you!
Declutter first
Before you do anything else, you will want to declutter your home. This is important because, over the years, you have probably accumulated a lot of stuff. Between baby things, kid toys, old artwork (that you can get rid of – I know you won’t want to toss a lot of it), old clothes, and more, you probably have more things than you need. Go through your home room by room, closet by closet, and attic by attic. See what you can give away, sell, or toss, and get it done.
There’s no need to rush, however, but decluttering your home can make it feel more open, inviting, and attractive to potential buyers. It is also great when it comes to moving and then moving into a smaller home because 1) your move will be less time-consuming and expensive and 2) when you move into a smaller home, you probably won’t have as much space for all the stuff.
You might also want to consider getting your kid(s) help on this. Just explain that your new home will be much smaller than the former and although you will be glad to take some of their old belongings, you cannot keep everything. Have your kids come and help you sort through their things. This way, you can decide together what to toss, keep, or have them take.
They can box their most treasured possessions and keep them stored at your place (if you have room), or at their own homes. If your kids are unable to come home to sort through their stuff, ask their permission to do it on their behalf, or do it through video.
The one thing you definitely need to do? Be honest about how many belongings you are willing to keep or store yourself, and discuss expectations for when they will retrieve the things they are taking. A storage facility is also an option too, but that is another expense, so decide if that is within the budget and something that you are willing to pay for, after downsizing.
Where do you want to live?
One great thing about downsizing? You don’t have to stay in the same area if you do not want to. Maybe you want to move to the country, to get peace and quiet, or maybe you want the hustle and bustle of a city, where it is easy to walk to breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, and grocery shopping.
Don’t forget to consider the location of your children. If I had to guess, you probably do not want to be too terribly far away. List out all the pros and cons and figure out where you want to live, for yourself!
Save room for your children and grandchildren
Another thing to consider is the potential for growth in the future. Will your kids want to visit you and stay with you? Will you have other house guests? Do you have grandchildren, or is there a possibility for that down the road?
While you do want to downsize, you also still want to keep room for growth in the future. Don’t limit yourself to not being able to host your family in your home, if that is something that is important to you.
Hire a great moving team
A great moving team can make your move. They will help reduce the time that will be spent on the move and they’ll make it was less stressful on you. It will also ensure that your belongings are safe during the process – and your moving company will have insurance, so you can rest easy. Star City Services is a great example of this when it comes to a great moving team.
They do residential and commercial moves and they are also Roanoke long-distance movers. They have the experience and knowledge when it comes to intricate moves, especially if you have a lot of fragile items. Hiring a great moving team like Star City Services is essential, no matter if you are downsizing, or just moving to a new home.
Don’t rush
Last but not least, don’t rush and make a rash decision. Moving and especially downsizing has the potential to be scary, emotional, and stressful. Think it through and take your time. Find the perfect place for yourself! As emotions come up, handle them gently and with grace. This process can be stressful, but taking it slow should make it easier for everyone involved.
Moving and downsizing can be stressful, but these 5 tips for downsizing after kids should make it a little easier, less stressful, and hopefully more fun!
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