{"id":104446,"date":"2026-08-06T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-08-06T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/planning-new-shared-home\/"},"modified":"2026-08-06T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2026-08-06T00:00:00","slug":"planning-new-shared-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/planning-new-shared-home\/","title":{"rendered":"Moving in Together Soon? How to Plan Your New Shared Home"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_38 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Jump Ahead To: <\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/planning-new-shared-home\/#What_Does_Downsizing_Really_Mean\" title=\"What Does Downsizing Really Mean?\">What Does Downsizing Really Mean?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/planning-new-shared-home\/#Keep\" title=\"Keep\">Keep<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/planning-new-shared-home\/#Sell\" title=\"Sell\">Sell<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/planning-new-shared-home\/#Donate\" title=\"Donate\">Donate<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/planning-new-shared-home\/#Give_to_Family_or_Friends\" title=\"Give to Family or Friends\">Give to Family or Friends<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/planning-new-shared-home\/#Recycle_or_Dispose\" title=\"Recycle or Dispose\">Recycle or Dispose<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/planning-new-shared-home\/#Undecided\" title=\"Undecided\">Undecided<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/planning-new-shared-home\/#Step_1_Remove_obvious_trash\" title=\"Step 1: Remove obvious trash\">Step 1: Remove obvious trash<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/planning-new-shared-home\/#Step_2_Remove_duplicates\" title=\"Step 2: Remove duplicates\">Step 2: Remove duplicates<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/planning-new-shared-home\/#Step_3_Identify_definite_keeps\" title=\"Step 3: Identify definite keeps\">Step 3: Identify definite keeps<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/planning-new-shared-home\/#Step_4_Separate_sell_and_donate_items\" title=\"Step 4: Separate sell and donate items\">Step 4: Separate sell and donate items<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/planning-new-shared-home\/#Step_5_Review_sentimental_belongings\" title=\"Step 5: Review sentimental belongings\">Step 5: Review sentimental belongings<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/planning-new-shared-home\/#Step_6_Revisit_the_remaining_items\" title=\"Step 6: Revisit the remaining items\">Step 6: Revisit the remaining items<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/planning-new-shared-home\/#Waiting_Until_Moving_Week\" title=\"Waiting Until Moving Week\">Waiting Until Moving Week<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/planning-new-shared-home\/#Starting_With_Sentimental_Belongings\" title=\"Starting With Sentimental Belongings\">Starting With Sentimental Belongings<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/planning-new-shared-home\/#Keeping_Everything_in_Storage\" title=\"Keeping Everything in Storage\">Keeping Everything in Storage<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/planning-new-shared-home\/#Trying_to_Sell_Everything\" title=\"Trying to Sell Everything\">Trying to Sell Everything<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/planning-new-shared-home\/#Getting_Rid_of_Things_Because_Someone_Else_Says_You_Should\" title=\"Getting Rid of Things Because Someone Else Says You Should\">Getting Rid of Things Because Someone Else Says You Should<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/planning-new-shared-home\/#Ignoring_Your_New_Homes_Dimensions\" title=\"Ignoring Your New Home&rsquo;s Dimensions\">Ignoring Your New Home&rsquo;s Dimensions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/planning-new-shared-home\/#Downsizing_Too_Aggressively\" title=\"Downsizing Too Aggressively\">Downsizing Too Aggressively<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Downsizing sounds simple until you actually start.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At first, the idea can be appealing: fewer possessions, less clutter, lower expenses, a smaller home, and less time spent maintaining things you rarely use.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Then you open a closet.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suddenly you&rsquo;re deciding what to do with family photographs, furniture you&rsquo;ve owned for decades, clothes connected to important memories, gifts from people you love, and boxes you haven&rsquo;t opened in years but somehow aren&rsquo;t ready to let go of.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That&rsquo;s why successful downsizing isn&rsquo;t simply about <\/span><strong>getting rid of stuff<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&rsquo;s about deciding what deserves space in the next version of your life.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you&rsquo;re moving into a smaller home, preparing for retirement, becoming an empty nester, simplifying your lifestyle, or simply tired of managing too many possessions, this guide will help you downsize thoughtfully, without getting rid of things you&rsquo;ll wish you&rsquo;d kept.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Does_Downsizing_Really_Mean\"><\/span><strong>What Does Downsizing Really Mean?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Downsizing usually means reducing the amount of space, possessions, expenses, or responsibilities in your life.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For some people, that means moving from a large family home into a smaller house.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For others, it could mean:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Moving from a house to an apartment<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Moving into a condo<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Becoming an empty nester<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Preparing for retirement<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Moving closer to family<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reducing monthly expenses<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Simplifying after a major life change<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eliminating possessions that are no longer useful<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The goal isn&rsquo;t necessarily to own as little as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The goal is to keep what supports the life you actually want.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><strong>Why People Decide to Downsize<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People downsize for many different reasons.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may want:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lower housing expenses<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Less maintenance<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fewer possessions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A simpler lifestyle<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More financial flexibility<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Less cleaning<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A better location<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More time for travel<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Easier accessibility<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To live closer to family<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes downsizing happens voluntarily.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other times it&rsquo;s triggered by circumstances such as retirement, divorce, children leaving home, financial changes, or the loss of a loved one.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/common-dorm-move-out-mistakes-to-avoid\"><strong>why you&rsquo;re downsizing<\/strong><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> should come before deciding what to eliminate.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><strong>Start With the Life You Want, Not the Stuff You Own<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before opening boxes or filling donation bags, imagine your life after downsizing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ask yourself:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Where will I live?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How much space will I have?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What will my normal day look like?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Will I entertain guests?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Will I work from home?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What hobbies will I continue?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How often will family visit?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Will I travel more?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What belongings genuinely support that lifestyle?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This changes the question from:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>&ldquo;What can I get rid of?&rdquo;<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">to:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>&ldquo;What do I want to bring into my next chapter?&rdquo;<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That distinction can make downsizing much easier.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><strong>Know How Much Space You&rsquo;re Moving Into<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&rsquo;re downsizing because of a move, understand your new space before deciding what stays.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get measurements for:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bedrooms<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Living areas<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Closets<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kitchen <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/moving-services\/storage\/\"   title=\"storage\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">storage<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Garage<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hallways<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Doorways<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Storage areas<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pay special attention to your furniture.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A sectional that fits beautifully in your current living room may overwhelm a smaller apartment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your new home&rsquo;s dimensions can make many decisions for you.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><strong>Don&rsquo;t Try to Downsize Your Entire Home in a Weekend<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the easiest ways to regret downsizing is to rush.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you&rsquo;re exhausted, every decision becomes harder.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Instead, start early.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If possible, give yourself several weeks or months.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Work through the home gradually:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Storage spaces<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Guest rooms<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Closets<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Office<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bedrooms<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Living areas<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kitchen<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Garage<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leave highly emotional belongings until you&rsquo;ve built some momentum.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><strong>Use More Than Two Categories<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The classic approach is:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Keep or throw away.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That&rsquo;s unnecessarily restrictive.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use several categories instead:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Keep\"><\/span><strong>Keep<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Things you&rsquo;re taking with you.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sell\"><\/span><strong>Sell<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Items valuable enough to justify the time required to sell them.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Donate\"><\/span><strong>Donate<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Useful belongings someone else could use.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Give_to_Family_or_Friends\"><\/span><strong>Give to Family or Friends<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Items that have meaning but don&rsquo;t necessarily need to remain with you.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Recycle_or_Dispose\"><\/span><strong>Recycle or Dispose<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Broken, expired, damaged, or unusable items.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Undecided\"><\/span><strong>Undecided<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A temporary category for genuinely difficult decisions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The important word is <\/span><strong>temporary<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your undecided pile shouldn&rsquo;t become another storage room.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><strong>Start With the Easy Decisions<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don&rsquo;t begin with your grandmother&rsquo;s letters.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Begin with things that require almost no emotional energy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Look for:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expired products<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Broken electronics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Old paperwork<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Duplicate kitchen tools<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clothes that don&rsquo;t fit<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Empty boxes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Damaged furniture<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unused cables<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Worn towels<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Forgotten household supplies<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Easy decisions create visible progress.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That momentum makes harder decisions easier later.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><strong>Get Rid of Duplicates<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most households contain more duplicates than their owners realize.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may have:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Four frying pans<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Three coffee makers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Six sets of sheets<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Multiple tool sets<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Duplicate serving dishes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Extra luggage<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Several versions of the same appliance<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ask:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>If I could only keep one, which would I choose?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep the best or most useful version.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You don&rsquo;t necessarily need backups for everything.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><strong>Be Honest About Your &ldquo;Someday&rdquo; Items<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many homes are filled with possessions intended for a hypothetical future.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Someday you&rsquo;ll use that exercise machine.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Someday you&rsquo;ll wear those clothes again.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Someday you&rsquo;ll repair that chair.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Someday you&rsquo;ll start that hobby.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ask yourself:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>If I haven&rsquo;t used this in years, what would realistically change after I move?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don&rsquo;t organize your next home around an imaginary version of your future.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep belongings that support the life you&rsquo;re actually planning to live.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><strong>Be Careful With Expensive Items<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One reason people struggle to let go is because they remember what something originally cost.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But the money has already been spent.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The better question is:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Would I choose to give this item space in <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/when-to-start-packing-for-dorm-move-out\"><strong>my new home today<\/strong><\/a><strong>?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An expensive piece of furniture that doesn&rsquo;t fit your new home isn&rsquo;t necessarily more useful because it once cost a lot.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If it still has meaningful resale value, selling it may be more practical than moving and storing it indefinitely.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><strong>Don&rsquo;t Confuse Value With Price<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The opposite is also true.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some of the most valuable things you own may have almost no resale value.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A handwritten letter may be worth nothing to a stranger and everything to you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The same could be true of:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Family photographs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Children&rsquo;s artwork<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heirlooms<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Journals<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Handmade gifts<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Personal collections<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Downsizing successfully doesn&rsquo;t mean keeping only financially valuable belongings.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make room for things that matter.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><strong>How to Downsize Sentimental Items Without Regret<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sentimental belongings are usually the hardest category.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Instead of asking:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>&ldquo;Should I throw this away?&rdquo;<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ask:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>&ldquo;What memory does this represent?&rdquo;<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes the object itself matters.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes you simply want to preserve the memory.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Possible approaches include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keeping a smaller representative collection<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Creating a memory box<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Photographing larger objects<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Digitizing documents and photographs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Giving heirlooms to family<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Displaying meaningful belongings instead of storing them<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you own 50 objects connected to the same period of your life, you may not need all 50 to preserve the memory.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep the ones that tell the story best.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><strong>Create a Sentimental Item Limit<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sentimental possessions can expand indefinitely unless you establish boundaries.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider creating:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One memory box per person<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One container for childhood items<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One folder for important letters<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One shelf for meaningful collectibles<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The exact limit doesn&rsquo;t matter.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The container creates a physical boundary that forces you to choose what matters most.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><strong>Don&rsquo;t Get Rid of Sentimental Items Under Pressure<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&rsquo;re emotionally uncertain about something important, you don&rsquo;t always need to decide immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Downsizing shouldn&rsquo;t become an exercise in proving how ruthless you can be.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have the space and time, place genuinely difficult items aside and revisit them later.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Distance often makes the decision clearer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, don&rsquo;t use this approach for hundreds of ordinary belongings or you&rsquo;ll simply postpone the entire downsizing process.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><strong>Digitize What Makes Sense<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paper can consume enormous amounts of space.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider digitizing:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Photographs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Children&rsquo;s artwork<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Old documents<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Letters<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Receipts<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Manuals<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not everything should necessarily be digitized.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Original legal documents, irreplaceable photographs, and particularly meaningful physical items may deserve to remain physical.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But digitization can significantly reduce the number of boxes you move.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><strong>Downsizing Your Closet<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clothing is one of the easiest categories to accumulate.<\/span><\/p><div class=\"getbe-middle\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; \" id=\"getbe-67674251\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/book\/service\/\" aria-label=\"The Better Way to Move\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"The Better Way to Move\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" width=\"600\" height=\"160\" style=\" max-width: 100%; height: auto;\" class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.bellhopblog.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/600x160.png\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bellhopblog.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/600x160.png 600w, https:\/\/www.bellhopblog.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/600x160-300x80.png 300w\"><\/a><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Go through your wardrobe and ask:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does it fit?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do I wear it?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do I like how I feel in it?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does it fit my current lifestyle?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Would I buy it again today?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pay particular attention to clothes you&rsquo;re keeping because:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They were expensive.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You might fit into them someday.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You wore them in a previous career.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They remind you of another stage of life.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep enough for your real lifestyle, not every lifestyle you&rsquo;ve ever had.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><strong>Downsizing the Kitchen<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kitchens often contain years of accumulation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Look for:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Duplicate utensils<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Specialty appliances<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Extra dishes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unused cookware<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Old food storage containers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Excess mugs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Serving dishes you rarely use<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Think about how you actually cook.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Someone who cooks every day may reasonably keep more kitchen equipment than someone who rarely prepares elaborate meals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Downsize according to behavior, not arbitrary rules.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><strong>Downsizing Furniture<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Furniture deserves special attention because moving large pieces can require significant space and labor.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before moving a piece of furniture, ask:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Will it fit?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do I need it?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do I like it?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does it work in the new space?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Would replacing it later cost more than moving it?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Measure furniture and your new home.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don&rsquo;t pay to transport a large piece across the country only to discover it doesn&rsquo;t fit through the doorway.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><strong>What Should You Sell Before Downsizing?<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Selling can help offset some moving expenses.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Potential candidates include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Furniture<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Electronics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tools<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exercise equipment<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Collectibles<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Appliances<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Outdoor equipment<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, selling takes time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may need to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Photograph items<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Create listings<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Respond to buyers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Negotiate<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Arrange pickup<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not every $10 item deserves an hour of your time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Set a minimum value.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, you might decide to sell items worth more than a certain amount and donate lower-value belongings.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><strong>Donate While Items Are Still Useful<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don&rsquo;t wait until something is worthless before donating it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Good donation candidates may include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clothing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Furniture<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kitchenware<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Books<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Toys<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Household supplies<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Knowing that someone else may use an item can also make it emotionally easier to let go.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check what local organizations accept before loading everything into your vehicle.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><strong>Give Family Heirlooms Away Now<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You don&rsquo;t necessarily need to keep every family item yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have adult children, siblings, grandchildren, or other relatives, ask whether they would like certain belongings.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You might pass along:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Furniture<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jewelry<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Photographs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Artwork<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dishes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Family documents<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Collectibles<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This can be more satisfying than keeping heirlooms boxed away simply because you feel responsible for them.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><strong>Don&rsquo;t Turn Storage Into a Permanent Solution<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Storage can be extremely useful during a transition.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, you may need temporary storage if:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your new home isn&rsquo;t ready.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You&rsquo;re renovating.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You&rsquo;re moving in stages.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You need additional time to make decisions.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But storage can also become a way of avoiding downsizing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before renting a long-term storage unit, calculate:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Monthly storage cost &times; number of months you expect to keep it<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Then compare that amount with the actual value and importance of what you&rsquo;re storing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paying indefinitely to avoid making decisions can become expensive.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><strong>Downsize Your Expenses Too<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Downsizing isn&rsquo;t only about possessions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Moving into a smaller or simpler lifestyle may be an opportunity to review:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Subscriptions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Memberships<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vehicles<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insurance<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Storage units<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Services<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Utilities<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recurring purchases<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ask whether your financial life has accumulated clutter in the same way your home has.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reducing recurring expenses can sometimes be more valuable than eliminating another box of belongings.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><strong>Consider Your Future Needs<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don&rsquo;t downsize so aggressively that your new home immediately becomes impractical.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Think about the next several years.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Will you need:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A home office?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Space for grandchildren?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Accessible bathrooms?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Guest accommodations?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Storage for hobbies?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parking?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pet-friendly space?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Downsizing should support your future, not simply reduce your square footage.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><strong>Downsizing Before Retirement<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Retirement is a common time to reconsider how much home you need.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A smaller home may potentially mean:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Less maintenance<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lower utility costs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fewer rooms to clean<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More travel flexibility<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Easier accessibility<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But don&rsquo;t evaluate square footage alone.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Location may become even more important.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider proximity to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Family<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Healthcare<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Grocery stores<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recreation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Transportation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Community activities<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The right downsized home should make your retirement lifestyle easier.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><strong>Downsizing After the Kids Move Out<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An empty nest can leave parents maintaining rooms that are rarely used.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before downsizing, think about how often your adult children actually return home.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may still want:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A guest bedroom<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A sleeper sofa<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flexible office\/guest space<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You don&rsquo;t necessarily need to preserve every childhood bedroom exactly as it was.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your home can evolve as your family evolves.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><strong>Downsizing for a Move<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&rsquo;re downsizing because you&rsquo;re relocating, every item you eliminate can potentially reduce:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"\/moving-services\/packing-services\/\"   title=\"Packing\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">Packing<\/a> time<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Number of boxes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loading time<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Truck space<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unloading<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unpacking<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Storage needs<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That&rsquo;s why downsizing <\/span><strong>before packing<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is usually far easier than moving everything and sorting it later.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don&rsquo;t pay to move belongings you already know you don&rsquo;t want.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><strong>How to Avoid Downsizing Regret<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The goal isn&rsquo;t maximum elimination.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&rsquo;s intentional reduction.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before getting rid of something difficult, ask:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Would replacing this be expensive or difficult?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Is this genuinely meaningful to me?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Do I have space for it?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Have I used it recently?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Does it support my future lifestyle?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Am I keeping it because I want it, or because I feel guilty getting rid of it?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&rsquo;re uncertain about an irreplaceable item, move slowly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can always get rid of something later.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can&rsquo;t always get it back.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><strong>Things You May Want to Think Twice About Discarding<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be particularly careful with:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Important documents<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Family photographs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Letters<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unique heirlooms<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Irreplaceable artwork<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valuable collections<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Items with significant personal meaning<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The fact that something isn&rsquo;t practical doesn&rsquo;t automatically make it disposable.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Downsizing should create freedom, not unnecessary regret.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><strong>A Simple Downsizing Method<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&rsquo;re overwhelmed, use this process for every room:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_1_Remove_obvious_trash\"><\/span><strong>Step 1: Remove obvious trash<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eliminate broken and unusable items.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_2_Remove_duplicates\"><\/span><strong>Step 2: Remove duplicates<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep your preferred versions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_3_Identify_definite_keeps\"><\/span><strong>Step 3: Identify definite keeps<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Set aside things you use and value.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_4_Separate_sell_and_donate_items\"><\/span><strong>Step 4: Separate sell and donate items<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Move them out of the room.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_5_Review_sentimental_belongings\"><\/span><strong>Step 5: Review sentimental belongings<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take your time.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_6_Revisit_the_remaining_items\"><\/span><strong>Step 6: Revisit the remaining items<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ask whether each deserves space in your new home.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Repeat until the room is finished.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><strong>Common Downsizing Mistakes<\/strong><\/h1>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Waiting_Until_Moving_Week\"><\/span><strong>Waiting Until Moving Week<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rushed decisions create stress and regret.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Starting_With_Sentimental_Belongings\"><\/span><strong>Starting With Sentimental Belongings<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Build momentum with easier categories first.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Keeping_Everything_in_Storage\"><\/span><strong>Keeping Everything in Storage<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Storage postpones rather than solves many downsizing decisions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Trying_to_Sell_Everything\"><\/span><strong>Trying to Sell Everything<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your time has value too.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Getting_Rid_of_Things_Because_Someone_Else_Says_You_Should\"><\/span><strong>Getting Rid of Things Because Someone Else Says You Should<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The goal is your version of a simpler life.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ignoring_Your_New_Homes_Dimensions\"><\/span><strong>Ignoring Your New Home&rsquo;s Dimensions<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Measure before deciding what furniture comes with you.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Downsizing_Too_Aggressively\"><\/span><strong>Downsizing Too Aggressively<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Minimalism isn&rsquo;t the objective unless you actually want to be a minimalist.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><strong>Your Downsizing Checklist<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before your move, work through these major categories:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clothing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shoes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kitchen<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Furniture<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Books<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Documents<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Electronics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Decorations<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Garage<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tools<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Outdoor equipment<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Linens<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Collections<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sentimental items<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Storage areas<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For each category, decide what will be:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Kept &rarr; Sold &rarr; Donated &rarr; Gifted &rarr; Recycled\/Discarded<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having a consistent system makes decisions faster.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><strong>The Bottom Line<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Downsizing successfully isn&rsquo;t about seeing how much you can eliminate.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&rsquo;s about deciding what deserves to come with you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep the possessions that are <\/span><strong>useful, meaningful, difficult to replace, or important to the life you&rsquo;re planning next<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Let go of belongings that require space, money, and attention without adding much value to your life.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start early. Make the easy decisions first. Measure your new space. Be thoughtful with sentimental belongings. And don&rsquo;t let someone else&rsquo;s definition of simplicity determine what you should keep.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you&rsquo;re finished, the goal shouldn&rsquo;t be to look around and think:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>&ldquo;I own almost nothing.&rdquo;<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It should be:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>&ldquo;Everything I brought with me belongs in the life I&rsquo;m building next.&rdquo;<\/strong><\/p>\n<h1><strong>Downsizing for Your Next Move?<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Moving into a smaller home doesn&rsquo;t mean the move itself has to become a bigger project.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bellhop offers flexible local and long-distance moving solutions, including professional moving labor for loading and unloading.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you&rsquo;ve decided what deserves to come with you, Bellhop can help handle the heavy lifting and get those belongings into your next home.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Get your free moving quote today.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Call <\/span><a href=\"tel:+1(855)-696-1007\"><strong>+1 (844) 375-5967<\/strong><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or click here to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/v2\/book\/service\/\"><strong>get started<\/strong><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Planning to move in together? Learn how to choose a home, budget expenses, combine furniture, divide chores, set up utilities, pack, and prepare for moving day.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":37,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v19.5 (Yoast SEO v19.10) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Moving in Together Soon? How to Plan Your New Shared Home - Bellhop<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/planning-new-shared-home\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Moving in Together Soon? 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