5 essential packing tips for downsizers
Deciding to downsize was the easy bit. Sorting out all your stuff? That’s the hard part! Over your 60-plus years of life, chances are you’ve accumulated a lot of possessions. And, unless you’re an ultra-minimalist, chances are also that you’ve got more things than space in your new, smaller home. So, it’s time to get culling, and we’ve got all the useful tips you need right here.
1. Get to know your new home
Before you do anything, take a good hard look at the floorplan, take measurements and see if all the essentials (bed, fridge, dresser etc) are going to fit comfortably. If they aren’t, it’s best to know right away so you can take action before things get too hectic.
2. Declutter
Before you start packing, you need to go through all your belongings and decide what stays and what goes. When it comes to decluttering, you need to be brutal. Create a “yes” pile and a “no” pile, and whatever doesn’t have value, use or space to fit in the new place must go. Whatever ends up in the “no” pile can be donated or sold.
3. Go room by room
Start slow and easy in the parts of the house that get the least use (e.g. the spare room, second bathroom, laundry et.). Pack items you want to keep as you go and seal up boxes when they’re full – this way, you’re less likely to sneak things back in from the “no” pile.
As you’re working your way through each room, ask yourself a few questions when choosing what to keep. When did you last use the item? Do you use it often enough to warrant keeping it? Does it have sentimental value? Is it irreplaceable? Do you have another item that serves the same purpose? And most importantly, can you get by without it?
4. Enlist help
When packing, it’s easy to get swept up in the memories and feelings you have associated with certain items, making it harder for you to part with them. Asking friends or family members to come along and help will provide a fresh eye and an objective opinion about what’s worth keeping and what’s not.
5. Change insurance
As you’re packing, take inventory of the items you’re taking with you to your new home. Once you’ve downsized, you’ll have to update your home and contents insurance policy. Creating a full, detailed list of your items as you go will take a huge weight off your shoulders when it comes to calculating your insured sum.
With Over60 you can tailor your home insurance to suit various needs and budgets so you can enjoy the peace of mind in knowing that the things you hold near and dear are protected. Find out how you can get up to 30 per cent off^ Over60 Combined Home & Contents Insurance now.