It can be overwhelming to downsize your house in Chicago, especially when deciding what to keep and what must go. Whether you’re looking to downsize to save money on utilities and maintenance, reduce your environmental footprint by living in a smaller space, or if you’re an older homeowner dealing with unoccupied rooms that only add to your cleaning workload, downsizing can be a daunting task. By following these six tips to downsize your house in Chicago, you can simplify the process and ensure your new home is comfortable, organized, and perfectly suited to your current lifestyle.
Break It Down
Our first tip to help you downsize your house is to gather all the supplies you’ll need for sorting, so you won’t have to stop mid-task to find a container, marker, or pen. Start by creating a comprehensive downsizing plan that includes an inventory of all your belongings. Organize everything into a binder, including a calendar to keep yourself on track, and divide your home into sections to be tackled week by week. Store essential documents like your mortgage papers, insurance policies, and contact numbers in a dedicated place within your binder, such as movers, utility companies, or service providers. Breaking the process down into manageable steps will help you stay focused and make the task less overwhelming.
Touch Once
Another important tip to help you downsize your house in Chicago is to follow the “touch once” rule. As you sort through your belongings, decide immediately whether to keep, give away, or toss each item. Use containers or designated spaces for these categories. For items you’re keeping, create a detailed inventory in a notebook with a list of items in each box, numbered and labeled by the room. This will simplify the moving process and ease the stress of finding items later. Additionally, consider donating items you no longer need to local charities or organizing a garage sale to help declutter and even earn some extra money.
Measure Twice
A crucial tip to help you downsize your house in Chicago is to measure your furniture and plan out your new space on paper. Ensure your furniture will fit in the new rooms by creating a floor plan that accurately reflects the layout of your new home. This will help you determine which pieces to keep and which to sell or donate. Also, check that larger pieces can be moved through doorways and narrow hallways to avoid any last-minute frustrations on moving days. If certain furniture doesn’t fit, consider selling it or storing it until you find a suitable place for it in your new home.
Counting Closets
Consider the storage space available in your new home. If an item hasn’t been used in the past year, it’s probably time to let it go. This tip helps you downsize your house in Chicago effectively by freeing up storage space and ensuring your new home remains organized and clutter-free. Take a close look at your closet space and storage areas in the new property, and be realistic about what will fit. If you’ve been holding onto items that no longer serve a purpose or that have simply accumulated over the years, it’s time to part ways and embrace a more minimalist lifestyle.
Wrapping Up
Host a moving-away party as a final step. This is a great opportunity to say goodbye to neighbors and friends and to pass along items you no longer need, such as unused appliances, books, or other belongings. Use this gathering as a way to distribute any remaining items that didn’t cut, while also celebrating the memories made in your old home. A moving-away party not only helps with downsizing but also provides a sense of closure, making the transition to your new home easier emotionally.
Heartland Funding Inc.
The ultimate tip to help you downsize your house in Chicago is to leave it all to the professionals at Heartland Funding Inc.. With a direct sale to Heartland Funding Inc., you can skip the hassle of cleaning and organizing everything. Simply take what you want and leave the rest to us. We buy Chicago homes as-is, with cash closings in as few as seven days, allowing you to move forward without the burden of a lengthy selling process. We also offer flexible closing dates to suit your schedule, making it easier to coordinate your move. Compare your earnings from a traditional sale with our direct offer and make an informed decision about the best way to sell your home stress-free.