Moving into a smaller home after retirement can be a great way to simplify your life. You realize you don’t require as much space and prefer a house that suits your current lifestyle. Downsizing also means you’re not going to have as much room for all of your belongings, and you need to figure out what’s going before movers arrive. It can be complicated and emotional, but the following tips can make the process smoother. 

What Should You Keep?

Many of your possessions have special memories tied to them, but some may make more sense to keep than others. You want to hold onto family heirlooms, such as jewelry or medals and photographs. These items not only have sentimental value and can make your new place feel like home, but they’re also one-of-a-kind and can’t be duplicated. 

In addition, don’t leave behind legal documents and other necessary paperwork that you might need in the future, including birth certificates and marriage licenses, which can be challenging to replace if lost. Lastly, think about what furniture you plan movers to load. While you can’t bring all of it with you, certain pieces with built-in storage can prove more functional in a place with less square footage. 

What Should You Give Away?

Parting with particular possessions can be difficult, so take your time when selecting what you’re not keeping. Things like outdated magazines, books you don’t plan to read, clothing you’ve outgrown, and broken items are likely easier to place in the “give away” pile. The key is not to get rid of any belongings that have sentimental or monetary value to you or that you’re going to regret leaving behind.

If you’re unsure, consider how often you use an item, its significance to you, and if it’s a good fit for your new home. Don’t think you have to toss unwanted pieces in the trash, especially if they’re in good condition. For example, you can sell some items to someone else to enjoy. Check with family members or friends to see if they’re interested in keeping anything, or donate the goods to a charity.

If you’re preparing to relocate and need the assistance of professional movers, reach out to MicroShip, Inc. in Villa Park, IL. With more than 25 years of experience, the company can securely and efficiently transport your belongings to wherever you’re moving within the United States. You can also rely on their excellent Senior Move services to make the transition as stress-free and seamless as possible. Call (630) 833-7770 for a free estimate, or visit their website to learn more about their services.