A new home is a clean slate, and keeping it organized is one of the first goals homeowners should make. If you're downsizing, this often means you need to do some decluttering. Clearing out the attic, garage, or another crowded area is liberating, but the action also ensures you don't transport unnecessary items to your next residence. From securing movers to investing in a dumpster rental, here are essential tips to use as you get ready for a move.

How to Downsize for Your New Home

1. Digitize Photos & Documents

Old photos, tax records, and paper documents take up a lot of shelf and storage space. You can easily digitize these with a smartphone or scanner. Upload them to an external hard drive or a secure cloud platform to ensure these important items are well-protected. 

Once you're done with the physical copies, recycle them; use a shredder if you’re throwing out financial documents. You can also transfer a large DVD, CD, and videotape collection onto a computer to free up space in your new home.

2. Create Keep, Donate, & Toss Piles

Categorize all your possessions as you pack. Keep essential items, like winter clothes, family heirlooms, and hand-me-downs, and donate pieces you’ve outgrown. You can also give duplicate items to a charity if they’re in good condition. 

Thin out cutlery and cookware collections, and let go of items you want to upgrade, like an outdated coffee machine or old tool set. Procure a dumpster rental so you can easily dispose of household objects that are broken and damaged.

3. Replace Large & Single-Purpose Items

Take measurements of your new home. You may discover a large sectional sofa won’t fit in the living room or that there’s not enough wall space in the bedroom for a long dresser. Sell these items, and replace them with smaller, multifunctional pieces. Save space by purchasing a nightstand with drawers for your clothes. 

Replace long, low bookshelves with tall, thin models in your home office. Ottomans with built-in storage, movable kitchen islands, and other multipurpose furniture are optimal storage solutions for your new house.

A dumpster rental saves valuable time during a move, and Bin There Dump That – Cincinnati South offers sizes up to 20 cubic yards. This Ohio company is family-owned and offers convenient bin rentals and roll-off dumpsters to residents throughout Cincinnati and northern Kentucky. Their equipment is always dry, clean, and sanitized. They can also assist with trash, garbage, and junk removal. Learn more about their services online, and call (513) 732-2467 to schedule a dumpster rental drop-off. Connect on Facebook for news and updates.