How to pack when moving to a smaller home
Moving to a smaller home is one of the most common reasons for house sales within the current property market.Moving to a smaller space is not always easy, but with careful planning and thoughtful decision-making, the move can be as efficient and smooth as possible.
According to the latest FNB Property Barometer published on 9 July, 22% of total sales were motivated by downscaling due to life stage, and 21% were financial pressure-induced sales.
Commenting on this, Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa says that economic circumstances and high interest rates have put immense pressure on many homeowners. “I hope that we will soon see a drop in interest rates which will bring much-needed relief to many households,” he notes.
For those who are preparing for the move to a smaller home, RE/MAX of Southern Africa shares their tips on how to make the packing process go as efficiently as possible:
Start early
When moving to a smaller home, there is the added task of having to sell and clear out furniture and other belongings. Starting early allows you to tackle packing in manageable steps, reducing stress as the moving day approaches. It also allows you time to process the move, especially if there is a lot of sentimental attachment to the home.
Declutter ruthlessly
Moving to a smaller home means, in all likelihood, not everything will fit. As difficult as it may be, homeowners will need to be ruthless in their decluttering. If something has not been used in the past year, it is probably not worth keeping. For sentimental items like old photos or letters, consider digitising them. This allows you to keep the memories without taking up physical space.
Pack room by room
It can be overwhelming when faced with the task of packing up your entire home. Start slowly and tackle one room at a time to stay organised. Begin with the less frequently used rooms, like a spare bedroom. Leave the everyday essentials to the last day of packing, being sure to pack them in such a way so that it’s easy to access when you arrive at the new home.
Prepare for the new space
Rather than focusing on what you are saying goodbye to, focus on the excitement of moving into a new space. Measure the rooms against the size of your existing furniture to decide what items will need to be replaced. Visualise the layout of your new home and plan where each item will go.
“Moving to a smaller home can be an emotional process, but it can also be a liberating experience. It allows homeowners to declutter their lives, reduce expenses, and focus on what truly matters. As challenging as it may be, the sooner a struggling homeowner acts, the better their chances of making a full financial recovery. It can be useful to remember that downsizing does not need to be permanent – it can be a temporary solution to help you get to your forever home,” he concludes.