Assess What Truly Matters

The first step to downsizing is identifying what is essential. Since Jason and I are merging our lives and households, we’ve had to evaluate which items hold sentimental value and which are unnecessary duplicates. Ask yourself: Does this item serve a purpose or bring me joy? If not, it may be time to let it go. Remember, less clutter means less stress and a more organized home.

Sort and Categorize

Divide your belongings into four categories: keep, donate, sell, and discard. We found that making these decisions together has strengthened our communication and allowed us to prioritize what matters most for our future home.

• Keep: Essentials, sentimental items, and daily-use objects.
• Donate: Items in good condition that others could benefit from. Consider donating to local shelters, thrift stores, or charities.
• Sell: Valuable items that can bring in extra cash. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, and OfferUp can be great for selling gently used items.
• Discard: Anything broken, outdated, or unnecessary. If it hasn’t been used in over a year, it’s probably time to let it go.

Digitize What You Can

Paperwork, old photos, and sentimental letters take up space. We’ve started scanning and storing important documents digitally to reduce clutter while preserving memories. Use cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox to keep these documents safe and easily accessible.

Give Yourself Time

Downsizing isn’t something that happens overnight. Start the process at least six months before your move. Since we’re juggling wedding planning alongside packing, setting small, achievable goals each week has kept us from feeling overwhelmed. A good timeline might look like this:

• 6 months out: Start decluttering one room at a time.
• 4 months out: Sell and donate unwanted items.
• 2 months out: Digitize paperwork and sentimental items.
• 1 month out: Pack only what you need and finalize your moving plan.

Think About Your New Space

Consider the layout of your new home. Jason and I are moving into a shared space for the first time, so we’ve been measuring furniture and making sure everything will fit before we move it. Visualizing where each item will go makes the process easier and prevents unnecessary packing. If an item won’t fit or match the aesthetic of your new home, it might be best to let it go.

Embrace the Emotional Aspect

Letting go can be tough, especially when items carry sentimental weight. We’ve had to remind ourselves that memories live in our hearts, not just in objects. Keeping a few meaningful pieces while parting with the rest has allowed us to make room for new experiences as a married couple. Taking photos of sentimental items before letting them go can be a helpful way to preserve memories without keeping unnecessary clutter.

Helpful Downsizing Resources

Here are a few tools and resources we found helpful in our downsizing journey:

• Amazon Basics Vacuum Storage Bags – Perfect for storing seasonal clothes and bedding. [Affiliate link]
• Marie Kondo’s ‘The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up’ – A great read for learning how to let go with purpose. [Affiliate link]
• Storage Bags – Great for organizing what you decide to keep. [Affiliate link]

Conclusion

Downsizing before a move can feel overwhelming, but it’s also an opportunity to simplify your life and make space for new beginnings. As Jason and I prepare for married life, we’re finding that letting go of excess belongings is helping us focus on what truly matters: building a home filled with love and intention. Whether you’re downsizing for a move or just looking to declutter, take it one step at a time and enjoy the process of creating a fresh start.

If you enjoyed this blog post read my article “Moving Checklist: A Guide for Moving Success”.