Our Blue Moon Estate Sales Downsizing Tips

There’s a moment in all of our lives when we need to downsize. Whether that is one of our homes or one of a loved one, there will be a time to comb through possessions and decide what to keep and what to get rid of, potentially with the “get rid of” pile being much larger.

When we consider all the possessions filling the home and then think of the size of the new one, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. With our help, you don’t have to feel that way. With some of our handy tips and services, Blue Moon Estate Sales will help make the downsizing process as easy as possible.

1. Decide what items are must-keeps: These objects are highly functional and/or highly sentimental. When choosing what to keep, please remember space constraints.

2. Do the Marie Kondo Method: Marie Kondo, Author of The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up, requests that we simplify our possessions through only keeping what sparks immense joy and living life clutter-free. Thanking each item for serving you and/or your family as you decide to donate or sell something is a freeing experience, easily keeping sentimentality at bay for many objects.

3. Go through everything: Sometimes, it can be extremely overwhelming to go through every paper, drawer, kitchen cabinet, and bookshelf. You may be tempted to put all the books in a box and label it “books.” You may even consider obtaining a storage unit to hold your things until the time is right to go through them. But that is a costly decision. Go through it all and keep what you truly value. Many items can easily be sold in an estate sale or donated.

4. Sell unwanted items, especially with a time constraint: Consider using a professional, such as Blue Moon Estate Sales, to timely and efficiently run and promote a sale of all the items that need to be sold. Other DIY options include Facebook Marketplace, consignment shops, and yard sales.

5. Giveaway prized items to loved ones: One of our clients downsized to an assisted living apartment after selling her home. As she looked through her items, her daughter noticed it was easy for her to part with some of her more sentimental items that wouldn’t fit in her new home by giving them to her children, grandchildren, church friends, and neighbors. Our client enjoyed knowing that these items would be well taken care of. She really appreciated that as well when we held the estate sale, seeing people delight over new treasures.

6. Ask questions to learn what can be let go: Is Aunt Janis no longer serving Thanksgiving dinner at her new studio beach condo, so then does she need the silver carving knife? Does Grandfather Rob not have room in his new assisted living apartment for the espresso maker? Are the grandchildren in need of new china sets? These questions behind the purpose and focus of each item can help someone decide whether to relinquish it.

7. Stay organized: It’s necessary to stay organized when downsizing. Have things clearly marked and utilize a professional estate sale company to help keep things streamlined for items that are no longer serving a family. Keep a running list of must-keeps, either physically or digitally, to ensure those items are transported properly.