Moving may be exciting, but it can also pose some challenges along the way. If you’re transitioning from a larger property to a smaller space, figuring out where to store some of your belongings is one complication you may encounter throughout the moving process. While there may be some joy to be found in minimizing clutter, there are items you may wish to keep for the future. Here are some ideas to help you navigate this aspect of your move.

3 Downsizing Tips When Moving to a Smaller Residence 

1. Assess What You Own

As you begin the process of moving from your larger home to a smaller abode, be honest with yourself about that which you really need, as it may not be practical to keep every single item you own. However, there are ways to part with some belongings without feeling badly about it. Begin by creating piles in each room. Sort out items you want to donate to friends or family members, items you want to throw away because they serve no purpose, and items you want to keep. One way to stay organized with this is to create these groupings for each room of your home, so that you can make a significant dent in packing the essentials.

2. Evaluate Your New Home

Next, consider how much space you actually have to spare at your new place. If you can manage this simply by comparing the square footage, you may be able to determine what percentage of your items you can reasonably keep. If this tactic isn’t suitable for your particular situation, the other option is to revisit your belongings—this time with a renewed sense of purpose—and reduce your collection of items based on what can feasibly be accommodated in the space that’s available in your new, smaller home. For example, if there’s no guest room in your new place, you probably won’t find space for your extra mattress and bedroom set, so prepare to either store them, sell them, donate them, or give them away.

3. Rent a Storage Unit

After sorting all your items and determining that which you want to really keep versus get rid of, if the belongings you wish to keep still exceeds the allowable space in your new home, consider renting a safe storage space. A storage unit provides you with a secure and sensible location to keep everything within close reach. Putting items into storage is also smart from an organizational standpoint; it makes it easier for you to sort your belongings in your new home, and you can slowly retrieve things as you need them. With so many sizes available, it will be easy to find one that best accommodates your needs.

If you’re moving to a smaller living space but are unsure of what to do with all of your belongings, turn to the secure storage solutions offered at CJ’s Storage in Flathead County, MT. Located in Columbia Falls, the facility provides a variety of storage units in numerous sizes designed to meet your specific needs. Whether you’re holding the contents of a small apartment or a full-sized home, you’ll find just what you need to keep your belongings safe. You can also opt for a climate-controlled unit if you’re concerned about the nature of more delicate items, like wood furniture and antique artwork. Visit the website to browse their residential storage options, or call them at (406) 892-1272 for more information regarding storage options.