Have you been considering downsizing your home? Well, then you’ve come to the right place because we’ve crunched the numbers, filled in the formulas and sorted through all the necessary equations to show you how to downsize your home (and save money) like a pro!
As you probably already know, your utilities, rent, rates and maintenance bills make up a large part of your family’s monthly home-related costs. And while all of these debit orders are essential, there are ways to cut back on these expenses when needed.
So if you are considering downsizing this year, you might want to bookmark this blog because we’ve perfected this skill and are ready to share our knowledge.
What is downsizing?
Are you feeling left out because you aren’t sure what the term downsizing means? Don’t panic; you aren’t alone, and we’re always happy to help (and offer a quick definition when needed).
Downsizing your home means that you are transitioning from a larger home to a smaller one. Meaning you are now responsible for paying lower rent, taxes, water and electricity rates.
Essentially, a smaller house = more money saved.
So yes, there are many financial benefits to downsizing, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not going to require quite a bit of work.
Remember that the aim is to eliminate unnecessary belongings, so you’ll need to adjust your mindset into declutter mode, but it’ll be worth it in the end. You’ll see! You’re in good hands.
Ready to start downsizing? Let’s do it:
1. Do away with the big furniture pieces
We know that the idea of getting rid of your favourite dresser or flea market furniture bargain seems like a big ask, but hear us out. Downsizing means you’ll have less space in your new place, so you might not have enough room for them. Never mind the hidden costs involved with moving these big furniture items.
Instead, get out your measuring tape and do a little walk-through of your new home. See which of your bigger furniture pieces (like your couch, family dining table and that cabinet you love) will all fit into your new place. And then do away with the leftover pieces.
Our advice? See if you can sell the items to close family and friends. Then, at least those items will still be in the family.
Alternatively, create, keep, donate, sell and trash piles!
2. Keep the small stuff
We know you’re probably happy to hear that we aren’t expecting you to get rid of EVERYTHING, but listen closely: you should probably get rid of most of it anyway!
Here’s the thing; downsizing your home is the perfect way to get rid of the unnecessary stuff, you know, all those knick-knacks that sit and collect dust.
Don’t get rid of regularly used items that you enjoy! And don’t forget about your sentimental items, too, even if you aren’t using them regularly. For example, don’t do away with the kid’s paintings and clay items because they’re important too!
3. Get your storage plan sorted
This part isn’t the most fun, but it is crucial. Getting your storage plan stored out will save you from the notorious downsizing headache. You will need to make sense of the moving chaos; the best way to do that is by planning your storage.
The first thing that you’re going to need to do is to figure out how you are going to tackle organising stuff into boxes. So think about how and where certain items are going to go. For example, are you placing laundry and bathroom items together?
Now, this does take a little time, but you will be grateful that you did it. So, grab a pen and paper and plan your storage and packing logistics. It will ensure that the entire process is seamless!
4. Opt-in for home contents insurance
Home contents insurance assures that all your movable contents in your home are covered should anything happen to them; this includes your household goods and personal belongings.
We cannot stress this enough, but home insurance is an absolute MUST! Simply put, we always explain home contents like this: Imagine you had to turn your house upside down; everything that falls out would be your household contents.
Underinsuring your home is a reality, and we don’t want you to experience it! We want to help you take care of it! So worrying about insuring your home and avoiding underinsuring your new abode shouldn’t be headache-inducing. Insurance is there to help you, and we plan to do just that.
With Oneplan, insuring your household items is the most effortless process EVER! Because you’re the boss! Just say how much you want to cover and the amount you can afford, and our team will get back to you with a personalised quote.
You can even change your coverage (or the amount payable monthly)! So, our coverage is really that flexible because it’s YOURS.
Ready to get a quote? Then click here!
Yours in comprehensive home insurance,
The Oneplan Team
