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Kangaroo’s Guide to Easy Downsizing

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There are many reasons why people are currently choosing to downsize, ranging from financial struggles during the cost-of-living crisis to enjoying a simpler life during retirement. But what do you do with all the cherished belongings that don’t fit into your new space? This is where self-storage swoops in, providing a breath of fresh air during a potentially very stressful time. With flexible solutions, you can safely store your items for a few weeks, months, or even longer while you get comfortable in your new home.

So here, we’re providing you with expert advice from our storage specialists to help you downsize and use our household storage solutions the right way.

How Do You Know When It’s Time to Downsize?

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the upkeep of your current home? Or maybe the mortgage payments and property taxes have become a bit too much to handle? It might be time to consider downsizing. Here are some of the tell-tale signs that relocating to a smaller home is the best idea for your household:

  • Financial Relief. Money problems can be stressful, but downsizing can help ease that burden and give you some financial relief.
  • Retirement. As you enter your golden years, it might be time to swap out that big house for something a bit more manageable and cosy – not to mention easier on the wallet!
  • Empty Nest. If your kids have flown the nest, why not downsize to a home that’s just the right size for you? Think of all the money you’ll save on utilities!
  • Simplified Lifestyle. Less stuff, less clutter, less maintenance. Downsizing can help you simplify your life and focus on what really matters.
  • Location Change. You might want to live in a higher-cost area, close to amenities or family. Downsizing can make this relocation economically feasible!
  • Environmental Considerations. If you’re passionate about the environment, downsizing can help reduce your carbon footprint and lower your energy consumption.
  • Health or Mobility Issues. If your current home is difficult to navigate due to stairs or maintenance, a smaller, more manageable space can make life easier.
old couple moving into new home

Sorting and Decluttering Strategies

If any of the above situations sound all too familiar, fret not. While downsizing is a significant life event that’s disruptive and usually stressful for those involved, we’re here to help. Here are some clever strategies that’ll help you get ready for a more compact and cosy living experience.

1.      Categorise Your Items

Start by sorting your belongings into categories like “can’t live without”, “replaceable”, and “don’t need”. This way, you can identify what’s essential, what’s not, and what you can easily replace.

2.      The One-Year Rule

If you haven’t used something in a year, it’s probably time to let it go. This rule helps you get rid of things that are just collecting dust and taking up space.

3.      Digitise Your Life

Scan your documents, photos, and media into digital formats. Not only will this save you space, but it’ll also help you keep your memories and important documents safe and easily accessible.

4.      Gift or Donate

Items that you no longer need can find a new home with someone else. Consider gifting them to family or friends or donating them to charity shops.

woman sorting through old items to donate, keep, and discard

5.      Make Some Money

Sell your unwanted items online, go to a car boot sale, or join local selling groups on social media. This is a great way to make some extra cash and offset the costs of moving and storage!

6.      Visualise Your Space

Keep a floor plan of your new space handy to help you decide what furniture will fit and how to best utilise the area.

7.      Consider Self-Storage

For items that you’re not ready to part with but won’t fit in your new place, consider household storage. At Kangaroo Self Storage, we offer a variety of unit sizes to keep your possessions safe and secure.

8.      Take Your Time

Don’t rush the process; tackle one area of your home at a time and be systematic. You don’t want to make hasty decisions that you might regret later.

9.      Keep It Up

Once you’ve moved, make decluttering a habit. Your new, smaller home will fill up faster, so make sure to regularly assess your belongings to prevent new clutter from accumulating.

man packing storage unit with boxes

How Does Self-Storage Simplify Downsizing?

As we mentioned, you might not be ready to part with some of your items just yet, but they may not be things you need to keep in your new home. For example, you might have Christmas decorations you’ve accumulated over the years or your children’s old school projects that don’t fit your décor theme but you could never let go of! Or perhaps you’ve got gardening equipment you won’t need during winter, but your new home doesn’t have the space to store it?

In all of these examples, self-storage is the best solution, and here at Kangaroo, we make storing hassle-free, safe, affordable, and flexible, which is just what you need during a home move. Our storage units come in various sizes, starting from 16 sq ft, and can be rented for as little as a week or as long as a lifetime! This means you can store all your beloved items that don’t fit into your new, smaller home without worrying about the rental period.

Our team are truly incredible (just read our Feefo reviews if you don’t believe us), and they understand the anxiety of downsizing. Their hands-on, caring approach and customer-oriented services ensure that your journey is smooth and stress-free. So, why stress about downsizing when you can rely on us?

the team at kangaroo

Cost-Effective Downsizing with Kangaroo

Aside from retirement, the most common reason for downsizing is finances. Whether the cost-of-living crisis has meant you simply can’t afford your current mortgage and need to re-evaluate your situation, or you’re in the middle of jobs while you relocate to a new area, money is important. At Kangaroo, we understand this, which is why we offer the lowest prices in the area, and we even guarantee it with our price match policy as well as provide a range of offers and promotions depending on your location. Our team know every penny counts when you’re transitioning to a more economical lifestyle; that’s why we’re dedicated to providing an affordable and hassle-free storage solution.

We’re proud to offer moving house storage across Scotland and North West England, so find your nearest Kangaroo today to start your journey to a simplified downsizing journey:

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