Downsizing without losing what matters
People downsize for different reasons. The children may have grown up, you may want a simpler life or be planning for retirement, or you may want lower costs for the house and its bills. Whatever your reason, there are several items to think about, and one of them is what to do with belongings that will not fit.
Social amenities
Downsizing can save money, but you do not have to give up quality of life to do it. Look at what is near the new home: a leisure centre, for example, or social groups you already belong to. Think about how easy it will be to get to them.
If you are moving to a flat, think about outdoor space too, especially if you have children or pets.
Financial goals
Before you decide, be clear about what you want from the move. A large home can be a strain on your finances and leave little to save. That is why many people downsize, to put something aside for retirement.
Decide too how much you are willing to spend on the new home,.
Future plans
Think about the location of the new home, whatever your reason for moving. Will it be enough for what you plan to do next, or will you have to move again? A plan will guide your decision and help you avoid regrets.
Before you move, think about space for anything you expect to acquire in the future.
Space, and how many people will live there
The right amount of space depends on the property and on the size of your family. Choose enough space to avoid a crowded home and to give everyone some privacy.
The new home should have room for everyone in your household without costing comfort or privacy. Even if your children have moved out, think about the space they will need when they visit, since you will still want some privacy yourself.
Senior care
If you are downsizing for retirement, think about the care you may need as you get older. Pick a place close to facilities and to people who can help when you need it. You might prefer a home without stairs, or one with an ensuite bathroom off the main bedroom.
The size of your furniture
Furniture can decide which home you choose. You may need to plan how to let go of household items you no longer need, so the new place does not feel cramped.
If sorting through your belongings is not an option, choose a home where all your furniture will fit.
Where to start with the items that will not fit
If you are wondering where to start, look at the kinds of items we buy and ask for a free postage pack. Everything can go into the same box and come to us with the free postage label. Your box is protected on the way to us, and we make one offer for the whole box within seven days of arrival.
Say yes on a working day and we send your payment the same day, once we have your details. We hold your offer for 14 days. Your offer tells you the date. If you need longer, just ask.
Ready to clear a drawer?
Get your free packHow it works
Step 1: Pack your box
Everything in, nothing cleaned.
Step 2: Post it free
Stick the Parcelforce label from your pack on your box and send it to us.
Step 3: Wait for your offer
One offer for the lot, within seven days of arrival.
Questions
What should I do with items that will not fit in a smaller home?
Decide what you will keep and what you can let go. Cameras, watches, jewellery, collectables, silver and gold that you no longer need can go in one box to us.
Do I need to sort items before I post them?
No. Everything can go in the same box, and we make one offer for the whole box. Condition does not matter for most items.
Got a box of old treasures at home?
Get your free pack
Protected on its way to us
Our parcel cover, up to £300, on evidence of what was in the box.
One offer for the whole box
We value everything in it and make one offer for the lot.
Carefully valued
We carefully value each box and pay a fair price for it.
Free postage both ways
A free postage label to us, and free postage back if you decline.
A smaller home can still hold what matters to you.
Prefer to talk? Call us free on 0800 048 8777