Summary
Discover how to transform your empty nest into an exciting new chapter with BMS Moving's expert guide to downsizing.
As your children grow up and move out, you may find yourself contemplating the next chapter of your life with a mix of nostalgia and excitement. For many empty nesters, the process often involves downsizing to a smaller, more manageable home–maybe one where you don’t trip over sports equipment in the hallway or find year-old snacks wedged between couch cushions.
While the prospect of downsizing can feel overwhelming, it’s also an opportunity for a fresh start and new adventures. It’s time to rediscover spaces that are just for you, whether that means a reading nook, a hobby room, or simply a quiet spot to enjoy your coffee in peace!
Let’s explore how you can turn your empty nest into a launchpad for your next great adventure.
Why Downsize?
Before we dive into the how-to’s, let’s consider the benefits of downsizing:
- Financial freedom: A smaller home often means lower mortgage payments, reduced utility bills, and less maintenance costs.
- Simplified lifestyle: Less space equals less stuff to manage, giving you more time to focus on what truly matters.
- New opportunities: Downsizing can free up resources for travel, hobbies, or other pursuits you’ve always wanted to explore.
- Easier upkeep: A smaller home is generally easier to clean and maintain, reducing physical strain and time spent on household chores.
- Fresh start: Moving to a new space can be invigorating, offering a chance to redecorate and reimagine your living environment.
Planning Your Downsizing Move
1. Start Early
The key to a stress-free downsizing move is to start planning well in advance. Ideally, begin the process 3-6 months before your intended move date. Doing so gives you ample time to sort through your belongings, make decisions about what to keep, and plan your new space.
2. Assess Your New Space
Before you start packing, get a clear idea of the layout and dimensions of your new home. The numbers will help you determine what furniture will realistically fit and how much storage space you’ll have.
Keep in mind that BMS Moving & Storage can provide expert advice on space planning to ensure a smooth transition to your new home. Our experts understand that a successful move goes beyond just transporting your belongings–it’s about creating a comfortable and functional living space in your new residence.
3. Sort and Declutter
Decluttering your current home is often the most challenging part of downsizing, but it’s also the most crucial. It can be helpful to go through your belongings room by room and create four broad categories:
- Keep: Items you use regularly or hold significant sentimental value
- Sell: Items in good condition that you no longer need
- Donate: Usable items that could benefit others
- Discard: Items that are broken, outdated, or no longer useful
Remember, the goal is to simplify your life, not to get rid of everything just for the sake of downsizing! Focus on keeping items that bring you joy or serve a practical purpose in your new home.
1. Digitize Where Possible
Consider scanning important documents, photos, and mementos. Digitization can significantly reduce physical clutter while preserving all of your precious memories.
2. Involve Your Family Members
If you’re downsizing from a long-time family home, it’s okay to involve your children in the process! In fact, they may want to keep certain items or help with decisions about family heirlooms. Working with your family can also serve as a wonderful opportunity to share stories and memories associated with various belongings.
3. Consider Future Needs
While downsizing, think about your future lifestyle. Will you be traveling more? Hosting grandchildren? Pursuing new hobbies? Make sure your new home and the items you choose to keep align with these plans.
4. Explore Storage Options
If you’re not ready to part with certain items but they won’t fit in your new home, consider storage solutions. BMS Moving & Storage offers secure, climate-controlled storage facilities for both short-term and long-term needs.
Packing and Moving: The BMS Difference
Once you’ve sorted and decluttered, it’s time to start packing. This is where BMS Moving & Storage’s expertise truly shines. We’ve helped countless families navigate this transition over our 80+ years in the industry.
Our professional packing services can save you time, reduce stress, and ensure your belongings are properly protected during the move.
1. Professional Packing Services
Our trained packers use high-quality materials and proven techniques to pack your items safely and efficiently. We can pack your entire home or just specific items that require extra care, such as antiques or artwork.
2. Storage Services
Not ready to unpack just yet? Not a problem. We’ll load your belongings, store them in special vaults in our secure warehouses, and deliver everything only when you’re ready.
3. Furniture Disassembly and Reassembly
Our expert movers can disassemble large furniture items for easier transport and reassemble them in your new home, saving you time and potential frustration.
4. Specialized Moving Services
If you have unique items like pianos or gym equipment, our specialized moving services ensure these items are handled with the utmost care and expertise.
Looking for one of our offices? Click here to find a BMS location near you.
3 Tips for Setting Up Your New Home
The excitement of moving into your new, downsized space can sometimes be overshadowed by the daunting task of unpacking and organizing. BMS Moving & Storage is here to help make this process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
1. Unpacking Services
Our professional unpacking services can help you settle into your new home quickly. We’ll unpack your boxes, remove packing materials, and even arrange items according to your preferences.
2. Space Planning Assistance
Our experienced team can offer suggestions on furniture placement and organization to maximize your new space and create a comfortable, functional living environment.
3. Donation and Disposal Services
If you decide to part with additional items after moving in, we can assist with donating usable items to local charities or properly disposing of unwanted items.
It’s Time to Embrace Your New Adventure
Remember, downsizing is not about giving up the life you had, but about making room for new experiences and opportunities. Here are some ways to embrace your new adventure:
- Explore Your New Neighborhood: Take time to discover local amenities, parks, restaurants, and community events in your new area.
- Pursue New Hobbies: With less time spent on home maintenance, you can finally take that painting class or join a local hiking group.
- Travel More: A smaller home often means lower expenses, potentially freeing up resources for travel and exploration.
- Entertain in New Ways: While you may have less space, you can still entertain. Consider hosting intimate dinner parties or organizing outings with friends to local attractions.
- Stay Connected: Make an effort to stay connected with family and friends. Technology makes it easy to keep in touch, even if you’ve moved to a new area.
Why Choose BMS Moving & Storage for Your Downsizing Move?
With over 80 years of experience, BMS Moving & Storage understands the unique challenges and emotions involved in downsizing moves. Our comprehensive services, professional team, and commitment to customer satisfaction make us the ideal partner for this important life transition.
- Experienced professionals: Our team is trained to handle all aspects of your move with care and efficiency.
- Customized moving plans: We tailor our services to meet your specific needs and preferences.
- Full-service capabilities: From packing to unpacking, we can handle every aspect of your move.
- Local expertise with nationwide reach: As an agent of Bekins Van Lines, we can manage both local and long-distance moves.
- Stress-free process: Our goal is to make your downsizing move as smooth and worry-free as possible.
Your Launchpad to New Adventures
Downsizing from an empty nest to a new, smaller home is a significant life change, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. With proper planning, the right mindset, and the support of a trusted moving partner like BMS Moving & Storage, you can turn this transition into an exciting new adventure.
Remember, this move is not just about reducing square footage—it’s about opening up new possibilities for the next chapter of your life. Whether you’re looking forward to traveling more, pursuing new hobbies, or simply enjoying a more manageable lifestyle, downsizing can be the key to unlocking these opportunities.
At BMS Moving & Storage, we’re here to support you every step of the way. From the initial planning stages to settling into your new home, our experienced team is committed to making your downsizing move a positive, stress-free experience.
Ready to start your downsizing journey? Contact BMS Moving & Storage today for a free consultation. Let us help you turn your empty nest into the launchpad for your next great adventure!
