Thinking of Downsizing? These Are Items You Should Keep

Preparing to move is an arduous task. It makes sense to get rid of a lot of unused belongings when you are getting ready to pack and move, especially if you are downsizing.  But it’s important not to go overboard! There are some things that are worth keeping. In fact, there are some things you should never throw away, even when downsizing:

  • Important Papers

You should let go of as much paper as you can before moving but be careful that you don’t thrown away important documents. Hang on to the following:

  • birth and death certificates
  • marriage licenses
  • divorce decrees
  • social security cards
  •  retirement documents
  • medical records
  • insurance policies
  • passports
  • wills
  • trusts
  • power of attorney documents
  • property deeds
  •  investment records
  •  education records
  • Diplomas
  • military service records
  • vehicle titles

Organizing Your Important Documents

  • Collections

If you collect something, clearly it has significance to you. Maybe you just like it, or maybe it has sentimental value. Either way, you should definitely take your collection with you and make room for it in your own home. Now, if you have several collections, you might have to pick your favorites and leave some behind. But downsizing doesn’t mean having to let go of the things that mean the most to you.

  • Family Heirlooms

Sometimes you inherit things that you feel you must keep just because they were passed down to you from family, even if you don’t really like them. You keep them packed in a box and don’t use or display them. There is no point in moving these to your new home. Only family heirlooms that you love should make the cut.  Downsizing gives you the opportunity to take stock of your family heirlooms and decide what is worth keeping and what can be sold or given away. Take the items that you enjoy and that are meaningful to you…leave the rest.

  • Electronics

Unless you have the time to make sure that all your electronics have been completely cleared of personal information, you should take them with you. The last thing you want is to give away, sell, or dispose of electronic devices that still carry your personal information.

  • Photographs

When you are in the midst of packing for a move and you are exhausted and overwhelmed, you might start throwing away things that seem unimportant at the moment…but you may regret it later. Take all your photographs with you. If you have time, save space by getting them digitized using a company like Legacy Box. But don’t throw them away!

  • Landline Phones

Many people rely solely on cell phones these days.  But you never know when you might misplace your mobile phone, run out of battery or lose service. Keep at least one land line for emergencies.

  • Sentimental Items

This may seem like a given. Of course, you won’t leave any sentimental items behind.  But sometimes it’s difficult to decide what holds deep sentimental value to you, especially when you are overwhelmed by the sheer amount of stuff you must move and fit into your new, smaller home. Don’t let downsizing make you feel like you must get rid of the things that mean most to you. Choose the ones that mean the most and bring them along!

Are you thinking of buying a home or selling your current home in New River Valley, VA? Then it is time to contact Desi Sowers, your New River Valley, VA real estate resource! Give her a call today at 540-320-1328!

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