How Much And What Will Downsizing Cost Me
Organizing and moving takes time, energy, and maybe some money. Take a look at how much and what downsizing can cost you and your family
You probably figured out that organizing and moving are labor-intensive. There are a lot of moving pieces, and depending on how much stuff you have and what you want to do with it, it may take a while. Sorting, organizing, and moving all the stuff that’s been in your basement for 30+ years is not a one-day project; it’s going to take time, energy, and maybe some money.Don’t let that get you down. There may be many things you can do yourself, or with help from friends or family. One of the most time-consuming tasks is sorting paperwork, so we often encourage clients to tackle that aspect of the job if there is too much to move. Getting some professional advice at the beginning of your project can set you on the right path to getting the move accomplished within your timeframe and budget.There are people you can call to do parts of the job as you create your team.
If you’re like most people, you hate moving. The good news is, there are people out there that you can hire, and if you see the value in letting someone handle your move, that may be the best decision for you.
When is the Best Time for You to Do the Move Yourself?
If you are young and have LOTS of energy
If you have no money, very few personal items and lots of friends
If you have a large family that loves to help
If you like to workout, and moving boxes and furniture sounds like a lot of fun.
For the rest of us, moving ranks up there with things we dislike a lot. So, maybe spending a bit of money on such a significant project is the right decision for you.Most people don’t move their belongings too often. You may have lived in your home for 20, 30, 40+ years, and each decade comes with a larger accumulation of “stuff.” Chances are you have justified to your significant other, or yourself, why you should hang onto all those small bits of things that have now filled every closet, drawer, box in the attic, and garage. This is why you need help. A professional organizer or relocation coordinator already has experience and relationships with all the people you need on your team to make this easier (and save you time, stress, and money).It takes you and your family about six-to-eight weeks to get the average 2,000-3,000-square-foot (non-hoarder) home ready for sale. That’s six-to-eight weeks of doing this in addition to your regular job if you are still working. So, maybe six-to-eight weeks stretches into eight-to-10 weeks, and, in the midst of all this, your home is in chaos.If you hire a professional to do this, it typically takes a relocation coordinator (and I’m speaking about The Betty Brigade team, because I can’t speak for other companies) one-to-two weeks for that same house. We take care of the phone calls, pre-packing your things, getting you the vendors you need, staging the house, and taking away any donations or trash.Imagine, going from nothing packed to having your whole home ready to be listed by a realtor in one-to-two weeks. You’re still making lots of decisions and keeping your favorite items, and there is a professional guiding you through the next steps and keeping you and your family on track to succeed in your deadlines!
Next week, I will show you a cost-breakdown and give you an example.
If you need help with your downsizing process, contact us
Or give us a call Toll-free 1-888-742-3889 or 734-994-1000
Until next time – Keep It Simple!
Downsizing the Silver Tsunami - The Betty Brigade - Sharon McRill
Article based on my most recent book, "Downsizing the Silver Tsunami." This book is a practical resource for anyone who is facing the task of downsizing—moving from a larger family home to a smaller house, condo, or multi-family living situation. Learn more
