How to be ruthless when moving?

[kingcharlesbaby]

I’m moving to a smaller house and I’m struggling to pack without moving unnecessary things with me. I am feeling so overwhelmed!

Any tips would be gratefully received!

It is about what you want or need to keep. I downsized from a 3 bed house to a 2 bed apartment and I got rid of alot of stuff. I allowed myself four boxes of sentimental stuff. We eventually moved with under 20 boxes and that was everything.

@kingcharlesbaby - In all honesty - I took charge of clearing my PILs house. It took 9 vans to get rid of stuff ( 4 bed house attic garage shed) - Never in my life am I going to leave my DCs with that.

Now I just chuck stuff. If it easily replaced fine - if it from a while ago and not been used - looked at - fine - get rid of it.

The trick I think is to keep the stuff you really like & appreciate.

Thank you @basiliskstare it is hard to be ruthless isn’t it! I’ve got too much stuff.

I’m going to get rid of as much as I can!

@kingcharlesbaby what I would say is that stuff piles up - my PILs were not hoarders in that you cannot get through rooms - but they did not get rid of stuff - so e.g. the clearing men found things which were still in original packaging e.g. in attic - under the stairs cupboard and asked if they could keep it - of course they could. Paperback books - just get rid as and when or get a kindle - don't buy new bookcases to house them - old things which were a hobby 20 years ago - chuck it . books or toys you have saved for grandchildren and they don't want them now they are teenagers chuck it. If you buy a new set of golf clubs - don't keep the old ones. If you have a broken patio set - chuck it. If you think a cable or a wire could be useful - chuck it if it does not work & don't keep it - if you have more kitchen things than you need and some are not useful - chuck them.

It was poignant to see how much of my PILs things were just taken away . DH & his sister and brother took what they thought was sentimental - but I volunteered to stay with the house clearance people. I had to book a hotel because it took two days rather than one - that changed my mind - no way am I leaving my DCs with that problem - it is depressing. So have got down from 4000 books to a few hundred & will reduce that ( kindle ) books I am not fussed about have given away - clothes I do not wear - given away . Anything I do not want or use ( I may want it but don't use it. - I get rid of it.

I think William Morris said " have nothing in your house which you do not believe to be useful or beautiful " I think a wise man man - Possessions can be a drag and once you start getting rid of them it can be a weight off your shoulders ( other opinions are available)

What changed my mind was what do you actually want to keep rather than what are you worrying about throwing away. When moving house I paid for 2 years of storage for stuff when when I opened some of the boxes I thought Oh my goodness why I have I paid to keep this. It went straight out.

I wish you well @kingcharlesbaby

Thank you, your wise words are helpful!!