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There are many reasons to consider downsizing when it comes to your home items: the mental space that comes from decluttering, the renewed focus on your priorities once excess stuff isn’t there to distract you. But one thing you may not realise is how narrowing your things down is a way to save big on moving services. 

The benefits of downsizing your home

When you trim the fat of your personal belongings, good things happen. Many of us have probably felt a sense of calm and satisfaction after tidying up, but there are many psychological benefits to staying clutter-free. 

Greater life satisfaction
Studies have found that clutter in the home can increase stress. One study, in particular, published in Current Psychology, found that clutter was not only linked to procrastination but that in older age groups, it can be linked to life dissatisfaction.  

Improved focus
Removing the visual clutter from your space is one simple way to improve focus and productivity, according to this 2011 study from the Princeton Neurological Institute. When the clutter is clear, your mind no longer needs to compete with your environment for your attention.

Cleaner air
The fewer items in your home, the less dust, dirt, and mould to cling to. Also, the easier they are to clean! Yale University’s Yale Wave added that not only can clutter and dust accumulation be problematic for respiratory illnesses, but towering sky-high storage boxes can be a risk for injury by falling or blocking emergency exits. 

How downsizing saves on moving and storage services

Beyond the psychological benefits, paring down your belongings is an excellent strategy for saving on moving and storage services. 

As owner Nathan Miller of Bighorn Moving And Storage recently explained on okanaganedge.net, planning ahead for your move and taking a survey of your belongings with a professional mover provides a top to your budget, and you can work down from there. 

“The original survey will give you a ceiling to your moving quote,” says Nathan. “Then you know what the worst-case budget might be, and you have ample opportunity to work down from that.” 

With over 15 years in the business, Nathan is full of moving tips to save money and lower stress when it comes to relocating. 

How to decide what stays and what goes

It’s easy to say that decluttering is good and hoarding is bad, but the hurdle is actually getting rid of your things. The emotional attachment we tend to place on objects can make it seem impossible to get rid of something as simple as an old t-shirt. Here are some helpful questions to ask yourself during the process: 

When was the last time you used it?

This should be an easy one. When was the last time you wore that pair of jeans or a second set of scissors? Setting a cut off like having not used an item for the last year, can make it easier to be cutthroat when it comes to tossing it.  

Do I have more than one?

You probably don’t need more than one olive oil dispenser or popcorn machine. If you have multiple items performing the same function it should be an easy decision to get rid of one. 

Does the item even work?

We all like to think that we’ll get around to fixing that old monitor or sewing a patch into that ripped cardigan, but it’s time, to be honest with yourself: are you going to actually do it? If you’re hanging on to a broken item for years, waiting to get around to repair it, it’s probably time to let it go. 

Reducing clutter pro tip:

Here’s our number one secret to staying clutter-free: take on less items. 

This starts at the store (online or brick-and-mortar). Start asking yourself if you need that T-shirt or if it’s just a good sale. 

When you’re thinking about a purchase, pump the brakes for a couple of weeks. If you still want or need it after that time, it might be worth investing in. 

Say no to items that are being given away for free that you don’t actually need. They charge a price for the physical (and mental) clutter they will add to your everyday life. 

What to do with your items

So you’ve done the hard part of deciding what stays and what goes, but the work isn’t over. It’s time to find a new home for your things. 

It’s yard sale season

Spring and summer are not only the best seasons for moving; they’re the best seasons for yard sales. Bring out a table or lay down a blanket and start letting go of your items at your own mini-market. 

Storage in Kelowna

Maybe some things you’ve decided to keep but not keep handy. This could be seasonal sports equipment, clothing, antiques, or heirloom items. 

“The cost of storing items is far cheaper than the cost of moving items,” Nathan says.  

Putting items into storage in Kelowna will not only keep your home a bit more serene but help reduce your bill on moving day. 

Working with one company to provide moving and storage services is the way to go, as there is one point of contact and one invoice. Learn more about Bighorn Moving And Storage services in Kelowna.   

Where to donate items in Kelowna

What you can’t sell, donate! This could be to a local thrift store or to a charity. Many charities also operate thrift stores to fund their missions. 

Donate items to Kelowna charities

Many charities might be thrilled to accept your used items. Here are a few to give you inspiration:

Kelowna Share Society
This nonprofit uses its proceeds to fund multiple community programs. They can accept almost any clean item, including fabric scraps, and can arrange for furniture donations by appointment. 

Mamas for Mamas
This charity supports families in need in Kelowna. Part of their giving includes a free store for families to access items they need free of charge. 

Kelowna Gospel Mission
Revenue from this thrift store supports the Gospel Mission’s programs to fight homelessness, including emergency shelters and outreach. 

Kelowna Women’s Shelter Thrift Store
This thrift store gives its proceeds back to the Kelowna Women’s Shelter’s programs and services, including outreach, transitional housing, and a 24/7 helpline. 

Mission Thrift Store
Proceeds from the Mission Thrift Store support giving programs, including global literacy and local community support. 

Rutland Thrift
This thrift store supports the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation. It partners with local healthcare organizations like JoeAnna’s House and the Central Okanagan Hospice House. 

Renew Crew
This program for the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Central and Southern Interior of BC works with Value Village. Through that partnership, they gain 75% of their revenue. Follow the link to see what they do and do not accept in donations. 

Habitat for Humanity Okanagan
From your home to theirs, Habitat for Humanity accepts donations at their ReStore centre. A comprehensive list of needs and what they are not accepting can be found when you follow the link above. 

What can be donated to charity?

One very important thing to note: unless it is clearly stated, reach out to the charity beforehand and see what they are accepting. Operating on limited resources, some charities have limited space and must be selective about what they accept. The easiest way to find out what they want is to ask. 

What shouldn’t be donated to charity?

A caveat with these guidelines again is that if you aren’t sure, ask. Generally, however, charities won’t want:

• Dirty items

• Items in poor working condition 

• Hazardous chemicals or materials 

Items like this can usually wind up being more work (or worse, safety hazard) for the charity through cleaning or disposal of the items. 

When you’re ready to make your next move, look local for the best movers in Kelowna with the experience you need to get the job done right, stress-free. Get a moving quote from Bighorn Moving And Storage today!