Downsizing is really emotional

GDB2222

We have lived in this house for 25 years, and accumulated a lot of stuff. Really, a lot. The house is quite big, and we would be moving to a place 1/3rd of the size.

So, it’s time to get rid of around two thirds of all the stuff here, so we can put the house on the market and won’t be in a mad rush after selling. 

The children are aghast that we will throw away the stuff that they left here years ago, yet getting them to come and take what they actually want is proving difficult. We parents are also finding it difficult to part with perfectly good stuff that we no longer need. It’s all quite emotional at the moment.

How have others coped with this?

Also, on a practical basis, it seems a shame to bin loads of this stuff but I am not sure what else to do? I can’t ebay literally hundreds of items. For example, I have two big boxes of records that I haven’t played for 25 years. Do I just bin them? Pile everything up in the hall, and ask the charity shop to collect? 

Slinky

Regarding the kids stuff, you have to be brutal. Either they have it cluttering up their home instead of yours, or it's moved on.

Be realistic with what charity shops can really sell. They don't want rubbish that is going to cost them money to dispose of.

I gave away my records to an specialist record charity shop. I think it was a branch of Oxfam, somebody came and collected it.

Facebook groups can be useful for giving stuff away free or selling cheap, although you get a lot of people not turning up to collect things.

Try and get started as soon as you can, but don't do it all at once or it'll be overwhelming.

propertyrental

I'm downsizing. Be brutal!

Give kids a list of stuff and a deadline to collect. Another option would be agree the list but offer to put it in storage for them for later.
Your own stuff just needs deciding what you actually need/want (and will fit), and then use ebay or similar to sell, freecycle /charities to give away, and the council tip for the rest.
Yes - brutal but necessay!

GDB2222

It is overwhelming!  

SiliconChip

I have found British Heart Foundation to be good for collecting furniture that's no longer needed, although they are a bit picky about what they'll take, it has to be in good condition and you may have to dismantle larger items.

UnderOffer

Free cycle / Facebook / local charities or even just popping stuff outside your house for free will see items vanish. I never have any issues getting rid of items if you want no or minimal money. It will be very refreshing to clear rooms and areas, just do it steadily one area at a time. 

RobM99

Recoreds are in demand - depending what they are. An ad' in the local newsagent will do the trick!

Drawingaline

Fbook marketplace can be good for giving away stuff or selling stuff cheaply. Just need to weed out the time wasters. Ebay and vinted for anything you think might be worth anything.

Kids need to collect their stuff by a certain date or it's gone, they obviously don't actually want it if its not in their own homes. 

Good luck. I can't wait to downsize (got a long way to go yet!) And streamline all the !!!!!! hubby seems determined to hoard.

Racky_Roo

Freecycle is good for getting rid of decent stuff. Also remember the process of getting to completion takes about 4 months so you can gradually get rid of items such as furniture during that period.

I'd start with the clutter and kids stuff and then move onto the bigger things. Do one room at a time, make a pile, keep, charity, kids, dump. Then make sure you actually go to the charity shop/dump/insist kids take it rather than just moving it round rooms.

Once you start you'll find it easier. Good luck 

Tiglet2

GDB2222 said:

We have lived in this house for 25 years, and accumulated a lot of stuff. Really, a lot. The house is quite big, and we would be moving to a place 1/3rd of the size.

So, it’s time to get rid of around two thirds of all the stuff here, so we can put the house on the market and won’t be in a mad rush after selling. 

The children are aghast that we will throw away the stuff that they left here years ago, yet getting them to come and take what they actually want is proving difficult. We parents are also finding it difficult to part with perfectly good stuff that we no longer need. It’s all quite emotional at the moment.

How have others coped with this?

Also, on a practical basis, it seems a shame to bin loads of this stuff but I am not sure what else to do? I can’t ebay literally hundreds of items. For example, I have two big boxes of records that I haven’t played for 25 years. Do I just bin them? Pile everything up in the hall, and ask the charity shop to collect? 

Totally understand you.  We are also contemplating downsizing in the not too distant future.  We have the same issues and the same amount of clutter and are finding it difficult to know where to start!  We'll be reading with interest!

Skiddaw1

I agree re Freecycle. In addition, try local FB groups as well as charity shops.

My tip is to break things down methodically into doable chunks. That way you won't feel so overwhelmed (and it's surprising how swiftly you start to see results!)

Good luck....