Downsizing Tips to Know Before Moving to the EU from the UK
Downsizing is a smart strategy if you are relocating to Europe from the UK, as it often means moving to a smaller home and reducing your possessions. Bringing your entire collection of personal and household items to a new country can be both impractical and costly, making this shift to a simpler lifestyle the ideal choice.
Downsizing offers numerous benefits, including a more affordable home, increased mobility and flexibility, a clutter-free and simplified living environment, a reduced environmental footprint and more.
If you’re someone who cherishes their possessions, letting go of some of them is likely to be a difficult, even emotional decision. However, the key lies in reevaluating your possessions and seeing how they fit into the new landscape, lifestyle and long-term costs of living abroad.
Here are some tips for successful downsizing as you prepare to relocate to the EU.
Adopt a Different Mindset
Downsizing is not about undermining the value or sentimentality attached to your possessions, but rather creating space for new opportunities and experiences in your life. You can still hold onto the items that matter most, but it’s equally important to let go of things you’ve outgrown, recognizing and honouring the role they once played in your life.
By donating or selling these belongings, you’re giving them a second life, allowing others to find joy and purpose in them. At the same time, you free yourself to focus on what your new life abroad truly requires. This shift in perspective paves the way for a smoother transition and a more fulfilling journey ahead.
Make an Inventory
Listing your items and categorising them under what to keep, store and give away or discard is a rational approach to downsizing. This approach can give you clarity and helps you prioritise quality (utility) over quantity. The key is to make an honest assessment of each piece. For example, clothes that you simply like to keep but rarely use, if at all, should go under the giveaway category. The same goes for kitchenware, furniture or any other items that are rarely used.
Your decisions should take into account several key factors.
- Who will be moving with you? Just you, you and your partner, or your entire family?
- The size of your living space abroad
- Customs regulations
- Changes to your lifestyle and career
- Cost of moving
- Maintenance costs
- Your long-term plans
For instance, shipping large items, such as your old piano or your vehicle, can be expensive. Therefore, it’s worth considering if the cost is worth it.
Remember, you don’t have to tackle everything on this list at once. Some decisions will, of course, take more time. However, it is important to approach this as an ongoing process.
By steadily making progress, you’ll be better prepared when the time for your move arrives.
Start Early
Downsizing affects people differently. Some find it therapeutic and are, therefore, more motivated to get it done. Others may find the process unappealing and even overwhelming. A lack of motivation could cause you to procrastinate, forcing you to make rushed, last-minute decisions when you’re close to your departure date.
To avoid this, make your downsizing journey a gradual process.
Consult Those Moving With You
If your family is also moving with you, your downsizing will inevitably need their input. Be sure to consult your spouse and family members about what to keep, donate, or take with you.
You should also check with your future landlord about their property policies. Some do not allow pets, energy-intensive appliances or equipment, uninsured high-value items, fire-risk outdoor decor, motorised vehicles, etc.
It’s also important to review the EU customs regulations for the country you’re moving to. Certain items may be restricted or prohibited from entering, so familiarize yourself with these rules beforehand.
Gentlevan Removals can help you navigate these requirements and ensure you are compliant with all regulations.
Donate, Sell, Swap
Downsizing is a great opportunity to give back to your community.
Donating to charities and shelters extends the utility of your items while helping you downsize quickly. Before donating, do coordinate with the recipient organisations to understand what they actually need. Sending items they already have could waste both time and space.
Selling the belongings you no longer need or use helps raise some cash for your big move. You can also upcycle your old items to give them a new life and sell them for a higher price. Swapping is another practical option, allowing you to exchange items you no longer need for essentials like extra suitcases, winter coats, or boots for your life abroad.
Tap Storage Solutions
That vintage typewriter in your study does not need to be disposed of, especially if it makes you feel nostalgic about your writing career. However, bringing it with you might not be practical if your new home has limited space, you won’t be using it, or it’s in delicate condition and could be damaged during shipping.
The solution? Storage services.
Gentlevan Removals offers reliable storage solutions in Oxfordshire for items you can’t take with you but still want to keep.
Our storage services provide the following benefits:
- Direct delivery of containers to your doorstep, minimising double-handling
- A 24-hour camera operation system to ensure the safety of your belongings
- Full insurance coverage for protection against unforeseen events
- Integrated removal and storage services, making the process expedient
- Protective materials to ensure items remain in pristine condition throughout the storage period
With a reliable storage solution, downsizing for relocation becomes easier and hassle-free. You can safely store your items and retrieve them later when you return to the UK and your larger home. Alternatively, you may choose to keep them stored long-term, embracing a more minimalist lifestyle permanently.
If you'd like to learn more about our containerised storage solution, check out our blog here: 9 Things To Know About Removal Company Storage Services in Oxfordshire
Contact us now for top-notch packing, moving and storage services — and we’ll help make your downsizing journey a smooth and successful one!