
There are many challenges of downsizing in Portland.
Even if you’re only moving across town, if you have to move from a 7,000 square foot home to a 3,000 square foot home, the challenge of downsizing can be overwhelming. Not only do you have to deal with the emotions of getting rid of items you love, you have to sift through years and years’ worth of “stuff” that you just don’t need anymore.
There are many challenges associated with downsizing in Portland, whether you have mobility issues and need to move to a one-floor home, or you are getting a divorce and need to pare down your living situation exponentially.
Here are some tips to help with the prospect of downsizing.
Give Yourself Plenty of Time
Downsizing is a process, not an event. This is why you should start early. This will ensure the process is less stressful, giving you a bigger window in which to determine which items you truly need before moving into your new Portland home.
Create three piles or areas to ensure you get rid of your items in the most eco-friendly way. You’ll need a box for donations, one for trash, one for selling and one for keeping.
Measure Your New Space and Understand Your Storage Options
It’s important to measure your new space before you bring everything over so you know exactly what will fit and what will have to go into storage. Do a sketch on a piece of paper or map it out on a computer. Either way, there’s no sense in bringing large items with you that simply won’t fit in the new space.
Take advantage of as much vertical space as you can, using floor to ceiling shelves, hooks and shelves, hanging pot racks, furniture with hidden storage, and door organizers. If you need extra space, consider installing a shed in the yard to store larger items that won’t fit in the house.
Declutter
Write out a list of questions to better evaluate what should stay and what should go. If it doesn’t bring you joy or serve a practical purpose, get rid of it. Ask yourself:
- Have I used this item in the last year?
- Do I actually use this or do I just like to have it just in case?
- Can I replace this item affordably and easily if I need it again in the future?
- Does this item help me achieve my goals?

Sell Furniture to the New Buyers
If a lot of your existing furniture won’t fit in the new digs, give the buyers an opportunity to purchase them. This will save you from having to pay to haul the items out.
Digitize Documents and Photos
Because documents and photos take up a lot of space, it’s smart to digitize then and store them on your computer.
Keep Your Favorite Sentimental Items…
And give the rest away to family. It can be hard to part with items that hold sentimental value. You can’t take everything with you, though. Perhaps there is a grandchild that would appreciate your heirlooms?
Starting early and making smart choices about what goes and what stays will help you with a downsize move in Portland.
Contact Portland Move
We can help you with the challenges of downsizing in Portland. Just give us a call at 971-290-2369 for a free quote and a timeline of logistics.