Moving a lifetime of treasures is not an easy task but there comes a time when everyone will make the move from their family home to something slightly cosier and more accomodating. Once the kids have flown the nest, you may decide you don't need all of those extra bedrooms to clean and keep tidy. You may not need a big backyard that requires constant mowing and you may find that there's a lot of space in your house that simply isn't being occupied. 

If you've decided it's time to downsize, congratulations! A whole new lifestyle awaits and one that hopefully doesn't require as much home maintenance! When the time comes to move, give the team at Best Rated Transport a call. We can provide you with instant quotes and walk you through the entire moving process, including assisting you with taking inventory and ensuring you are using the right removalist for your specific move. 

In the meantime, have a read of our top downsizing tips when starting this exciting chapter.

Downsizing Tips from Best Rated Transport

1. Start Early and Make a Plan

Give yourself plenty of time. Start sorting at least a month before your move. Make a schedule for each room and set small goals—like “sort the garage this weekend.”

2. Measure Your New Space

Get the floor plan or measure your new rooms. Know what will fit (and what won’t) so you don’t move things you can’t use.

Tip:
Check if your big furniture, fridge, or washing machine will fit through the doors and in the right spots.

3. Declutter Room by Room

Work through your home one room at a time.

• Keep: Essentials and things you love or use often

• Donate: Good-condition items you don’t need

• Sell: Furniture, clothes, or appliances in great shape

• Bin: Broken, outdated, or worn-out things

Use our moving checklist to stay organised.

4. Be Honest About What You Need

Ask yourself:

• Have I used this in the last year?

• Does it fit my new home or lifestyle?

• Is it worth moving, or could someone else use it more?

5. Digitise Where You Can

Scan important documents, photos, or kids’ artwork to save space. Store files on a USB, hard drive, or in the cloud.

6. Get Family Involved

Ask family members to sort their own things. If you’re passing down keepsakes, now’s the time.

7. Use Smart Storage Solutions

If you’re not ready to part with everything, consider short-term storage for a few boxes or special items.

Tip:
Label storage boxes clearly and make a list of what’s inside.

8. Sell, Donate, or Recycle

• Sell on Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, or at a garage sale.

• Donate to local charities, op shops, or shelters (make sure items are clean and usable).

• Recycle electronics, batteries, and old paperwork.

9. Pack What’s Left—Smart!

Pack only what you need and love. Use our inventory calculator to know exactly what’s going.

10. Book the Right Size Move

With less to move, you might only need a small truck or self-pack container.

Tip:
Compare free instant quotes from removalists and container movers to save money.

Why Use Best Rated Transport for Downsizing Moves? 🚚

• Free instant quotes: Compare removalists, container transport, and more.

• Trusted movers: All are vetted, insured, and reviewed.

• Easy tools: Moving checklist, inventory calculator, and expert support.

• Flexible options: From full-service moves to backloading and storage.

Downsizing FAQs (FAQPage)❓

When should I start downsizing?
Start at least a month before your move for the least stress.

What should I do with things that won’t fit?
Sell, donate, or store them—don’t pay to move what you won’t use.

How do I know what to keep?
If you haven’t used it in a year or it doesn’t fit your new home, let it go.

Can I get help with packing and moving?
Yes— Best Rated Transport can connect you with full-service movers or self-pack options.

Where can I get more moving tips?
Check out our moving guides and FAQPage.

Ready to get started? Get your free, no-obligation quote in just 2 minutes →