Downsizing Your Home:
Tips & Support From Sioux Falls Movers
Downsizing your home is a major life transition—whether you're moving to a smaller house, a townhome, or a retirement community. At Advanced Moving, we’ve helped hundreds of Sioux Falls homeowners successfully downsize, and we know that this type of move comes with unique emotional and logistical challenges.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the essentials of downsizing, offer tips to make the process easier, and explain how our team at Advanced Moving can support you every step of the way.
Why Homeowners Choose to Downsize
There are several reasons homeowners decide to move to a smaller space:
- Empty nesters wanting less upkeep
- Retirees moving into low-maintenance homes
- Families reducing expenses or simplifying lifestyles
- Individuals relocating for work or health reasons
Whatever your reason, the downsizing process involves more than just reducing square footage—it means rethinking your space, your belongings, and your lifestyle.
Step 1: Start Planning Early
The earlier you start preparing, the less stressful the move will be. We recommend giving yourself at least two to three months to:
- Sort through your belongings
- Decide what to keep, donate, or sell
- Research your new home’s layout and storage space
At Advanced Moving, we can help you build a timeline for packing and moving that works with your schedule—whether you're selling your current home or moving directly into your new place.
Step 2: Sort & Declutter Strategically
One of the hardest parts of downsizing is letting go of things you’ve had for years. Here are a few strategies to make it easier:
- Room-by-room approach: Focus on one area at a time to avoid becoming overwhelmed.
- Use the "Four Box" method: Label bins Keep, Donate, Sell, Trash.
- Measure your new space: Know exactly how much furniture and storage you’ll have.
- Start with the least emotional items: Kitchen tools, linens, and office supplies are easier to sort than photos and heirlooms.
If you’re having trouble deciding what to do with an item, ask yourself these questions:
- Do I love it? Have I used/worn it in the last 6 months?
- Does it have any sentimental value?
- Am I keeping it out of obligation?
- Is it broken? If yes, can it be fixed?
- Do I own more than one of these?
Asking yourself these questions should give you some guidelines when going through your items. Keep in mind if you are keeping something "just in case," it might be a good idea to donate it or put it in storage.
If you're unsure about a piece of furniture or appliance, we can help you determine whether it’s worth moving based on the size and access of your new home. For more tips, read our guide on what to do with stuff you don’t want to move.
Step 3: Sell or Donate What You Don’t Need
Sioux Falls offers plenty of local options for giving new life to unwanted items:
- The Furniture Mission – Accepts gently used furniture
- Union Gospel Mission – Focused on clean clothing, shoes, bedding, non-perishable food, and personal care products
- St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store – Ideal for clothing and home goods
- Facebook Marketplace or
Nextdoor – Great for quick local sales
- Sioux Falls Area Humane Society Thrift Store – A way to support a good cause while clearing space
- Goodwill – Accepts clothing, shoes, accessories, small appliances, books, and household goods
- The Salvation Army – Accepts furniture, clothing, kitchenware, toys, and electronics in working condition
We can help you coordinate pickups or drop-offs if you’re using our full-service moving support.
Step 4: Think Smart When Packing
Packing for a smaller home requires some extra thought. Here are a few pro tips:
- Label boxes by priority and room to stay organized
- Use clear plastic bins for storage that doubles as organizing tools later
- Downsize bulky furniture—consider pieces that offer dual functionality (e.g., ottomans with storage)
- Digitize documents and photos to save physical space
Our team at Advanced Moving offers professional packing services to make sure your fragile, awkward, or valuable items are packed safely and efficiently.
Step 5: Make Your Move Efficient with Help from Local Experts
Whether you're moving across Sioux Falls or relocating to a nearby community, Advanced Moving provides:
- Free in-home estimates tailored to your downsizing needs
- Flexible moving packages including full-service, partial packing, or labor-only
- Specialty moving for pianos, antiques, and safes
- Short- or long-term
storage options if you need time to settle in
We’ve got the equipment, experience, and local knowledge to help you move with confidence—no matter the size of your new home.
Step 6: Settle In and Stay Organized
Once you're in your new space, it’s time to adjust to life with less clutter and more freedom. A few final tips:
- Unpack essentials first and take your time with the rest
- Donate or discard extra items as you unpack—downsizing doesn’t stop on moving day
- Invest in smart storage solutions that make the most of your new layout
- Give yourself grace—downsizing is emotional, and it’s okay to feel nostalgic
Advanced Moving can assist with unpacking services, furniture placement, and hauling away packing debris to make your transition smooth from start to finish.
Why Choose Advanced Moving for Your Downsizing Move?
We’re more than just movers—we’re your relocation partners. Here’s why homeowners across Sioux Falls trust us:
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Over 25 years of moving experience in South Dakota
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Family-owned, licensed, and insured for peace of mind
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Careful handling of heavy and fragile items
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Helpful moving checklists and blog resources
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Excellent reviews from satisfied customers
Whether you're moving from a five-bedroom home to a two-bedroom condo or simply simplifying your lifestyle, we can help you every step of the way.
Ready to Downsize With Confidence?
Let Advanced Moving take the stress out of your next move. Contact us for a free quote and learn how our local, experienced team can help you downsize with ease.
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