You’ve done it! As graduation festivities wind down and reality sets in, it’s time to start dealing with all the stuff you’ve accumulated over the last four years. Whether you shared a house with a bevy of roommates or lived in a 150-square-foot dorm, downsizing after college will help you prepare for what’s next.
Consider Your Next Steps
First, consider what your next step is and how your stuff fits into your future plans. Are you traveling the world for a year? If so, it’s time to streamline to the bare necessities. Store anything you want to keep long-term in a storage unit or with your family, if they have space in an attic or basement. Moving across the country for a new job? Figure out how much will fit in your car, or if you want to pay to move boxes and furniture across the country. You might be sharing an apartment or a room for a while, especially if you’re moving to a big city. Think about what items will help you create a sense of home and what you can do without.
Six Essential Tips to Help You Downsize After College
As you consider your new life post-graduation, here are our top six tips to take the critical next step: downsizing.
1. Donate or Sell Your Old Clothes
It’s no surprise you may have accumulated quite the eclectic wardrobe after years of costume parties and themed event t-shirts. Maybe it’s time to say goodbye to that DIY Halloween costume from sophomore year and those piles of intramural sports shirts. If you’re getting ready to start a new job after graduation, this is also a great time to evaluate your wardrobe and figure out what works and what doesn’t for professional attire. Your second-hand dress clothes with beer stains might not cut it. Sell what you don’t want to keep at a local thrift shop to make extra cash, and invest the money in a few nice pieces for job interviews or workwear. Also, if you’re moving somewhere much hotter or colder post-college, consider the clothing and other things you may need to prepare for a different climate.
Additional Considerations
- Seasonal Clothing: Pack away out-of-season clothes in vacuum-sealed bags to save space. Consider the climate of your new location and pack accordingly.
- Sentimental Items: For clothes with sentimental value that you don’t wear often, consider storing them or repurposing them into keepsakes like quilts or pillows.
2. Throw Out Old Notebooks and Papers
Now for the most cathartic part of the process — time to burn that term paper! Gather up all your supplies and class notes, and recycle what you don’t want to keep long-term as a memento. One thing to keep in mind, however, is whether you’re moving on to grad school or an internship that will require writing samples. If so, make sure you have digital copies of your best work. They’ll come in handy for building a portfolio to showcase your writing chops (and your conceptual thinking).
Also, don’t forget to return those library books and rented textbooks. Inventory the books you own and keep only those few that are meaningful to you or may be valuable in your career. Put the rest up for sale or take them to a textbook buyback location. Textbooks can be heavy and bulky. If you can avoid moving them, both your back and storage space will appreciate it.
Additional Considerations
- Digital Copies: Scan important notes and papers to save digital copies. This not only saves space but also ensures you have access to them whenever needed.
- Reuse Materials: If you have unused notebooks or stationery, consider donating them to local schools or community centers.
3. Organize Your Mementos and Keepsakes
After four years, it’s easy to accumulate a surprising mass of mementos — from concert tickets to retro-style Polaroids and everything in between. Since you might be embarking on a big move (or simply heading back to your parents’ house for a while), you’ll want them stored safely until you can decide what you want to display in your future home. Narrow these items down to the most important keepsakes, then store them in a labeled box so they’re easy to find. Need extra tips on how to pack things up? Check out our guide to how to pack boxes for moving.
Additional Considerations
- Memory Boxes: Create memory boxes for different stages of your life or types of events (e.g., college, travel, sports).
- Digital Memories : Consider digitizing photos and documents. This not only saves physical space but also protects your memories from damage over time.
4. Streamline Your Kitchen Items
That crazy roommate from last year may have left in a hurry, but all their stuff could still be lingering behind. If you want to downsize after college, it’s important to take stock of all the random bits and bobs in the kitchen and decide what’s essential. Throw out any worn kitchen towels and donate all those excess kitchen mugs, chipped plates, unidentifiable gadgets, mismatched shot glasses — you get the picture.
Additional Considerations
- Essential Kitchenware: Keep only the kitchen items you regularly use. Consider the size of your new kitchen and storage space.
- Shared Items: If you’ll be living with roommates, coordinate who brings what to avoid duplicates and save space.
5. Decide What Furniture (If Any!) Goes with You
Maybe you already invested in a few furniture pieces you love, or maybe it’s time to finally part with that torn-up sofa that your roommate found for free on the street. If you’re planning on traveling quite a bit after college, it might be best to sell all your furniture and get new items when you’re ready to settle down somewhere.
Additional Considerations
- Furniture Condition: Assess the condition of your furniture. If it’s worn out or doesn’t fit your style anymore, consider selling or donating it.
- New Space: Think about the layout and size of your new place. Measure your furniture to ensure it fits and complements the new space.
6. Invest in Space-Saving Essentials
Lastly, but most importantly, downsizing is all about saving space however you can. Take a trip to your local storage and organization store and consider getting a few items that make it easy to conserve space (just don’t go overboard, as this can be dangerous for your wallet). For example, try packing your seasonal clothes in a vacuum-sealable bag — it removes all the air and creates a much more compact, flat bag that’s easy to store. Not only will items like this help you transport things easily after college, it can cut down on the amount of storage space you’ll need at your next place.
Additional Considerations
- Multi-Use Items: Look for furniture and storage solutions that serve multiple purposes, such as ottomans with storage or foldable desks.
- Organization Systems : Invest in drawer organizers, under-bed storage, and closet systems to maximize your storage space efficiently.
Preparing for the Future
Whether you’ve been living in a tiny studio or your parents’ basement all four years, downsizing after college is the perfect time to reevaluate all your belongings. Once you do the work of downsizing your stuff, you’ll be free to embrace small-space living and the chapter ahead.
Bonus Tips for Post-College Downsizing
1. Create a Moving Checklist:
A checklist can help you stay organized and ensure you don’t forget any important steps in the downsizing process. Include tasks like changing your address, canceling or transferring subscriptions, and notifying relevant parties of your move.
2. Plan Ahead for Packing Supplies:
Gather all the necessary packing supplies well in advance. This includes boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and markers for labeling. Planning ahead can save you time and stress when it’s time to pack.
3. Host a Moving Sale:
A moving sale can help you get rid of items you no longer need while earning some extra cash. Advertise your sale online and invite friends and neighbors to participate.
4. Digitize Important Documents:
To save space and ensure you have access to important papers, consider digitizing documents like academic records, tax returns, and medical files. Store them securely on a cloud service or an external hard drive.
5. Assess Your New Space:
If you know the dimensions and layout of your new living space, plan where your furniture and belongings will go. This can help you make decisions about what to keep and what to discard.
6. Stay Positive:
Downsizing can be overwhelming, but it’s also an opportunity to start fresh. Stay positive and focus on the benefits of decluttering and simplifying your life as you transition to the next phase.
Embracing the Next Chapter
Downsizing after college is more than just a physical task; it’s a chance to reflect on your journey and prepare for the future. With thoughtful planning and organization, you can make this transition smooth and stress-free, allowing you to enjoy the excitement and opportunities that lie ahead.
The Benefits of Downsizing
1. Increased Mobility:
Downsizing allows for greater flexibility and ease of movement, whether you’re relocating for a job, traveling, or moving into a smaller living space.
2. Financial Savings:
By reducing the amount of stuff you need to move, you can save on moving costs. Additionally, selling unwanted items can provide extra cash.
3. Environmental Impact:
Reducing your possessions can lead to a smaller carbon footprint. Donating and recycling items also contribute to sustainable living practices.
4. Simplified Living:
A minimalist approach can simplify your life, reduce stress, and help you focus on what truly matters. Living with less can bring clarity and peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Downsizing after college marks the beginning of a new chapter in your life. It’s an opportunity to shed the excess and embrace a more streamlined, intentional lifestyle. As you move forward, remember that the process of downsizing is not just about letting go of physical items, but also about making room for new experiences, opportunities, and personal growth. With careful planning, organization, and a positive mindset, you can turn the challenge of downsizing into a rewarding journey toward a brighter future.
By following these tips and considering the additional insights provided, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the task of downsizing after college. Embrace this transition with confidence, knowing that it’s a step toward a more organized, efficient, and fulfilling life.
If you are thinking about using Portable Storage or need assistance with your move Contact My Stack Box today to see how we can help!