Sometimes moving isn't just about relocating to a new space, it's about starting fresh. Whether you're moving to a smaller apartment in Brooklyn, transitioning to minimalist living, downsizing after retirement, or simply tired of excess possessions, the process of getting rid of everything and moving can feel overwhelming. However, with proper planning and the right strategy, you can declutter your entire life, eliminate unnecessary possessions, and arrive at your new Brooklyn home with only the items that truly matter. At NY Minute Movers, we've helped thousands of Brooklyn residents navigate major downsizing moves since 2003. Here's our comprehensive guide to getting rid of everything and moving successfully.
Moving is expensive. Every item you transport costs money in labor, truck space, and material. By eliminating unnecessary possessions before your move, you significantly reduce moving costs. A smaller load means faster moving day, fewer movers needed, and potentially a smaller truck. This is especially true if you’re relocating across boroughs or comparing options with Queens moving services. Beyond financial savings, moving with only essential items creates a psychological fresh start. Arriving at your new Brooklyn home surrounded only by items you love and use creates a more peaceful, organized space from day one. You'll spend less time unpacking and organizing, and more time settling into your new neighborhood and enjoying your fresh start.
Before starting, determine how drastically you want to downsize. Are you moving to a smaller apartment requiring significant reductions, or are you choosing to embrace minimalism and eliminate most possessions? Your downsizing level affects your timeline and strategy.
Aggressive downsizing means keeping 25 to 40 percent of current possessions. This works for moves to small Brooklyn apartments or major life transitions. Moderate downsizing means keeping 50 to 75 percent of possessions, reducing excess while maintaining most favorites. Conservative downsizing means keeping 75 to 90 percent of possessions, primarily eliminating duplicates and unused items.
Be realistic about your new living space. If you're moving from a sprawling Brooklyn brownstone to a compact apartment in Williamsburg or Greenpoint, aggressive downsizing is necessary. If moving within similar-sized spaces, moderate downsizing may suffice.
Start by documenting everything you own. Walk through your current space room by room, noting items you own. This inventory becomes your downsizing roadmap. For each category, furniture, clothing, kitchenware, books, decor, etc., list major items and their quantities.
For clothing, count your wearable pieces. Most people wear 20 percent of their wardrobe 80 percent of the time. This ratio helps you identify excess.
For kitchenware, document every pot, pan, utensil, and small appliance. Many households have duplicate items they rarely use.
For books, count your collection. Moving books is expensive, they're heavy and require significant truck space. Be prepared to donate most books unless they're truly meaningful or valuable.
For furniture, list every piece noting condition and necessity. When moving to a smaller space, you'll likely need to eliminate several pieces.
Marie Kondo's KonMari method works exceptionally well for comprehensive downsizing. The method involves gathering all items in a category, holding each item, and asking "Does this spark joy?" If the answer is no, you eliminate it.
The beauty of this method is its emotional clarity. You're not deciding based on guilt or obligation, you're deciding based on genuine joy and value. Items that spark joy stay. Everything else goes.
Alternative frameworks include the 70/30 rule (keep only 70 percent of what you own), the one-year rule (if unused in 12 months, eliminate it), or the space-based method (keep only items that fit in your new space).
Choose the framework that resonates with you. The best method is one you'll actually follow consistently.
Create distinct categories for items you're downsizing: Keep (items you're moving to Brooklyn), Sell (valuable items with resale value), Donate (usable items in good condition), Recycle (items recyclable but not sellable or donatable), and Trash (broken items no one wants).
This categorization system is crucial for efficient processing. Never mix categories, keep a clear separation so you know at any moment which items are designated for which outcome.
Be honest about condition. Items you wouldn't want to own shouldn't be donated to others. Only donate usable, clean items in good condition.
For items with resale value, furniture, electronics, collectibles, designer clothing, sporting equipment, list on online marketplaces. Popular platforms for Brooklyn sellers include Facebook Marketplace (huge local audience), Craigslist (established buyer base), OfferUp and Letgo (mobile marketplace apps), Depop (for clothing and fashion), and specialized sites like ThredUP (clothing), Decluttr (books and media), or local Brooklyn Buy/Sell/Trade groups.
Take clear photos and write honest descriptions. Price competitively, research comparable items to set fair prices. Expect to negotiate. Use safe practices for meeting buyers: meet in public locations, bring a friend if selling expensive items, and accept payment methods that are secure.
The key to successful online selling is speed. Price items to move quickly rather than holding out for perfect prices. Time spent managing listings could be better spent preparing other aspects of your move.
Donating feels good and helps others. Brooklyn has numerous donation options. Goodwill and The Salvation Army accept most household items. Housing Works accepts furniture and household goods, benefiting people living with HIV/AIDS. Habitat for Humanity ReStore accepts building materials and furniture. Local Brooklyn charities, churches, and community centers often accept furniture and household items. Women's shelters and transitional housing programs accept furniture, clothing, and household goods.
Call ahead to confirm what each organization accepts. Some require items to be in specific condition or have size/quantity limitations. Schedule pickups rather than dropping off when possible, many organizations offer free pickup for large items like furniture.
Get tax deduction receipts. Most organizations provide documentation for tax purposes. Keep records for your tax filing, charitable donations are deductible if you itemize deductions.
Items that aren't sellable or donatable still shouldn't go to landfills. Brooklyn has extensive recycling options. Electronics recycling accepts computers, TVs, phones, and other electronic waste. Metal recycling accepts aluminum, copper, and steel. Textile recycling accepts worn clothing and fabric. Building material recyclers accept wood, drywall, and other construction materials.
The City of Brooklyn hosts regular e-waste collection events. Check the NYC Department of Environmental Protection website for current schedules. Most are free for residents.
Start your downsizing process at least 6 to 8 weeks before your planned moving date. This timeline allows proper processing without feeling rushed. Week one focuses on inventory and categorization. Weeks two through four involve selling items online and scheduling donations. Weeks five through six coordinate pickup and drop-off logistics. Week seven through eight finalize remaining decisions and prepare for moving day.
This timeline prevents last-minute stress and allows sufficient time for online sales to process. Items that don't sell by week five should be donated rather than moved.
As you pack for your move, pack only items you've designated to keep. Create distinct boxes for items you're transporting to Brooklyn. Never pack items you haven't decided about, make final decisions before packing, not during.
As you pack, use the opportunity to further evaluate items. If you find yourself hesitating to pack something, reconsider whether it's truly necessary. Last-minute eliminations are normal as you reconsider items during packing.
When you arrive at your new Brooklyn home, resist the urge to immediately fill empty spaces. Live with minimal items for a few weeks. Use this period to genuinely understand what you actually need and use. Items you find yourself missing can be replaced. Items you don't miss confirm that you made the right decision eliminating them.
This settling-in period helps break old consumption habits. Many people find themselves happier with less, experiencing greater clarity, less stress, and more financial freedom.
Never keep items out of guilt. If someone gifted something you don't love, releasing it honors their intention to bring you joy, disappointing them happens when you keep something out of obligation. Don't underestimate how long selling items takes. If not sold within two weeks, donate rather than let items languish. Never move items "just in case" you might need them. Unused items for years won't become useful in your new space. Don't skip the inventory phase. Understanding what you own makes decisions easier.
NY Minute Movers recognizes that successful moves begin with smart downsizing. Our team has helped countless Brooklyn residents evaluate possessions and plan moves accordingly, and as trusted local movers in NYC, we provide junk removal, donation coordination. We offer junk removal services for items you're eliminating, donation coordination to streamline the process, and professional moving services for items you're keeping.
Contact NY Minute Movers at (917) 633-6372 or nyminutemovers@gmail.com for comprehensive moving support throughout your downsizing journey.
How long does complete downsizing typically take?
For complete household downsizing, expect 6 to 8 weeks for thorough processing. Aggressive downsizing in small apartments might take 3 to 4 weeks. Conservative downsizing in larger homes might take 10 to 12 weeks. The timeline depends on how much you own and how decisively you can make choices.
What's the best way to price items for online sales?
Research comparable items on the same platform to understand current market prices. Price 10 to 20 percent below comparable new retail prices. For used items, condition matters significantly, price accordingly. Price to move quickly rather than holding out for perfect prices. Items unsold after two weeks won't sell, reduce prices or donate instead.
Should I try to sell everything or donate items not selling quickly?
Donate items that don't sell within one to two weeks. The time investment in managing listings often exceeds what you'll earn. Donation provides tax benefits, helps others, and frees mental energy for move preparation. Prioritize selling only high-value items worth significant effort.
How do I emotionally handle getting rid of everything?
Reframe elimination as creating space for what truly matters rather than loss. Remember that keeping items doesn't preserve memories, photographs and your mind do. Recognize that possessions don't define your worth or identity. Focus on excitement about your fresh start rather than sadness about letting go.
Ready to Downsize and Move in Brooklyn?
Getting rid of everything and moving requires planning, decisiveness, and emotional clarity. NY Minute Movers supports every step of your downsizing journey, from initial planning through final transport and setup in your new Brooklyn space. Our experienced team understands Brooklyn's unique moving challenges and can coordinate donation pickups, junk removal, and professional moving services all in one place. Contact NY Minute Movers at (917) 633-6372 or email nyminutemovers@gmail.com today for comprehensive downsizing and moving services. Let Brooklyn's most trusted movers since 2003 help you create the fresh start you deserve.
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