Project Profile: Digging Out and Downsizing

Happy Earth Month! For this month’s Project Profile, we are highlighting a recent downsize and move project.

A Little Background

In this Earth Month Project Profile, we're showcasing a recent downsizing and moving project for a local artist. Our client aimed to minimize waste and keep as much as possible out of the landfill, aligning perfectly with our team’s values. We were thrilled to assist with this eco-friendly move!

Given the scope of this project, which involved relocating from a 3,400 square foot home in Weston to a 1,700 square foot apartment in Cambridge, we partnered with Sift Organizing to meet the tight six-week deadline.

Sorting

We began by sorting items into distinct categories to streamline the downsizing process. Our categories included “keep,” “storage,” “consignment,” “donations,” “recycling,” and “trash,” aiming to keep the last category to a minimum. To enhance organization, we implemented a color-coding system for quick visual reference.

This method allowed us to prioritize items based on necessity, sentimental value, resale potential, and suitability for donation or recycling. By categorizing items in this manner, we helped our client make informed decisions about what to bring to her new apartment, what to store, what to sell, and what to donate or recycle.

By organizing the items in this way, we not only facilitated the downsizing process but also empowered our client to make informed decisions about her belongings. This level of organization is essential for ensuring a smooth and efficient transition to a smaller living space. 

Dispersing

We dedicated substantial time to ensuring that items found their rightful homes. We collaborated with local consignment shops for high-value furniture and art,, coordinated donations to local charities like Vietnam Veterans of America and the Cambridge Women's Center, we gave away lots of items for free on Facebook Marketplace, and diverted items that could be considered trash by some to local organizations that will give them a new life like Make & Mend and The Byte Shop. When we had most of it pared down, we were happy to give Clean Out Your House a call to clear out the rest before the big move.

We were especially grateful to Make & Mend, a secondhand art and craft supply shop in Union Square, Somerville, for taking a significant volume of art supplies. These supplies will now benefit other artists!

Moving On

We managed every aspect of the move, from packing up the entire contents of the client’s home to labeling every box for accurate placement. We scheduled the move with Gentle Giant Moving Company and handled move day logistics.

While moving can be stressful, knowing your items are shared or disposed of thoughtfully can offer peace of mind, especially for those who are socially conscious.