Downsizing: moving into less space

Downsizing is common in the Bay Area at every stage of life: empty nesters leaving a 4-bedroom in the suburbs for a condo, couples trading a house for a townhome closer to the city, or anyone deciding they are done maintaining a big yard. The move itself is often smaller than the one that got you into the big house. The work is in deciding what goes. Our senior movers page covers moves where family coordinates for a parent; this guide is about the space problem.

Get the floor plan of the new home, or measure each room, and decide where the big pieces will go before you pack anything. A sectional that fits a family room may not fit a condo living room; a king bed may crowd a smaller bedroom. Every piece that does not fit but still gets moved costs you twice: once to carry it in and once to deal with it later. The cheapest item to move is the one you decided not to take.

Many downsizing moves end in a condo or a building with an HOA. Buildings often require a certificate of insurance from the mover and set rules about move hours and elevator reservations. We provide COIs free; we just need the HOA or management company name, its mailing address and an email. Check the building's move rules early and reserve the elevator. Elevator waiting time is part of the job time, so a reserved elevator saves money. See condo and HOA moves.

A local move is billed by the hour, so a smaller load is a cheaper move. The difference shows up in time: a house that would take 7 to 9 hours fully loaded might take far less if half the furniture is sold or given to family first. Wrapping, disassembly and reassembly are included; packing materials are charged as used. If you want us to pack, the Golden Package adds $70 per hour and includes all supplies and labor; with it, you pack only valuables and documents.

3 movers and a truck are $175 per hour, 4 movers are $235 per hour, the same on any day including Sundays, with a 3-hour minimum. Rates may vary based on dates and availability. Crew size follows the home you are leaving: a 3-bedroom over 1,800 square feet or a 4-bedroom normally gets 4 movers. If you have moved with us before, the 7% repeat-customer discount applies. A free on-site inspection gets you a not-to-exceed price, which is worth having when the volume is uncertain.

• Get the new floor plan and measure your largest pieces.
• Decide room by room: take, give to family, sell or donate.
• Let family collect what they want before move day.
• Book the movers once the take list is settled.
• Request the COI and the elevator reservation.
• Pack the take items; leave everything else clearly separated.

If you cannot decide about some pieces yet, climate-controlled storage gives you time. It is a flat monthly fee in 30-day periods and is never discounted. Be honest with yourself about how long things will sit there.