When the time comes to downsize, it can be stressful to try and consolidate your belongings. Whether you’re moving from a large family home because the kids are gone, or moving into the city where space is at a premium, you’ll need to decide what’s important and what can go.
Here’re our top tips for downsizing.
Declutter
It may seem redundant at times, but decluttering is always the best place to start whenever you’re going to be making a move. It becomes extra important when your space will be limited in the new home. Marie Kondo, an organization expert suggests going by category when attacking a whole home. Start with books, then move onto clothing, shoes, etc. She suggests that handling an entire category of the home is much more fulfilling and inspiring than going room by room.
Know What Spaces You’ll be Losing
Make a simple sketch of your current home and the one you’ll be moving to and compare them against each other. Understanding what types of spaces you’ll be giving up is critical in deciding what can come along with you. Moving to a small home typically means a smaller kitchen, less living space, and smaller closets, so plan accordingly.
Furniture
While the sprawling sectional couch and California King bed has served you well, it may be time to rethink the large furniture. Comfort is Paramount at home, but the last thing you want to do is shimmy your way out of bed or walk sideways behind the couch. There’s a good resale market for large, and especially high-end furniture, so sell the big stuff to fund your new purchases. Accessory furniture such as coffee tables and makeup vanities may have to go too, but you’ll appreciate the extra space in your new home, trust us.
Consolidate Common Spaces
It may not seem optimal at first, but consolidating spaces that serve the same general purpose can be a huge space saver. Maybe it’s time to merge the home office and the reading room or the play room with the “man cave”. For the sake of unity, ask everyone who will be making the move to sacrifice something so that no one feels as though they are the only ones losing something.
Formal Goes Casual
Formal dining rooms were a staple of American design for decades, but that trend is on the way out. A recent poll on Houzz showed that less than a quarter of readers use their dining room on a daily basis. In fact, 65% admitted they only use them on holidays and when house guests are present.
If you’ll be losing the dining room in your new place, sell that large farmhouse table and pocket the proceeds. Replace it with a space saving casual table that fits in the kitchen. If the new place does have a dining room, repurpose it. A space that size could easily be the home office, playroom, exercise room, and have a corner reading area.
Bigger doesn’t mean better, and smaller doesn’t mean worse. There are great benefits to be had from downsizing your home and thinning out your possessions. While many people are saddened by this, we believe that depression is quickly healed by all the spare time they find themselves with once there is half as much to clean and keep up with in their new home.