You never realize how many things you’ve got until you decide or are obliged to relocate them to a new address. Suddenly, you start panicking because moving with ease seems impossible to achieve. Unfortunately, the problem becomes even more serious when it is necessary to go through downsizing your home. Luckily, there are people who have gone through the same difficulties and yet ended the adventure successfully. They are always willing to share their experiences with you. Also, we are the experts in the field, so here are a few useful tips for downsizing your home.
Making a to-do list to prepare for downsizing your home
The secret of success when downsizing your home is in careful planning of the whole process step by step. Making a to-do list is a perfect strategy not to forget all the important things to be done in the following period. Understandably, we all want to make moving less stressful, so this is one of the effective ways. Some of the tasks you should include in your to-do list are:
- Doing the measuring in both your current and your future home
- Inspecting your belongings thoroughly, current storage areas included
- Packing and organizing your items
- Finding the appropriate storage solution
- Finding a reputable moving company
- Making a decision on what to do with the things you don’t need any more
- Going shopping for some more appropriate furniture items if necessary. For example, you may consider buying the best sofa for your new living space.
Time to act – start with downsizing your home step by step
Once you have made a to-do list, you can take a deep breath and start completing the tasks one by one. You will gradually relieve stress and gain confidence because you have control over the whole process. Downsizing your home is likely to affect you emotionally, but eventually, you will be able to see it as something positive.
Doing the measuring in both your current and your future home
Why is it necessary? Simply because you are moving to a smaller place and you need to make sure that all your furniture can fit there. Firstly, measure all your furniture items and then the rooms and thresholds in a new place. Only then will you be sure that there won’t be any problems concerning this aspect of your move. Also, if some furniture items can’t fit the new place, decide what you want to do with them. Since you’ll have less stuff to move, you’ll be able to organize your move more easily.
Inspecting your belongings thoroughly
The aim of this phase of downsizing your home is to get rid of all outdated, unnecessary, in-poor-condition “just in case” items that you are sentimentally attached to. Everybody finds it extremely hard to part with these things, but, at one point in our lives, it becomes inevitable. You should start by inspecting the current storage areas and then continue to other parts of your home. If you do the job well, even you may be able to relocate your belongings like a pro. With the help of a few friends, of course.
Packing and organizing your items when downsizing your home
When you finish packing and organizing your items, you will realize whether downsizing your home has been done to the right extent. Do the packing smartly, label all the boxes clearly, and you’ll unpack with ease too. Also, don’t forget to pack all those unnecessary items in good condition as well. Separate these boxes and label them properly. Later, you can decide what you want to do with these things.
Finding a reputable moving company
Only a few people choose a DIY move as their option. Majority decide to hire professionals to help them with this challenge. Indeed, experienced and knowledgeable movers can give you the best advice concerning every aspect of your relocation. This is why it is important to recognize the qualities of a good mover. Do thorough research to find one. Also, ask your friends, neighbors, and colleagues for recommendations. Customers’ reviews can be a valid source of information, too.
Finding the appropriate storage solutions
Moving to a smaller home usually requires that you part with some items. However, this doesn’t mean you have to part with them for good. All you need to do is to find an appropriate and yet affordable storage solution. If you want your belongings to be safe, intact and unaffected by elements, climate-controlled storage units are the best choice.
Have you decided what to do with the things you don’t need or want anymore?
Depending on their condition, you can even earn some money. Firstly, organizing a garage sale is what a lot of people opt for. It can be funny and beneficial at the same time. Secondly, check out Craigslist as an interesting option too. Finally, you can give some of these items to your family or friends if they want or need them. They will be grateful and you’ll get some free space.
How about doing some furniture shopping?
When you own big, heavy or awkwardly-shaped furniture items and downsizing your home is inevitable, the chances are you’ll have to part with some of these items. Sell them or store them in a proper storage unit. On the other hand, you’ll need appropriate furniture for your new home, so the time has come to go shopping. If your new place is much smaller than your current home, consider “double-duty” furniture or furniture items on wheels which can be easily maneuvered around the place. However, if you don’t find all the things you need, there is customed furniture as an alternative. All these solutions combined make a good strategy to create extra space in your house.
Adjusting to life in a new home
You will start noticing the benefits of downsizing your home as soon as you move in. Although less space is always an issue in the beginning, later you realize that living large takes much more of your time. For example, just think about the time you used to spend on cleaning. Now, you can deal with your hobbies, meet friends or, simply, relax. Enjoy it!
