Downsizing comes with many benefits. You can live in a space that’s less cluttered, adopt a more minimalist lifestyle, and potentially save money. In fact, a survey from Homes.com found that 62% of people who downsized said spending less was a big upside to their decision.
But, transitioning to a smaller home can feel a bit overwhelming when you’re trying to hang on to the things that are important to you from a larger space.
Thankfully, there are things you can do to make the transition easier. By optimizing your space and putting strategies in place to keep things organized, you can thrive in a more compact environment and enjoy the peace and coziness it brings. Not sure how to get started? Let’s cover a few tips you can start using right away.
Start Decluttering Now
You’ll have a much easier time moving into a smaller space if you declutter before you leave the larger one. While decluttering might seem a bit overwhelming, at first, it can actually be quite liberating to let go of the things you no longer use, want, or need.
Downsizing before you move has many benefits. You’ll have less to load and unload, it’s less stressful, and you’ll save money by making fewer trips. You might even be able to make money if you’re able to sell things like furniture, clothing, or appliances online before you move.
The decluttering process is easy. Make three piles as you go through each room:
Keep;
Donate/sell;
Trash.
When you narrow down your decluttering into categories, it’s much easier to decide what to do with everything, and it streamlines the process so you’ll only take what you need to your smaller home.
Space-Saving Solutions
Even if you’re able to do some de-cluttering, one of the best ways to keep your new home from feeling cramped is to become an organization guru. Every inch of usable space should be made as functional as possible.
If you want to make sure you feel right at home after moving in, be mindful of each room before you start unpacking. Where do you see things going? How do you want to decorate? How are you going to make sure everything has its place? Unpack your essentials for each room first and make sure they have a “home,” since you’ll likely be using them the most. Then, you can start to add the rest of your belongings, even if you have to get creative with storage and organization.
First, maximize vertical space so you don’t have clutter on the floor. Hang floating shelves to add decorative interest to each room. Or, invest in tall bookshelves that go all the way to the ceiling. Yes, you can use them to store books, but they can also display pictures and small pieces of decor. It will add to your cozy aesthetic and keep things in a designated place.
If you sold some of your old furniture, consider investing in new pieces that are both functional and fashionable. You can find ottomans with hidden storage, and coffee or dining tables that can convert into desks, which are especially helpful if you work from home.
Finally, consider which spaces you aren’t using to their fullest. For example, if you don’t have a lot of closet space, purchase a few long plastic bins that can store your winter clothes when they’re out of season. You can slide them right underneath your bed, and those bulky sweaters won’t take up space in your closet.
Organizing a smaller home takes a bit of patience and creativity, but it can also be a lot of fun if you’re willing to think outside the box. Keep these tips in mind and enjoy the freedom of living a simpler, less cluttered life in your new space.
