Embracing Your Cozy New Space: Organizational Tips for Recent Downsizers

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. 

The Cost of Clutter

The financial impact of clutter goes beyond mere inconvenience; it can have significant consequences on your finances. Understanding how clutter affects your financial well-being is the first step toward minimizing its impact.

One of the most obvious ways clutter affects finances is through storage expenses. Renting additional space or purchasing storage containers can add up over time, draining your wallet without offering any tangible benefits. In fact, 11.1% of U.S. households resort to renting additional storage space, contributing to unnecessary monthly expenses.

Clutter also leads to reduced productivity, as valuable time is wasted searching for items amidst the chaos. Americans collectively spend $2.7 billion each year replacing lost items, highlighting the financial toll of disorganization. Furthermore, clutter can pose potential health risks, from accidents caused by tripping over clutter to allergies triggered by dust accumulation. In fact, 55% of Americans cite their home's disorganization as a major source of stress, potentially leading to increased healthcare costs in the long run.

Moreover, clutter can decrease property value by as much as 5-10%, deterring potential buyers and resulting in lower resale prices. Additionally, accumulated clutter often requires professional cleaning services, incurring additional expenses that could have been avoided.

From a behavioral perspective, clutter can lead to increased impulse purchases and delayed bill payments, further exacerbating financial strain. The stress and anxiety caused by a cluttered environment can also impact financial decision-making, potentially leading to poor money management and overspending.

To prevent clutter accumulation and mitigate its financial impact, practical steps can be taken like hiring Stand Up Guys, junk hauling experts in Kennesaw. Setting clear decluttering goals, sorting and organizing items, and implementing storage solutions are essential steps to maintaining an organized space. Adopting a minimalism mindset and practicing mindful consumption can also help limit unnecessary purchases and reduce clutter over time.

Furthermore, selling unused items, donating to charity for potential tax deductions, and optimizing future spending based on household needs can result in significant savings. By decluttering your living space, you not only create a cleaner and more organized environment but also pave the way for better financial health and well-being.

Maximizing Outdoor Space: Innovative Under-Deck Storage Solutions

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Does your summer deck dream turn into an obstacle course of misplaced pool floats, piles of grilling gear, and assorted gardening supplies? You're not alone. Many homeowners struggle to find storage space for all their outdoor essentials, leaving their decks cluttered and far from the tranquil retreats they envisioned.

But what if you could reclaim your deck and transform the under-deck space into functional storage?

This article explores innovative under-deck storage solutions that are a great fit, whether you have just a few feet of vertical space tucked below your deck or room to spare beneath a second-story deck. By getting creative with space utilization, you can finally ditch the storage scramble and enjoy a more organized outdoor retreat.

Unearthing the Potential: Rethinking Crawl Space Storage

Let's start with ideas especially suited for modestly-elevated decks with a limited crawlspace below. Rather than just a forgettable space, turn that area below into a convenient place to tuck away backyard clutter with these storage solutions:

Accessible Skirting

If you want to hide any of the storage solutions we'll present below—or just get those stacks of pots and bags of soil you've already stashed underneath out of sight—design your deck skirting with hinged or removable panels for easy access. A well-designed access panel blends seamlessly with the rest of the skirt, keeping your deck tidy and your stored items close at hand.

Stackable Bins

Invest in plastic bins with lids for seasonal items and outdoor tools. Maximize space by stacking them with less-used items stored below.

• Clear or Colorful: Choose clear bins for easy visibility or colored bins for a neat, clutter-hidden look. Opt for coordinating colors, bright hues, or neutrals to suit your space. Label opaque bins for easy identification.

• Find It Fast: Use shallow bins for smaller items. This will provide a better view of everything and eliminate deep-bin digging. For large, shallow bins, consider dividers to separate and organize items.

• Organized Retrieval: Group like items together (grilling, gardening) in bins. Pull out the specific bin you need for the activity and bring it to your work area. When finished, the bin goes right back under the deck.

• Moisture Management: While plastic bins protect from dust and debris, consider moisture. Avoid storing damp pool toys in sealed bins; hang them or let them dry first to prevent mold. For items with slight moisture (work gloves, gardening tools), use bins with ventilation holes or create your own to promote airflow and prevent mildew/rust.

Repurposed Crates

Don't underestimate the power of repurposing! Those old milk crates from your college days can offer well-ventilated under-deck storage to corral damp pool toys or those tools that are still holding onto some residual dirt. If they're mismatched, spray paint them to coordinate; choose a dark shade if you'd like them to fade away under your deck, minimizing their visual impact.

Rails and Hooks

Explore vertical hanging solutions to save space. Attach hanging rails or hooks along the underside of the deck joists. Hang lightweight items like gardening tools, pool skimmers, pool inflatables, or even kids' bikes (space permitting). For occasional guest seating, consider compact, foldable deck chairs that can be hung "below deck" when not in use, freeing up your valuable deck space.

Under-Deck Drawers

Utilize the space beneath the deck joists for smooth-gliding pull-out drawers. Accessible from the sides of the deck, these are handy for storing gardening tools, pool noodles, off-season cushions, or anything else you want off the deck surface. Install pre-made drawer units, or consider building your own for a customized fit that neatly accommodates your specific storage needs. Blocking will likely be required between your joists to create a solid surface for the tracks and ensure the drawers clear your deck fascia.

Expanding Your Horizons: Under-Deck Storage for Second-Story Decks

Second-story decks offer great views and a unique outdoor living experience. However, the valuable space beneath them can often be underutilized. This area presents a golden opportunity to create a functional and organized storage haven.

 Here are some innovative storage solutions designed to maximize storage beneath your second-story deck:

Under-Deck Drainage System

Install an under-deck drainage system like Trex RainEscape. The Trex RainEscape system of gutters and downspouts is installed during the initial deck construction or decking board replacement. This over-the-joist solution channels water away from the underside of your deck, preventing moisture buildup and keeping the under-deck area clean, dry, and ideal for storage, an additional living area, or a mix of both.

Storage Lockers and Cabinets

Install lockers or cabinets along the walls beneath the deck. These lockable compartments are perfect for storing patio furniture cushions, pool chemicals, or even larger seasonal items like holiday decorations. Build custom cabinets with your decking material or your home exterior, or you can purchase ready-made lockers or cabinets. While all-weather options are ideal for any under-deck space, if you have a dry area with good air circulation, you might also consider metal cabinets or lockers, including stainless steel options.

Multi-Level Gear Hangers

Utilize the vertical space under your second-story deck by installing a multi-level hanging system using hooks, pegboards, and specialized straps. This versatile system can accommodate a variety of items, from gardening tools and pool equipment to bikes and kayaks.

For lighter items like tool organizers and pool skimmers, the system can be attached directly to a sturdy wall beneath the deck. Make sure the chosen wall can support the weight of the hanging items and the system itself.

For heavier gear like bikes and kayaks, consider securing the hanging system between two adjacent deck posts. This may involve installing securely-mounted brackets to hold cross beams that span the distance between the posts and hold the hangers. This option can provide sturdier support for substantial weight. Ensure that the deck posts themselves are strong enough to handle the additional load without compromising the structural integrity of your deck.

Outdoor Furniture with Built-In Storage

Who says function can't be stylish and comfortable? Incorporate hidden storage furniture into your deck design to maximize space and create a clean, organized outdoor environment, whether you're furnishing your under-deck area or seeking solutions for the main deck. Here are some popular options to consider:

• Benches with Storage: These versatile pieces offer comfortable seating and ample storage space for cushions, throws, or pool toys. Choose from weatherproof wicker or plastic ottomans, or opt for classic wooden benches with built-in storage compartments beneath the seat.

• Deck Boxes with Seating: These double-duty deck boxes combine storage functionality with comfortable seating.  They come in a variety of sizes and styles to complement your existing outdoor furniture. Look for options with weather-resistant cushions and a lockable lid to keep your belongings safe and dry.

• Multi-Level Tables with Shelves: Coffee tables or side tables with built-in shelves or cabinets offer a stylish solution to stash magazines, board games, or extra pool towels within easy reach.  Choose from a variety of materials like weather-treated wood, wrought iron, or even wicker to match your existing deck furniture.

• Nesting Chairs with Storage Ottomans:  Consider a set of folding or nesting chairs paired with a storage ottoman.  When not in use, the chairs fold for compact storage within the ottoman, keeping your deck clutter-free.

By incorporating hidden storage furniture into your deck design, you can enjoy a clean and organized outdoor space while keeping your essential items neatly tucked away.

Your Deck, Reimagined

By embracing innovative under-deck storage solutions, you can transform your deck's crawl space or the area under your second-story deck into a valuable asset. This newfound storage haven will help you declutter your deck surface, keep your outdoor essentials organized and accessible, and create a more enjoyable outdoor living environment this season.

So, it's time to get started! Choose the storage solutions that best suit your needs and budget. With a little creativity and planning, you can say goodbye to deck clutter and hello to a truly optimized outdoor space.

Digital Declutter from Great Planes

In the era of digital dominance, the overflow of information and digital possessions can rapidly inundate our digital spaces, leading to clutter that impedes productivity and adds unnecessary stress to our lives. However, by employing effective strategies, we can traverse through the digital chaos and regain control over our digital realms. Here is a roadmap to decluttering your digital life from Great Planes Communications, a whole home internet service provide. 

First and foremost, regular decluttering is paramount. Just as we tidy up our physical spaces, it's imperative to establish a routine for decluttering our digital spaces. Dedicate time each week to sift through emails, files, and apps, eliminating or organizing them as necessary. This straightforward practice can thwart digital clutter from amassing and becoming overwhelming.

Organizing digital files and documents is another crucial facet of managing digital clutter. Establish a coherent folder structure on your devices to systematically categorize and store files. Employ descriptive file names to streamline the process of locating specific items when needed. Additionally, consider leveraging cloud storage services for securely storing files and accessing them from any device, thereby reducing clutter on local storage.

Effectively managing email clutter is vital for preserving digital sanity. Deploy filters and labels to automatically sort incoming emails into pertinent folders. Unsubscribe from unnecessary mailing lists and promotional emails to mitigate inbox clutter. Allocate dedicated time each day to address emails and clear out your inbox, ensuring essential messages don't get lost in a flood of clutter.

Minimizing digital distractions is imperative for enhancing focus and productivity. Disable non-essential notifications on your devices to minimize interruptions during work or leisure time. Explore productivity apps or browser extensions that block distracting websites and apps during designated periods of concentration.

Lastly, practice mindful consumption of digital content. Be discerning about the apps you download, the emails you subscribe to, and the content you consume online. Regularly assess your digital habits and eliminate any sources of digital clutter that no longer serve a purpose.

By implementing these strategies and embracing a mindful approach to digital consumption, you can adeptly navigate digital clutter and cultivate a more organized and productive digital environment.