There are many reasons why people are choosing downsizing. It may have been prompted by a big change in your life, or perhaps you need a home that’s a little easier to manage. Either way, moving is a major life event that causes a lot of upheavals.
If you’re in the process of moving to a smaller place, you’ll no doubt have some thoughts and questions about how to make it work. Don’t worry. Here are a few tips to help make your moving process a little easier.
What’s The Reason For Downsizing?
No matter what caused you to make the change, it will take some time to get used to having less space. For example, if your move takes you from a house to an apartment, this will be a big adjustment.
Why do people downsize?
- Their current property is too big. As we get older, a large property can be difficult to cope with. If you have a large garden and multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, it might feel like you’re constantly just trying to keep on top of things. By downsizing, you will have a space that is much more manageable to keep clean and tidy.
- Reducing debt. Downsizing can be a great way to reduce debt. Firstly, a smaller property will often be cheaper in bills and rent/mortgage. Additionally, if you have equity in your property, you can release this and pay off other debts. It can help you take back control of your finances.
- The end of a relationship. There are times where downsizing is the only option available, and the breakdown of a relationship can be one of those occasions. It might be necessary to move somewhere smaller to help you with living costs.
Will Your Furniture Fit In Your New Home?
You might love the furniture you have right now. The truth is that you probably picked what you have because it worked in your current house. The trouble is, you don’t know how it will work in your new place – especially if you no longer have that specific room.
- Will it fit?
- Will it look good?
- Do you still need it?
It’s a good idea to spend some time in your new home before you move and measure the space you’ll have. Compare it against the size and shape of your furniture to see how it might work.
As tempting as it might be, you don’t need to bring all of your old furniture. When you have less space, you risk it making the new place look and feel overcrowded. Think carefully about what you really want and need, and then consider selling or donating the rest.
Remember that you might want to make space to buy some new things, too!
Keep The “Moving In” Process Going After You’ve Moved
If you had to move quickly or find that you weren’t quite as ruthless as you thought you were with your things, it’s okay to do the process again! When you’ve unpacked, and everything’s out, does it feel cluttered? Are you overwhelmed by all of your things? Where you have lots of things still in boxes, take them one by one and decide on each item inside. If you don’t use something regularly, ask yourself if you really need to hold on to it.
If you find yourself a few months down the line with some boxes still untouched, it might be a sign that the contents can be donated or thrown out!
Ask For Help!
Moving is an overwhelming and exhausting process. Why not ask family and friends if they can give you a hand to get things moved to your new place? They can help you make the tough decisions about what should stay and what should go.
If you would rather have some professional help, consider working with professional organizers or a downsizing company. As experts, they will give you tips and tricks on how to make the hard choices on what you need. They will also give you an objective opinion as they don’t have the sentimental attachment to things that you do.
Ready For The Move?
Downsizing might have once been associated almost entirely with older couples looking to retire. This is no longer the only reason. Many are attracted by the thought of living a simpler life, and others need to decide as a result of a major life change.
Make sure you give yourself the time you need to go through the process so you can embrace the opportunity of a fresh start in your new home.
