The idea of downsizing a living space is becoming more popular as many homeowners decide they don’t want to pay for the maintenance, constantly clean, and pack more items into their large space. Moving to a smaller home can be quite freeing, but that doesn’t mean everything about the process is simple. Whether you’re moving to the other side of town or to the other side of the country, following these four tips can make moving into a smaller space easier.
1. Reframe Your Thinking
Maybe downsizing wasn’t your first idea and you’re feeling a bit disappointed about it. Instead of letting it get you down, focus on the positives that come with owning a smaller home. Upkeep will be easier, there will be less pressure to host gatherings, and you’ll have decreased maintenance costs. Are you relocating to an area that lets you travel on foot or by bike? This is the perfect opportunity to leave your vehicle at home and get out in nature more. You can also save money on gas by utilizing public transportation if the system is convenient. There is a silver lining to downsizing, so don’t feel like you’re taking a step backward.
2. Let Some Things Go
Moving to a smaller space means that you’ll obviously need to pare down your belongings. This process can be difficult but the trick is to think about the items that you would be heartbroken to lose. Whatever items make that list, those are the ones you need to take with you. If something is replaceable in your mind, then you don’t need to take it with you. If you find that you need an item later, you can always repurchase it. Come up with your list of must-haves and let the rest go.
3. Get Rid of the Excess
Everybody has a list of items they keep “just in case.” When you have a large home, it’s easy to accumulate and hang on to extra things in case you need them someday. In a small home, you won’t have the space for all of these things, so apply the “use it or lose it” method to these things. Do you have numerous sets of dishes, several duplicates, or collections of things tucked away in corners that haven’t been used in years? Donate them, place them on consignment, or have a garage sale to get rid of them before your move.
4. Start a New Routine
Your new smaller home won’t have the excess storage space your previous home did, which can be a benefit. Obviously, you won’t have the space to accumulate excess belongings, so if you have to move again one day, you won’t have to sort through as much. Your smaller space will have a place for each of your items so they will be at your fingertips instead of hidden away in a crawl space, closet, or basement. This also means that if you find yourself bringing new things home on a regular basis, you’ll probably need to adopt the one thing in, one thing out method. This will keep your new home clutter-free.
Whether you’re downsizing by choice or necessity, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to give up everything you enjoy. There are plenty of benefits to downsizing because it gives you the opportunity to truly evaluate your items. As you prepare for your move, consider working with a professional residential mover. White Glove Movers is a locally owned business in Cedar Rapids, Iowa that helps with in- and out-of-state moves. We can also help with the packing. Give us a call today to discuss your residential moving needs.