There may be a number of reasons why you might want to move to a smaller home. If your kids have recently left home, it can make the place feel very empty. When your square footage is less, it means less space for the clutter to take over and lower utility bills. Moving house can be a stressful experience at the best of times but moving somewhere that’s smaller than you’re used to can be very exhausting. If you’ve got a move coming up and would like it to be as stress-free as possible, here are some tips that will help.
First Declutter
Before you do anything else, you need to spend a serious amount of time decluttering. You’re moving somewhere smaller, so it’s obvious that all your belongings aren’t going to fit. Don’t be sad about getting rid of some of your belongings because you’ve probably got plenty that haven’t been used in years. Be realistic and prepared to separate your wants from your needs. If you really don’t want certain things to end up in the trash, you should try to find new homes for them.
Choose Quality Over Quantity
Think of downsizing as an opportunity to start over and aim for quality over quantity. If you’ve purchased your tiny home from Tiny Heirloom, you need the items inside to complement the customized décor you’ve chosen. Think about the basic items you’ll need because you’re not going to need all your furniture. There are also going to be personal items you can live without. It’s not going to be easy, but the aim is to eliminate non-essential belongings.
Don’t Rush the Process
Downsizing is a lifestyle change, so take your time and don’t be rushed. Choose a pace that’s comfortable for you and take the time to plan.
Measure and Calculate
Measure all your rooms and all your furniture, to determine what will and won’t fit. It will also help you decide where things are going to go if you draw a floor chart. There are apps you can use if your technical drawing skills aren’t up to scratch.
Preparation is the Key
Make it a priority to ensure you know where every item will live. Make lists of all your belongings and plan the steps you’re going to take as you move. Remember, however, that plans can also be flexible. It might take a while for you to decide the perfect spot for your belongings as you need to be in a space for a while to appreciate how things fit best.
Get Some Help
If you’ve got some support, it’s going to help you stay focused. It might also stop you blowing your lid when the stress gets too much. Having support can be useful when you’ve got decisions to make, both before, during, and after your move.
Unpack as Soon as Possible
If you don’t want your new home to feel cluttered, you should unpack everything as soon as possible. Don’t just unpack them either. Flatten the packing boxes and get them out the door. If you don’t, you might find yourself with boxes still to unpack several months, possibly even years later.
