Urban life can be financially demanding, and, in most cities, people just starting with their independent life might end up having to choose between either location or square footage. The choice is relatively simple for most urban dwellers since they prefer living close to where they work.
So, they often sacrifice space for the long-term affordability of a convenient location. Besides, a small home comes with several other benefits, including less time spent cleaning, more savings, higher quality of life, and a reduced carbon footprint.
However, downsizing your living space can be a challenge. You will probably need to lose the idea of “grand space” and get used to a more minimalistic lifestyle. Not to mention, so much to manage during the moving process. So for your ease, here are some tips on making moving into a smaller home more manageable.
Declutter
We tend to expand our belongings to our current living space, which leads to accumulating things we don’t use that often. So, when downscaling your accommodation, the best way to start is by sorting your possessions. Carefully go through everything you own and decide what to keep, throw out, or donate. It might help if you try to remember when you last used something. A room-by-room approach to sorting out your belongings might also be helpful.
Rent extra storage space
But what about stuff that is important, expensive, or occasionally ever used? Old antiques, expensive dinnerware, and seasonal items usually end up on the list. In such cases, you can rent out extra storage space to stash the stuff you’re unwilling to part with.
A quick Google search can be quite helpful in this regard. For example, residents in Sullivan County in Tennessee can look for Kingsport TN storage units if they’re moving to Hawkins County but still residing in the same city. Repeat the same for any US city you live in. Moving items to storage units near you may clear up a lot of space while ensuring your belongings are safe.
After you’re done with both these steps, you’ll have a better idea of what to take to your smaller home.
Measure your furniture
Moving furniture around is never easy, especially when moving into a new, smaller home. It is better to take measurements and see if the objects fit into your new home. You will want to do this before you move your furniture so you can prepare in advance in case some items need to be replaced with something that occupies less space.
Furthermore, this will help you decide whether you need professional movers to open up some furniture before it can be moved into your new space. Recording measurements may save you trouble later on if your furniture is too big to pass through the entrance to your new abode. If that is the case, replace it.
Get an overview of your space
Note down the amount of space and dimensions of each room, and look for places where it may be possible to add more extra storage. This will prevent you from overstuffing the space with things you don’t need. This may also give you an idea of what multipurpose items you might need to buy, such as built-in storage furniture or hanging shelves. Additions like wall-mounted shelves, hanging baskets, or racks can increase storage space and avoid clutter. You’ll also get an idea of how to arrange whatever you’re taking with you to the new home.
Hire movers
Even while downsizing your living, you’re better off hiring professional movers to manage the move for you instead of taking the DIY approach.
Professional movers can help you pack, load, transport, unload, and arrange your belongings in your new home, depending on the type of moving service you hire. The extra bucks you spend will save you a lot of trouble and headaches during the process.
So ask around for referrals from friends and family. Or you could look up the internet to shortlist a few companies, ring them for a quote, and finally book one you’re comfortable with.
Check their website for reviews and insurance policies, and watch out for any red flags associated with shoddy service providers.
If you’re planning on moving to NYC, you’ll need to hire NYC movers to help you with the process.
There are a few things to keep in mind when making your decision.
- First, consider the size of your apartment and the distance you’ll be moving. If you have a lot of furniture or live in a large apartment, it may be worth hiring movers to help you transport your belongings.
- Moving long distances can also be difficult, so if you’re not up for the challenge, it may be best to hire professional help. If you’re moving to a location beyond state borders, it’s a good idea to work with state to state moving companies because they specialize in this kind of work.
- Another thing to consider is your budget. Hiring professional movers can be expensive, but it may be worth the cost if it means avoiding damage to your belongings or losing important items during the move.
- Finally, think about how much time you have to plan and prepare for your move. If you’re moving on short notice, it may be best to hire professional help so that everything goes smoothly.
In the end, whether or not to hire professional movers is a personal decision, but keeping these factors in mind will help you make the best choice for your situation.
Reinvent the small space
A small apartment or home doesn’t necessarily need to feel small. You can choose an apartment with plenty of light flowing through large windows. Or you can repaint the walls with a neutral and light color palette to make the interior look more spacious. This can make your space feel bigger. Change the light fixtures to enhance the ambient lighting. If you can break a few walls, create an open floor plan to make the space roomier. Moreover, you can also utilize the outdoor spaces, such as balconies, by creating a small sitting area to relax and breathe in the fresh air.
Utilize as much space as you can
Treat all the space you can as space that can be used. Adding shelves at a certain height can be a nice addition to your interior and provide extra storage space for your belongings. For a small home, you must shop carefully and add multipurpose items that provide extra space while fulfilling their initial purpose. Cabinets with a built-in ironing station or a sofa-cum-bed are perfect for such homes.
However, be mindful of the space you have at hand. You don’t want to add too much to the walls and create a cluttered look. Be clear about your floor plan.
Conclusion
When moving into s smaller home, it is essential to utilize your space wisely and make your living space seem more spacious. Being smart about your furniture choices can prevent your home from becoming cluttered.
So sort your belongings before moving, take what you need and what fits into your small home, book reasonable movers, and tweak your new living space to make it airier. By following the tips mentioned above, you can adopt a minimalistic lifestyle to create a comfortable living space that looks good and is easy to maintain.