Moving from a large house or flat to a small property isn’t easy, as you won’t have as much space for your personal items, but it doesn’t mean that you cannot continue enjoying a nice, comfortable home. Here are our several tips based on our experience, which will help you with the transition.
Tip 1: Change your mind-set
At first you will feel limited but in time you will get used to the new dimensions of your household. Instead of dwelling on the reduced space that you have, you should focus your thoughts on the advantages of living in a smaller home:
- Easier upkeep
- Lower maintenance costs
- Lower utility bills
- Not being the designated host for large group gatherings
Living in a small space can also encourage more efficient use of resources and better organization.
Tip 2: Profit from your new environment with cheaper bills
Large houses are mainly situated in suburbs which are far away from cities. Living in a smaller property often means a shorter commute and more opportunities to save money on fuel or even forego a car altogether. Smaller properties on the other hand are located in close proximity to urban centres which ultimately means that you will be less car dependent as you will have an easy and quick access to shopping areas, entertainment venues, restaurants, cultural events and last but not least, well-organised public transport. Additionally, property values in urban centers can be higher due to demand, which is an important consideration when moving to a smaller home.
Is it a good idea to downsize to a smaller house?
While moving to a smaller home may seem like a daunting task for your or your faimily, it can help you free up extra cash by reducing both general maintenance costs. However, it’s important to consider real estate agent fees, which are not that cheap and other expenses such as conveyancing, removals, and government taxes when budgeting for a move.
Tip 3: Opt for multifunctional furniture
Traditional furniture, which many of us have, will make you feel as if you are living in a tiny box as it usually takes a lot of space and isn’t very flexible for use. So, it might be a good idea to head to your local home depot and purchase multipurpose furnishings which can serve more than one purpose. For example, you can buy multifunctional furniture like a table which converts into a desk, coffee or dining table. You can also go for a bookcase-bed combo which is basically a lift bed which when pushed up its underside becomes a bookcase. Incorporating floating shelves into your living space is another simple solution to free up valuable floor space without sacrificing storage space. Such furniture will permit you enjoy more living space but not lose any of the comforts that you seek. You can easily and safely haul your new furnishings to your home by using professional furniture collection services in London.
What is the best age to downsize?
Many people wonder if there’s a “right” age to downsize. The truth is, there’s no magic number, but downsizing becomes more appealing as life priorities shift. Moving house at different stages of life can have varying financial implications, including costs associated with downsizing. For young professionals, a smaller house close to work can cut down on commuting time and moving costs. For older homeowners, especially those in retirement, a smaller home can mean fewer responsibilities and cheaper bills, freeing up time and resources to enjoy other pursuits.
Tip 4: Reduce your belongings
Don’t be afraid to get rid of items that you don’t need or use. Planning and budgeting are crucial during the moving process, especially when downsizing. The Konmari method is a popular approach to decluttering and can help you sift through sentimental items without feeling overwhelmed. The more unnecessary objects you shed the more space you will have in your new home. Start by gathering all your possessions and then sorting them into three groups: To keep, to donate and to throw away. In the first pile put all the items that you absolutely need, in the second place things which are in good condition put you haven’t used in a long time and all “just in case” objects. The third pile is for all your possessions which are broken but you have been keeping them for an unknown reason. You can donate unwanted items to local charity shops and potentially reduce moving costs by having less stuff to transport.
Why is downsizing so difficult?
There’s an emotional aspect to downsizing that can make it tough to let go of a larger property or any other property that you’ve spent years living in. Transitioning to a smaller space comes with its own set of sentimental and logistical challenges, such as decluttering and adapting to less room for belongings. Many family members grow attached to the homes where they’ve shared so many personal experiences. Moving out of a family home can feel like a big change, but keeping focused on the positive sides like enjoying more freedom with less space can definitely help. By looking at the process as a fresh start, you’ll be more likely to embrace the changes.
Tip 5: Rent a storage unit for extra storage space
If after weeding your belongings you are still having storage issues in your new home, know that you can solve the problem by renting a storeroom. Use it to keep all your non-essential items. This way you will have the peace of mind that if the occasion arises you can retrieve these objects and use them. Additionally, if your family members are downsizing too, pooling together for a shared storage space may be an efficient solution. Using appropriate window treatments can also enhance the appearance of small rooms and make them feel more spacious.
As you can see, downsizing a home isn’t as scary as you may initially think. Furthermore, in the long run, it has its perks and we are certain that you will enjoy them in full.