Transitioning to a smaller living space will be a significant change, whether you’re doing it by choice or necessity. At the moment, you may be more concerned with finding an affordable removalist in Melbourne or a pet sitter in San Francisco who can care for your cat during the move. However, your first concern should probably be adjusting to your new space.
Unless you’re chill with living in a cramped maze of belongings, downsizing will be non-negotiable. This means you’ll have some tough decisions ahead. Choosing what to keep and what to let go of won’t be easy. However, it will open you up to a simpler and more manageable lifestyle. If you want to enjoy a smooth transition to your new, smaller space, work through the following five steps:
Table of Contents
1. Measure your new home or apartment
When you move into a smaller space, every square foot matters. Measure every room, wall, and storage space in your new place, and create a detailed floor plan. This will help you figure out the best way to fit your furniture and belongings into the space without making it feel cramped.
As you’re measuring, keep an eye out for any areas that may require creative storage solutions. Wall-mounted shelves and hooks can help you maximize storage without taking up valuable floor space. Meanwhile, multipurpose furniture with hidden storage compartments can help you squeeze more value out of your limited square footage.
2. Turn up your favorite tunes and clear the clutter
Now that you know how much space you have to work with, it’s time to declutter your belongings. Even if you technically could fit all your stuff into your new place, you’ll find the move far easier if you’ve trimmed away the belongings you really don’t need.
Consider digitizing old photos and important documents and repurposing sentimental items into practical items. This will help you reduce the volume of possessions you need to move without losing anything you value.
3. Prioritize versatility and multifunctionality
When furnishing a small space, it’s wise to focus on items that can serve multiple purposes. Think dining tables that double as workspaces and sofas that convert into guest beds. Get creative with things like bookshelves, which capitalize on vertical space and can also serve as room dividers.
4. Embrace a minimal aesthetic
Simplify your life by bringing only those items that truly add value to your daily routines. Remember, if you have less stuff, you have less stuff to clean.
As you unpack in your new home, resist the temptation to fill every available space. Leave some areas open or sparsely decorated to create a sense of openness. As you settle into your new way of living, adopt a “one in, one out” rule to ensure clutter never accumulates.
5. Make organization a habit
Small spaces feel far more cramped when they’re messy, so make a habit of tidying up as you go about your day. Invest in storage containers and organizers that fit your space and help keep things orderly. Then give every item a home, and return it there after each use. Labels can help every member of your household know where items need to go.
Moving into a smaller home or apartment requires careful planning and a shift in mindset. However, downsizing is also a gift, presenting you with the opportunity to simplify your life, reduce clutter, and focus on what truly matters. Ultimately, you can look forward to a more comfortable and efficient living environment.
