The two most common reasons for downsizing are finances and convenience. Perhaps you find it too expensive and unnecessary to live in a big house or a three-bedroom apartment on your own. Moving closer to work, family members, and other amenities may prove to be cost-effective and time-saving. Regardless of your reasons behind it, make this move a less-stressful adventure by doing it right.
Declutter and select
Improve your state of mind by decluttering your life. Get rid of those pieces of furniture and your belongings which you personally find redundant. Now, consider the size of your new apartment. Compare it to the scale of furniture you currently have, as well as the purpose they serve. For example, you know you will need a sofa, a coffee table and a TV for your new living room. If your sofa fits the space without taking up half of the room and is in a good condition, keep it. On the other hand, if it does not fit one of the criteria above, get rid of it and replace it with something more suitable. You can also pack those little things that will not disrupt the balance of the new space. Everything you decide to leave behind, you can either sell or give away. If you have things of emotional value which did not make the cut, you will feel at ease if they somehow get in ‘good hands’ of one of your family members or friends.
Do not duplicate
This is important for those who are moving in with someone else, as well as for those who have spent years in the same place. You have probably collected several sets of dishes by now and you only need a set for 6 people. Also, try to come to an agreement with your new flat-mate on who brings what so you do not end up with two dining tables or two puffy armchairs.
Choose the right colors
Before you move any of your furniture, paint the entire apartment a light and bright color and maximize the amount of natural light. If you use mirrors it will help you create an illusion of space and they will also reflect the necessary light to make the place seem bigger.
Think vertical
Once you are in the new apartment, try to think of ways to keep away from the center of a room. Use your walls and corners to make greater use of space. The furniture you are left with and the one you decide to buy should be narrow. Get a flat-screen TV and mount it on a wall instead of using a TV unit as a stand. Use your TV as a computer screen to help you get rid of your computer desk. Use folding and hiding furniture to free-up space once you are not using it for a certain purpose. These are particularly handy if you have to fit a dining table with chairs in a kitchen. Build a bar to use as a dining table, as well as a barrier between your kitchen and the living room. If you have children, use bunk beds in their room.
Use storage wisely
Smart storage space is both trendy and practical. If your new apartment has any strange corners, make build-in closets. Hang shelves on your walls. You can also use them wherever you would normally fit a cupboard, e.g. kitchen or bathroom. Place decorative baskets and boxes on the shelves for all of those items you do not want visitors to see. A drawer beneath your bed or a lift-up ottoman are some of the ideas how furniture can be turned into storage. If making the right cut was too difficult for you and you ended up replacing certain pieces of furniture, use temporary storage to accommodate your belongings. Explore what are the storages in the area nearby, for example, if you live in Queensland find what are the best storage options in Brisbane. Ensure to make a mental note that this is not a permanent solution and that it needs to be dealt with.
Plan the move carefully
This part refers to the actual move. Make sure you measure the apartment you are moving into carefully. You do not want to have a sofa which is an inch out of its place or an entryway too narrow for your furniture to go through. Make sure the moving service you hire knows exactly what you are moving and they have someone ready to take apart certain pieces and reassembles them once they are in.
The final piece of advice is to keep your new apartment clutter free. Do not make Dumbledore’s office out of it. You do not need your entire walls covered with shelves and art. Maintain the freedom you gained with the move.
