As the cost of living is continuing to increase across the country, it is becoming increasingly popular for people to downsize and declutter their home. To better fit their budget, more people are considering living in a smaller space to have more funds for other areas of their life. Moving can be a stressful process if there is no proper preparation ahead of the big day, especially in the case of downsizing. Read on to learn the 5 top tips for decluttering and downsizing your home to best match your lifestyle.
Benefits of Downsizing Your Living Space
Although many think of downsizing as a negative thing, there are many benefits that come along with moving into a smaller space. With less square footage, utilities can cost much less, as there is less area for heat and electricity to cover. Living in a smaller home can also mean getting rid of unnecessary clutter. Over time, we tend to gather possessions, furniture, and decor to the extent that some items begin to lose their purpose. By downsizing, you are forced to prioritize your items and only keep the ones you find to be the most important. Older items that used to take up space can now be donated or repurposed into a new, more efficient article. Downsizing is also a great way to control your personal budget. As the cost of living increases, you might find yourself forced to cut costs where you can. With a smaller space, monthly rent decreases, and the money that would have been spent can be used somewhere more useful.
1. Focus On One Room at a Time
As stated in its name, downsizing your home consists of moving from a larger space into a smaller one. This can be an overwhelming process if you are not sure if all of your belongings will be able to fit in your new home. To minimize the stress, it is a good idea to focus on one room at a home to make the move seem less overwhelming. Rooms with more items, like kitchens and living rooms, are best to be done first so that you can get the bulk of the work out of the way early. These rooms also tend to have more fragile items and by packing them first, they can be placed out of the way, and packed last into the moving vehicle to avoid being crushed.
2. Make a List of Items You Want to Keep, Store, & Toss
Before moving, it is recommended to create a list of all your items and their conditions to account for any damage or loss in the process of moving. This is also a great way to plan for downsizing into a smaller home through creating lists for items you want to keep, store, and throw away. By creating a visual for yourself, it can be easier to narrow down which items you’d like to prioritize, or which you’d like to get rid of or donate. It is also smart to make note of the quantity of each item that you have, such as towels. By doing this, you can keep track of everything you have and discard duplicate items. If you are looking for a short or long term storage solution, RARE offers a variety of unit space in Boston, MA. Visit our website or contact us for more information.
3. Look Out for Hidden Costs
As stated above, downsizing into a smaller home can help with budgeting and cutting costs. Although this is usually the case, it is important to look out for any hidden costs. By definition, hidden costs are included in the purchase of your home, but are not part of the purchase price itself. Condominium fees, repairs and maintenance, and parking are the most common examples of these bills. As these continue to build up, the cost of your downsized home can end up being more than the larger space you had originally moved out of.
4. Declutter Your Home 60 Days Before Moving
For the 60 days leading up to your move, it is a good idea to fully declutter your home of any garbage or unnecessary items. By throwing away any clutter before packing, there is much less in the space to accommodate for in your move. There is also much more clear space for room to pack, move around, and load any moving vehicles. If you plan to sell anything that you are not bringing in your move, it is smart to list these items 60 days in advance depending on how long it takes for them to sell. If they are listed for several weeks and you have no offers, they can be disposed of and you do not have to worry about moving them with you. For more information on the best packing tips before downsizing, check out our blog.
5. Invest In Multi-Functional Furniture
When living in a smaller home, using multi-functional furniture allows you to best maximize your space. Furniture and decor that can double as storage solutions are becoming increasingly popular and are becoming a large trend in 2022. Items that you can use in more than one way can help you save more money by avoiding any extra costs if you were to buy each article individually. Multi-purpose furniture also allows you to let your creativity shine through by using items and articles in a way that hasn’t been thought of before to create a functional item.
Discover the RARE Difference for Moving & Packing Services in Boston, MA
Downsizing and decluttering your home can come with many benefits that are both helpful now and in the long run. Although this can sound like a difficult endeavor, by following these tips and tricks, moving into your new, smaller home can be a stress-free experience. If you are unsure about the best packing methods, need professional moving assistance, or are looking for storage space, RARE offers expert services in Boston, MA. For more information, give us a call at (617) 825-7273, or fill out our contact form, and we will get back to you for a free estimate.