1. Plan Ahead
The biggest and best tip is to have a plan and know what you are getting into. The last thing you want is to wake up on moving day to realize that you cannot possibly fit in everything you have packed. Get measurements. Know what will fit and what will not fit. Start the downsizing process well before the moving date.
2. Think Critically About Your Lifestyle Needs
As you are packing, ask yourself some critical questions. For example, do you have room to fit your current furniture? Be honest not about what can technically fit but would actually fit comfortably. If you find yourself attached to an item even though you don’t think it’s a good fit, get to the bottom of the reason why. Is it because you spent a lot of money on it? That is not a good reason to keep an item. Is it because it has sentimental value? That may be reason enough.
3. Clutter is Your Biggest Enemy
It is not uncommon for a person downsizing to make some very difficult decisions regarding heirloom furniture only to turn around and ruin their small space with excess clutter. Every little thing you can do makes a difference. For example, choose a TV that mounts to the wall so you will not need to clutter up a media center. Find storage solutions that keep the things you need out of view. Unless something is serving a purpose, it does not need to be visible.
4. Quality and Multipurpose Use Are You Friends
If clutter is your enemy, then your best friends are quality and multipurpose. For example, if you are buying nightstands, choose options with extra storage. If you are buying a kitchen table, make sure it can be used as a desk too. Because you will be buying fewer things, you can splurge on getting truly high-quality furniture and accessories.
These are just a few tips that can help you downsize successfully. If you are looking for a smaller place then you have come to the right place. At Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices we are ready to help you today! Call us at (310) 373-0021 to let us know what you are looking for, where you are looking, and how we can help.