Downsizing Tips for Moving into a Smaller Home
Whether you’re downsizing for retirement or to adjust your lifestyle, moving into a smaller home is a big transition. It doesn’t have to feel overwhelming, however. Downsizing provides an opportunity to create a more manageable and functional living space that suits your needs. With a clear plan and a few simple strategies, you can simplify the process and focus on enjoying your new home.
Plan Ahead and Focus on Your New Space
Before you even start packing, take time to plan your move based on your new layout. Which rooms will serve what purpose? What furniture and belongings will fit in each space?
Having a clear sense of what your new home can accommodate helps you decide what to keep and what to store. You’d be surprised how a floor plan, measuring tape, and a notebook can help you stay realistic about what your smaller home can hold.
Sort by Category Instead of Solely by Room
One of the easiest ways to get organized is by grouping items by category, especially if you’ve lived in your old home for a while. The longer you live somewhere, the easier it is to collect duplicates of items such as kitchen tools, linens, books, or bedroom furniture. Separating your belongings into categories gives you a full picture of how much of each type of item you actually have.
As you go through each group, set aside duplicates or things you rarely use. These are often better stored elsewhere, like a self storage unit, rather than taking up valuable space in your new home.
Prioritize Everyday Essentials
When your square footage is limited, essentials should come first. Focus on what you use daily, like dishes, cookware, bedding, work tools, personal care items, and clothing for the current season.
Maximize Your New Space with Smart Storage
You can still make your small home comfortable and inviting when you have the right storage solutions in place. Make every inch of space count by choosing furniture and layouts that are functional and stylish by:
- Using vertical storage like wall-mounted shelves or tall bookcases
- Adding hooks behind doors or inside cabinets
- Using bins and organizers to compartmentalize drawers and closets
- Considering furniture with built-in storage, such as platform beds or storage ottomans
Use Self Storage to Supplement Your Living Space
Alt Text: A woman checking a list of all the belongings she’s moving into self storage. (Source)
Downsizing doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to everything you’re not currently using. When you rent self storage, you can hold on to items you still need or want without sacrificing the space you actively need in your home. If you’re wondering how to downsize for a smaller home, we recommend storing belongings like:
- Seasonal decorations or offseason clothing
- Small household appliances
- Hobby equipment or tools
- Family keepsakes or larger furniture you don’t immediately need
With a self storage unit, you can access items when you need them without cluttering your home. If you need extra peace of mind for sentimental belongings or items that can be damaged by heat or cold, you can even rent climate-controlled storage for a stable storage environment 365 days a year.
Measure Before You Move
Before your moving day, set aside time to measure and compare the sizes of your furniture against your new rooms, doorways, and any staircases or tight corners. Measuring your new space may take extra time, but it will ultimately help you avoid unnecessary moving stress and give you a clearer idea of what to bring and what to store.
Give Yourself Time To Settle In
Adjusting to a smaller space doesn’t happen overnight, so be patient with yourself as you figure out the best layout, get used to your routines, and fine-tune how you use storage in your home or outside of it with a storage unit. Start with the essentials, keep your most frequently used items accessible, and revisit your setup after a few weeks.
As you settle in, you’ll discover what works and what could be improved. If you go the self storage route and plan to visit your space frequently, consider renting drive-up access storage to make loading and unloading your car or moving truck even easier.
Make Downsizing Easier With Superior Storage
If you need more room than your new home allows, Superior Storage has you covered. Our secure, flexible storage units are perfect for anything you want to keep but can’t fit at home. Explore our storage unit size guide and reserve your space online today to simplify your downsizing experience! If you’re moving for the first time, we also have helpful packing tips and frequently asked questions about self storage to take the guesswork out of the process.