There are lots of different reasons why someone may choose to downsize, from children moving out to begin their own lives to simply not needing the space that you currently have. Regardless of why you may be choosing to downsize, there are a few things that you can do ahead of time that can help make the downsizing process stress-free and painless. If you’re looking for some tips on how to pack when you downsize from a house to a condo, then you’ve come to the right place!
We’ve highlighted a few key tips to consider using to help make the entire downsizing and moving process a breeze.
Downsizing From a House to a Condo: Get Rid of What You Don’t Use
One of the best ways to get on top of downsizing is to spend some time going through your belongings before you even begin packing and get rid of any items that you don’t use. While this may seem like a tedious task, it will benefit you greatly when it comes time to actually pack and begin moving. Because you will be moving into a smaller space, assumingly with less storage space, it’s important to make sure that you’re only taking items that you know you will use and love in your new space.
This process can be overwhelming, so if it helps, try tackling it one room at a time. Clothes can be a great place to start, so spend an hour or two going through your dresser or closet and make a donation pile for any pieces of clothing you don’t love or wear anymore. Once you’re done in the bedroom, try moving on to the kitchen or living room, and carry on until you’ve gone through every room in your house.
Find The Best Way to Utilize Your Space
Chances are, if you’re moving from a home into a condo, you will have pieces of furniture and other décor items that either won’t fit in your new space or won’t function the way you’d like them to. If possible, try to get a feel for the space in your new condo to get a better understanding of what items you’ll be able to keep, and which items may not serve a purpose. If possible, try to focus on items and pieces of furniture that will serve multiple purposes, such as a coffee table with built-in storage space, or a sofa that has the capability of folding out to provide extra sleeping space for guests.
Another great way to utilize your new space is to think about how your rooms will be set up. You might love the idea of an open-concept condo but using furniture and other items to create some separation between spaces can help you feel like you’re making the most of a smaller space.
Optimize Storage & Functionality
Storage space is essential, especially when it comes to downsizing. There is no question that, when moving into a condo, you’ll have far less storage space than you did in a house. Therefore, optimizing storage and maximizing functionality is key when downsizing to a new condo. When deciding on which pieces of furniture you want to take with you to your new place, try prioritizing pieces that also provide storage. Choosing furniture that contains built-in storage is a great way to ensure that you’ll have room for all your personal items without having to purchase additional shelving units or bookshelves.
Ensuring that your furniture also serves a functional purpose is a great way to determine what items you will keep and what you will get rid of. Especially in a smaller space, having items that can serve multiple purposes is a great way to ensure that you’re really maximizing your space.
Regardless of why you may be choosing to downsize to a condo, taking some of these tips into consideration while packing and during your move will help keep the entire process as stress-free as possible.