6 downsizing tips: How to make the most of your space

If you’ve had to move to a smaller property, for whatever reason, you might be wondering how best to make use of your new space.

Downsizing is a concept many have been discussing this past year, as we are in the midst of a housing crisis and it has been recognised if more over 55s decide to downsize this could release 2.5m homes on to the market, which would be perfect for growing families. However, it is an emotive subject and a hard decision for many people.

Many people consider downsizing a problem, when instead it should be considered the perfect opportunity to perhaps remove some items you no longer need but keep around anyway and really make the most of what you have and how you live. Here are six downsizing tips to take on today:

1. Remove bulkier items

You might have an extra sofa or an armchair that you can’t accommodate but don’t want to throw out. Instead of parting with such items transfer them to a storage unit that will keep them safe and secure until they can be used again. Click here for a range of reasonably priced storage solutions throughout the country to choose from.

2. Invest in multi functional furniture

A table that doubles up as a place to eat dinner, work and play games is the perfect addition to a smaller home. These furniture designs can be found for every room, a bunk bed that features a desk and wardrobe underneath is perfect if your kids now have a smaller room and coffee tables featuring storage, for spare blankets and magazines, work perfectly in the living room.

3. Make a list, then de clutter

Before you move, make a list of things you love and can’t live without, it will make it much easier when you come to de clutter your belongings before you pack them up to move. Anything unnecessary can be sold at a car boot or taken to a charity store to avoid taking up space when you move to your new downsized property. Only take necessary, sentimental and useful items with you. Think about if you lost everything, what would be the only items you would replace?

4. Go paperless

Bills and paperwork can take up much needed space in the many folders and boxes you keep them safe in, instead opt to go paperless then get the shredder out and remove any stacks of unnecessary paperwork.

5. Only keep what you use every day in the bathroom

Those bath salts you were bought for Christmas but have never used can go, so can the giant tub of moisturiser you don’t like the smell of. Limit what you store in the bathroom to the necessities: a toothbrush, toothpaste, shower gel, shampoo and conditioner and a razor. If you need anything else but don’t use it every day then store it somewhere else to avoid cluttering up your bathroom space.

6. Be prepared to get rid of even more when you move in

You can be as ruthless as possible before your move but when you finally reach your downsize property you might still discover that it is too small to keep everything you decided to keep. Be prepared to have to make some last minute decisions on items you can’t home.

*Wrapped house photo from Shutterstock.
*This is a collaborative post.