People downsize for lots of reasons. Whether the kids have moved out or you’re just looking to simplify your lifestyle, moving into a smaller home can bring a host of benefits for homeowners, from peace of mind to lower utility bills. Bucks County neighborhoods like Doylestown and Jamison offer lots of options for individuals and families looking to downsize, from cozy single homes to townhomes with just the right amount of space.
If you are considering downsizing, the following tips can help you make the move with minimal hassle and maximum ease:
1. Take your time. Especially if you are downsizing from a much larger home, you may have to sell or dispose of a lot of furniture and other items. Give yourself plenty of time to go through your belongings so you can make careful choices about what you want to bring with you, and what you want to do with the things you won’t be taking to your new home.
2. Start with a simple yes or no. Go through your belongings carefully, and make one simple decision about each one. “Yes” items are those you are definitely bringing with you. “No” items are those you are not taking to your new, smaller home. Don’t give yourself the option of a “maybe” list, as this will lead you to endless debating and second guessing.
3. Be thoughtful about what happens with the “no’s.” Our belongings can hold sentimental value for us, and they can also be a source of joy for others. Take the time to thoughtfully decide what you will do with the items you will not be taking with you. Your options include gifting them, selling them, donating them, or throwing away items that are too old or worn to be useful to others.
4. Compare rooms. Take an inventory of the rooms in your new home and compare them to the rooms in your current home. Do you currently have a separate dining room, but are moving to a home with a combination kitchen/dining space? Perhaps you have a home office now but will not have a dedicated room for an office after you downsize. Comparing rooms will give you a good indication of which large pieces of furniture you will most likely have to leave behind.
5. Take stock of what you have. Do you have two coffeepots? What are the odds you’ll be using them both? When you downsize, space is at a premium, whether it’s counter space or storage space. If you have duplicate items, think carefully about whether you need more than one, or whether this is an area where you can cut down on your belongings.
6. Make sure the stuff you do want to take with you will fit in your new space. Have you decided you want to bring your sofa? Measure it. Make sure it will fit in your new home and make it through the doorway or hallways to get to its new destination.
7. Give preference to items that serve more than one function. In a smaller space, you want all of the items you choose to bring with you to help you maximize functionality. Multipurpose furniture like nightstands that double as storage can help you use your space to its best possible advantage.
Not sure whether downsizing is right for you, or how to go about it? Contact Pauline McNamee today to get started!
