Whether it’s by choice or necessity, moving into a smaller home can be daunting.
It’s not just about finding space for your stuff. It’s about considering how you want to live. Do you want to be nearer to family and friends? Closer to public transport and shops? By the beach?
Freeing up cash and reducing maintenance is also a driver for many seeking smaller pastures.
Whatever your situation, here are some tips to help you downsize your home, upsize your lifestyle and right-size your budget.
Build your new life around experiences, not possessions.
Who needs room for a home cinema if you can walk to the local Westfield to catch a movie? Reimagine your downsized home as a home base and position it close to the activities you like to do and the people you like to see.
Start your decluttering by getting philosophical.
You can’t declutter your home with the same mindset that cluttered it. Dust away those ‘what if’ cobwebs (one day I’ll use that exercise bike!) and declutter your home in half the time. Pick a philosophy that’s right for you. Do you want your home to spark joy (watch Marie Kondo) or create contentment (read up on Hygge). Perhaps you want to know your affairs are in order (read Margareta Magnussen’s book on Swedish Death Cleaning – apparently it’s less morbid than it sounds!).
Be methodical and take it one room at a time.
If you have a lot of stuff tied up with memories, it can be tough to part with your possessions. You’ll need a plan. Focus on one room at a time. Giving sentimental objects to loved ones or to charities who can use them can lessen the emotional burden. Sell or bin non-sentimental items. Go digital: books, photos and music can all be kept on a phone, tablet or computer and save you lots of space.
Ensure you have a place for everything and everything is in its place.
Plan ahead so you know where you’ll put your downsized furniture and items in your new home. Wherever possible choose furniture and decorations that offer storage and functionality. Maximise wall space for hanging storage like racks, rails and pockets. Designate a space – be it a room or a beanbag – that each person in the home can call their own.
Ready to fun-size your life? View our current listings for sale or check our listings for rent.
Still at the planning stage? Book a valuation or talk to us about selling.