Downsizing – it’s a scary word in almost any setting. But as more and more people switch from houses to apartments, downsizing is a necessity. There are many reasons you may be choosing a smaller living space. Apartments and condos typically offer more freedom in terms of home upkeep and financial responsibility. These smaller living spaces are typically in bigger cities or more exciting spaces. If you’ve made the choice to switch from a home to an apartment, check out these tips for downsizing your stuff for the big move.
The average single-family home size is 2,687 square feet, while the average apartment has 1,706 square feet. Bringing over all the furniture, décor, and other household goods from your home can make any apartment a little cramped. Downsizing before the move can help ensure that you make the most of your new apartment or condo space. With the right planning, you can pare down your moving load and maybe even make some money in the process! Here are some tips for making the move from a house to an apartment.
Measure Everything
Before moving, you should measure the doorways at your old home and your new apartment to ensure your furniture will fit. While we’re on the topic, you should also measure the rooms in your new apartment and measure your existing furniture. Some larger furniture pieces, like your big dining room table, might not fit into your new apartment space. In this case, consider selling your old furniture and buying new pieces that are more apartment sized. Don’t forget to measure your new storage spaces so you can determine what will fit.
Get Serious About Sorting
Now is the time to sort through everything you own. Yes, we mean it. Everything! Décor, clothing, kitchen items, and even holiday decorations. It’s important to figure out which things you’ll actually use, and which things you’re just attached to. Here are some tips to help you decide which items should stay and which should go:
- Put clothing hangers up backwards. Rehang them forwards when you wear the items on the hanger. At the end of 6-12 months, donate or sell the items that are still hanging backwards. After all, you’re not using them!
- Keep all your kitchen utensils in a box. Only put them away once you use them. Same concept as the closet – only keep those items that have made it back to the kitchen drawer. No need to move those utensils you’re not using!
- Don’t get too sentimental. Holding onto things just because they’re sentimental will only crowd your apartment. While you should keep, or at least rehome, heirlooms, other sentimental items may not need such delicate treatment. Consider taking pictures of sentimental items that are just too big to bring to your new space. This way, you’ll still hold the memories.
- Go item by item. As you sort through everything before your move, ask yourself some important questions regarding the things you’re having a tough time getting rid of. Do I need this? Does it bring joy to my life? Does it have several uses? These kinds of questions can help you decide which items will make the cut.
Remember, you’re moving from a bigger space to one that may be considerably smaller than what you’re used to. For many people, the move from home to apartment brings greater financial freedom and more time. You’re not doing lawn work anymore, after all! Still, even though this move can bring many benefits, it’s not all roses. You need to be serious about downsizing, so you’re not overcrowded in your new apartment.
How to Make Money When Downsizing from a House to an Apartment
So, you’ve figured out which things you’re taking to your new apartment or condo. But, what will you do with those things that didn’t make the cut? If you take the right approach, you can make money off your unwanted furniture and home goods. Here are some tips for getting a little extra green from your downsizing efforts:
- Sell unwanted furniture on Craigslist, Let Go, or Facebook Marketplace
- Sell antiques on eBay or Etsy
- Hold a garage sale to get rid of many items at once
- Stop by consignment shops to see if your items will sell there
- Refinish old furniture to make it brand new, then sell those items in local markets
For those items that aren’t in the right condition for sale, consider doing some good in the community. There are local charities and thrift stores that are always accepting unwanted furniture and home items. While you may not get some cash for the items, you’ll get the satisfaction of knowing you helped your community. You may also get a tax write-off for your donation, which can be helpful when tax season rolls around!
Keep Friends & Family in Mind
Before selling every unwanted item, keep your friends and family in mind. Maybe your cousin moved into a new home, and he could use a dining set. Maybe your sister in law has been eyeing that decorative vase for years, and she’d love to take it off your hands. Check with friends and family to see if they’d be interested in any of your unwanted items.
In with the New!
If you have to downsize items like furniture or other large pieces, now’s the perfect time to bring in some new designs. Moving from a home to an apartment is the perfect opportunity to bring in new furniture or other pieces! You can upgrade your couch, dining set, and other pieces so your new space has a brand-new vibe. You can even start fresh with entirely new furniture or décor sets for each room. Apartments tend to have smaller spaces, so you can buy smaller furniture, bringing higher quality furniture pieces at lower prices. A win-win!
Remember the Benefits
The process of downsizing before your move can get tiring. Keeping your end goal in mind can help make the process much easier. Remember that your efforts will have a great payoff! After paring down your items, you’ll be ready to move into your apartment!
We hope these above tips make the process of moving from a home to an apartment much easier. The more you downsize, the less you’ll have to move, and the more space you’ll have in your new apartment or condo. We hope you have a great move!