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Originally Posted On: https://greenwheelsmovingma.com/downsizing-heres-how-to-optimize-your-move-from-a-house-to-an-apartment/

 

There’s no question that downsizing from a house to an apartment offers many benefits, including lower costs, fewer maintenance requirements, and less space to worry about cleaning.

The real question is: How do you choose which furniture and possessions to bring with you?

With less space to work with, you’ll need to narrow down what’s coming with you, what to part with, and how to get the things you plan on keeping from your current house set up in your new apartment.

Let the moving specialists at %COMPANY% be your guide to planning your next move. We’ll cover how to evaluate your belongings and select which items to bring, how to choose items that fit with your goals for your new space, and how to get the most out of your packing efforts, so adjusting to your new environment is that much easier.

Think Like a Moving Company: Assess Your Belongings Before You Start Packing

The first step to a successful move that involves downsizing is carefully assessing your belongings.

Are there items you can’t live without? Those should be the first things on your list of things to bring with you.

Non-negotiable items might include:

• Heirloom furniture
• Beds
• Small appliances
• Specific pieces of clothing and accessories
• Sporting equipment
• Children’s toys
• Technology
• Instruments
• Pet beds and accessories

Once you have a good idea of items you don’t want to part with, you’ll have a better idea of the space left in your new apartment for additional belongings.

Questions to Ask Yourself When You Plan to Downsize Your Living Space

Here are some questions you can ask yourself to get a better picture of whether an object should start your new chapter with you or if it’s time to move on and donate it:

• Functionality and necessity:
  • Do I use this item regularly or frequently?
  • Is this item essential for my daily life and activities?
  • Can I easily replace this item if needed in the future?
• Space and storage:
  • Can I store this item without it taking up too much room?
  • Will this item clutter or overcrowd my apartment?
  • Does this item fit comfortably in my new, smaller living space?
• Emotional attachment:
  • Do I have strong sentimental value or memories attached to this item?
  • Is this item irreplaceable?
  • Can I let go of this item without significant emotional distress?

Plan Your New Apartment’s Set Up

Do you know what the layout of your new apartment looks like? If not, it’s a good idea to speak to your new landlord and request more information about the dimensions of your space. This will allow you to accurately plan and measure the furniture and décor needed for your new living situation.

You can also ask for measurements of doorways, hallways, and ceiling heights. These factors will impact what you can feasibly move into your apartment. You’ll want to identify any unique architectural features or layout quirks requiring creative moving or decor solutions, like built-in nooks or awkwardly shaped rooms.

Once you have measurements of your space or an idea of the general layout you can work with, it’s time to create a floor plan sketch or use an online room planning tool. These are great ways to visualize how your current furniture and belongings will fit your new space.

Pay close attention to the size and placement of key pieces like your bed, sofa, dining table, and storage units.

With a clear picture of your new apartment’s dimensions, you can start making strategic decisions about what furniture and decorations to keep, sell, donate, or replace. Doing so will help you maximize your enjoyment and the flow of your new accommodations.

Streamline Your Packing Process

Attention to detail during your packing process can help make moving from a house to an apartment more efficient and less stressful.

Here are five tips to help you streamline your packing when you’re planning to downsize:

1. Declutter before packing: Before you start packing, take the time to declutter and downsize your belongings. Get rid of items you no longer need or use by donating, selling, or recycling them. This will reduce the amount of stuff you need to pack and unpack, making the process faster and easier.
2. Create a packing plan: Develop a packing plan and timeline to help you stay organized and on track. Start by packing non-essential items before your move date, focusing on one room or category at a time. Label boxes clearly with their contents and destination room to make unpacking easier.
3. Use proper packing supplies: Invest in high-quality packing supplies, like sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper, to protect your belongings during your move. Consider renting or purchasing reusable plastic bins for packing, which can be more durable and eco-friendly than cardboard boxes.
4. Pack room by room: To maintain organization and efficiency, pack one room at a time. Start with rooms you use less frequently, including guest rooms or storage areas, and work your way toward more essential areas like the kitchen and bedrooms.
5. Pack strategically: Pack similar items together and use smaller boxes for heavier items to prevent overloading. Wrap fragile items carefully and use padding or cushioning to protect them during transit. Fill empty spaces in boxes with packing paper or clothing to prevent items from shifting during the move. Be sure to label each box with its contents and destination room.

Make the Most of Space in Your New Apartment

Moving from a house to an apartment presents an opportunity to maximize space and optimize functionality. Consider multifunctional furniture pieces, like ottomans with storage compartments or folding tables, to optimize your use of space.

You can take advantage of vertical space by installing shelves or wall-mounted storage units to keep items off the floor and create more room. Use organizers and storage containers to keep smaller items organized and easily accessible.

When working with less square footage, it’s essential to embrace minimalism by adopting a “less is more” approach and avoiding clutter.

With a thoughtful plan and careful organization, your new apartment can be a functional and inviting home that feels comfortable and spacious despite its smaller size.

You’re Ready to Start Planning a Local or Long-Distance Move

Now that you know how to assess your belongings and which questions to ask yourself to narrow down what you bring with you, you’re ready to start downsizing. Whether you’re planning a distance move or a local relocation, our tips are applicable and will make your life much easier as you transition into your next chapter.

Remember, %COMPANY% is always here to support you with a full suite of local and long-distance moving services. Don’t hesitate to contact our team for more information about how we ensure your relocation is as smooth and stress-free as possible.