
Downsize Your Home: Tips From Our Storage Consultants

Life is full of transitions, and one significant change many people face is the decision to downsize their home. Whether you’re looking to simplify your lifestyle or pursuing a more frugal financial strategy, moving to a smaller space can be liberating. However, it also requires substantial adjustments. When I moved into my current home, I quickly learned how crucial it is to approach downsizing thoughtfully. Let’s dive into some tips that helped me make the process smoother as I chose to downsize my home.
Assess Your New Home
Before moving, measure your new space to determine which furniture pieces will fit. A common mistake when downsizing is bringing too much furniture, which can make a small space feel cramped. Instead, choose fewer, smaller pieces that complement the dimensions and function of your new home. Measuring beforehand helped me identify what wouldn’t fit and what I’d need to store temporarily. Consider using our storage calculator to find the right storage unit size and avoid any surprises or errors.
Here are some areas worth measuring:
-
- Windows: Figure out what can fit under the windows as well as the appropriate window treatment
- Bathroom Floor: Find correctly sized mats
- Dining Area: Determine the appropriate size of the dining table
- Living Room: Fit furniture pieces such as a sofa comfortably
Prioritize Your Items
When determining what to bring along, focus on utility and sentimental value. I found it helpful to ask myself a few key questions:
- Frequency of Use: How often do I use this item?
- Redundancy: Do I own multiple items that serve the same purpose?
- Sentimentality: Is this item irreplaceable due to emotional value?
- Necessity and Condition: Can I manage without it? Is it in good condition or worth repairing?
For those items you can’t part with but won’t be able to fit into your new home, storage is a lifesaver. It allows you to keep these cherished items safe without cluttering your space. I found it hard to let go of my beaded prom dresses from over 10 years ago but storing them allowed me to hold onto those precious memories.
Take it in Phases
Avoid the overwhelm of downsizing your entire home in one go. Start early and tackle one room at a time. By the time you move, you’ll have a far more manageable task ahead of you. This approach helped me stay organized and reduced the stress of having everything piled on at once. Pack, label clearly, and relocate items you’re willing to part with to your storage unit.
Store Your Belongings
One of the key benefits of using a storage unit is that it allows you to maintain an organized living space. Here are a few more tips to make the most of your storage space:
- Label Everything: Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it came from. This makes it easier to find items later without rummaging through multiple boxes.
- Create an Inventory List: Keep a detailed list of everything you have stored, either in a notebook or on your phone. This can be a lifesaver when you’re trying to remember where you put certain items.
- Box Sizes: Use same size boxes to help with stacking and maximizing your storage unit space.
- Protect Valuables: Use bubble wrap, packing paper, or blankets to protect fragile items. Make sure to store these items in a way that prevents them from being crushed.
- Color Code: Organize your move by assigning colors based on the room the boxes belong in.
- Number Boxes: Label boxes in order of unpacking priority. This system helped me identify what items I needed quickly.
I hope these tips on how to downsize your home help you on your next move. Downsizing can be a transformative experience – when you’re ready to downsize your home, give us a call or stop by. We’re open seven days a week, from 8:30 am to 6 pm. Our team at Hollywood Storage Center of Thousand Oaks is here to assist you every step of the way.
Here’s to a smooth, organized, and enjoyable move to your new, cozier home!