Moving to a smaller space is a great idea if you want to reduce your expenses and save on maintenance. But are you wondering how to stay organized? Here are some tips and tricks to help you downsize seamlessly.
1. Get smaller furniture
Before you move, get rid of things you don't need anymore. Say goodbye to big furniture that takes up a lot of space and replace it with items that are better suited to your needs and future home. Choose extendible furniture like a kitchen table with a leaf, a fold-up table or kitchen counter with an extension. Get smaller living room furniture with drawers for extra storage.
2. Customize it
Furniture from big box stores isn't always the size you need. The same goes for shelving. Why not take on a DIY project, like building a desk that you can install in the corner of a room? If you're sharing your space with a partner or roommate, you can figure out the best way to furnish it. You can also hire professionals to create custom furniture to make things easier.
3. Build up
Have you thought about using your wall space? You can make the most of your area by thinking vertically. Install shelves above your bed and sofa. You can use them for frames, plants, books or baskets to hide personal belongings. Your guests don't need to see everything!
4. Try different storage solutions
Try out different storage solutions to get organized. Even if space is tight, you need to find ways to store your belongings, accessories and clothing. There are lots of options, depending on the rooms in your apartment or house.
Bedroom
Hang hooks, pegboards and cloth organizers on the inside of doors
Put bins or drawers under the bed and sofa
Kitchen
Install a vertical pull- out drawer to store various containers
Get a sideboard to store pantry items
Bathroom
Install a suction cup shower caddy to store your toiletries
Place an angled shelf in the corner of the shower
Get a makeup organizer (rotating or not) for your vanity
Living room
Set up a console table behind the couch instead of a coffee table for cups, bottles and other items
Separate the living room from the kitchen area with a shelving unit that you can also use for storage
Create a vertical indoor garden by hanging plants on a wall grid
Add a pouf or ottoman with storage included
5. Find dual-use items
When you downsize, you need to keep one thing in mind: optimization. A room can have a dual purpose, just like how a piece of furniture can be used for more than one thing.
Bedroom furniture
Some convertible beds can transform into ottomans. Keep it in the living room and use it to put your feet up! When you have company, you'll have a guest bed ready in no time.
Sofa beds are essential, either in the bedroom or family room.
If you have kids, opt for a bunkbed, a bed with storage drawers or a foldaway bed.
Rooms
The guest room can double as an office and the living room can have a home gym in the corner or a clothing rack against the wall ... why not? Just demarcate the areas by creating a different ambiance. Two simple ideas are to paint an arch or add decorative accessories with distinctive styles. Find 2-in-1 pieces that work for your space and use your imagination. Many areas can be versatile.
6. Create the illusion of space
EspaceProprio tip To avoid feeling cramped (like Harry Potter in his room under the stairs) let some light in. This makes it look like your home is bigger than it actually is. Use light-coloured paint for the walls and accessories.
You can also opt for a darker paint colour for the bottom half of the walls. Play around with glass doors and windows by using sheer or pale-coloured curtains and decorate with wall mirrors.
Draw on our videos and podcasts for other inspiring ideas and tips.
