Downsizing isn’t a bad word!

Downsizing isn’t a bad word!

By Todd Russell

If you love saving money, energy, resources, and enjoy saving time on upkeep downsizing might be the right answer for you.

Here are a few benefits of living a “cozy life”.

ASK FOR HELP: Let friends and family help you determine what you REALLY need for your smaller space. If you are coping with the passing of a loved one or spouse, ask a family member to help you assess, donate, and pack your loved one’s belongings. If you won’t be able to see your new home in advance, ask for help from a landlord, relatives, or even Realtors sometimes have helpful resources to make your move much easier.

TIME: If you are lucky to have time before your move, be sure to use it to your advantage. Take time to declutter and organize your current belongings. Have a garage sale, donate items to charity, or sell things on the internet that you will not use in your new home. If you don’t have time consider a storage facility as a temporary option. Many times storing the items gives you the opportunity to make final decisions about what stays and what goes once you are in your new home.

MONEY: Simply said the more space you have the more area you feel like you need to furnish. One of the main reasons many people downsize is to stop wasting money on furniture, electronics, appliances and other odds and ends the just take up space rather than fulfill a function. Downsizing can help prioritize and organize your life and only bring what is necessary into your new home.

SMALLER OFTEN LEADS TO HAPPIER: Smaller homes create an environment where family, boyfriends and roommates can compromise over living arrangements, sharing closets, and making a home feel cozy instead of cramped. Instead of looking at a smaller home as a down-grade; look at it as a way to a happier life.  Many homeowners agree that living in a larger home leads to greater stress and upkeep. From cleaning, maintenance, furnishings, and outdoor upkeep. When you add up the cost to maintain all of these factors it can quickly add up, and be very stressful. You might be surprised how reducing your daily chores and upkeep can be the first step to a minimal and stream-lined life. It will free up time to spend with loved ones, friends or personal time.

ENERGY: Energy costs are one of the downsides of living in a larger home. Smaller homes will give you the added benefit of reducing your energy costs, and reducing your carbon footprint. Meanwhile you will enjoy a lower energy bill in the cooler and warmer months of the year.

TRAVEL: Traveling can be a big burden when you have a larger home. From security systems, exterior lighting and constant monitoring and keeping your grounds up when you leave town. When you downsize traveling can be less of a hassle. In fact you may even have more money to travel.

SPLURGE: Many people think if they downsize they can’t make their home look fabulous. Splurge on a few key pieces like a dramatic sofa that draws your attention to your décor and not the size of the space. Wonderful design is about how to functionally use your space, while still being inspired to enjoy the room. SIZE shouldn’t be a hindrance!

THINK URBAN: Have you ever noticed that a one room loft in a busy urban city feels more cosmopolitan than a one room apartment that has 6 times the space in the suburbs? Make the most of your urban setting with color, creative multifunction furniture and bring plenty of light into your space. It might not be the penthouse of your dreams; you can play up the small space with urban or graphic wall art, colorful and unique furniture and plenty of light.

ORGANIZATION: Downsizing your home will make you get rid of the clutter and will help you organize what is essential. Make your space a haven for creative organization. Think of items that can do double duty. Like a coffee table that doubles as a desk area for your computer. Think vertical! Enhance your space with unexpected bookshelves that look built-in to what would have been a bare wall.

DEBT: This won’t be true for everyone, pairing down your space can also help pair down your lifestyle. It can help you from over spending, charging, and over buying. A smaller home will help keep you on budget and shopping sprees will be curbed because there isn’t enough space to put too many new additions. If you are trying to save money and keep your credit from going into the red, consider downsizing your home-your future will thank you for it.

Design is everything.

EVERYTHING!

Todd

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About the Author:

Todd Russell was a professional Interior Designer with over 20 years

experience in helping couples create unique living spaces.