5 Downsizing Tips for Small Apartment Life
As urban areas become more crowded and expensive, small apartments are becoming an increasingly popular choice for many. If you’re considering moving to a smaller space, these five downsizing tips will help you make the most of your new home.
Key Takeaways:
- Declutter Your Kitchen: Simplify your kitchen by donating or selling unused utensils and dishes to maximize space.
- Clean Out Your Closet: Evaluate your wardrobe for duplicates and unworn items; keep only what you truly need and love.
- Go Digital: Transition your media collections to digital formats to save space and ease your move.
- Use Simple Color Schemes: Opt for a cohesive color palette to create an open and airy feel.
- Focus on Spacing and Design: Measure your new apartment and plan furniture layouts using tools like RoomSketcher to optimize your space effectively.
Transitioning from a spacious home to a smaller apartment can feel daunting, especially when you’re surrounded by all your cherished belongings.
We’ve all heard friends lament, “How on earth am I supposed to fit all my stuff into this tiny apartment?” But don’t worry—downsizing doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your favorite things!
Let’s explore five practical tips that will make the downsizing more manageable.
1. Declutter Your Kitchen
When you downsize, your kitchen will ultimately be much smaller than what you’re used to. Your new place might have a mini-kitchen, so in order to stay organized while making proper use of the space, you need to declutter.
Get rid of the 27 serving utensils you have that you haven’t used for a year.
Do you really need ten sets of dishes and utensils? It’s unlikely that you’ll be hosting huge parties, so save yourself some space in your new, smaller place and donate some of your kitchenware; or, sell it online and make a few bucks to help furnish your new home!
2. Clean out Your Closet
You don’t have to embrace a full-on minimalist lifestyle or part ways with everything you own—there’s no need for that!
However, it’s likely that you have duplicates, unworn items, and clothes you only reach for once a year, not to mention those boxes filled with things you haven’t even touched.
If this is what your closet is like, then it’s time to get rid of a few things to make space in your smaller apartment. As you work your way through the closet, remember to ask yourself questions to keep you on track:
- When was the last time I wore this?
- Does this even fit anymore?
- Do I actually need this, or am I just wasting space?
- Do I have any friends who might make use of this?
3. Go Digital
One thing your new apartment definitely doesn’t need is a huge stack of DVDs and CDs. It may be hard to hear, but it’s time to embrace the digital age. While books can make great decorations, your new place might not have the space for them.
Consider going digital by converting your book, music, and DVD collections into files for your iPad or computer. This shift will not only make your move much easier but also free up a ton of space you never imagined having in your smaller apartment.
4. Use Simple Color Schemes
In your old place, you probably had plenty of room to experiment with bold color schemes and unique designs for each room. But in your new small apartment, it’s best to keep things simple. Opt for a cohesive color palette that creates a strong, bold look while still making the space feel open and airy.
5. Focus on Spacing and Design
If you do have time to see the unit before moving in, then go ahead and take some measurements to understand the new flow and layout of your new space. Figuring out where the furniture will go before you purchase it and move it into the unit can make for a less hectic and stressful move.
To maximize space in your small apartment, the RoomSketcher App is an invaluable tool that allows you to create and customize your own 2D and 3D floor plans.
Start by inputting the accurate dimensions of your apartment to ensure a precise layout. Then, experiment with different furniture arrangements to see what works best for your space.
RoomSketcher’s Live 3D feature lets you view your design from various angles, helping you understand how each piece fits within the room. Additionally, you can try out different color schemes and decor styles to enhance the sense of space.
By using RoomSketcher to plan your layout, you can make informed decisions that optimize every square foot of your new home.
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