3 Pitfalls To Avoid When Downsizing Your Home

No matter what age you are, downsizing your home can be one of the best decisions you will ever make. And boomers are popular for it, with 23% of them doing so when their kids move out. It allows you to free up space or make some money if you decide to sell your vintage treasures. More importantly, if you’re downgrading from a larger house to a smaller one, you can significantly reduce your monthly utility bills. However, you can also make some downsizing errors, including the following.

• Downsizing without a plan

First of all, what is the main reason driving your need to downsize the home? Secondly, what do you intend to achieve? If you cannot answer these crucial questions, you’re probably downsizing without a plan. This consists of the purpose of downsizing and guides you through the process with specific activities. You can seek the assistance of an estate agent to help you create this guide, depending on your goals. This becomes crucial if you plan to sell the property. Moreover, the same agent may be responsible for helping you find a smaller house you can manage. 

• Rushing a downsizing process

While it’s true that time is of utmost significance when downsizing a home, it doesn’t mean rushing through the process. A hurried downsizing process can cause you to commit mistakes you wish never happened. For example, there is an increased risk of letting go of valuable items you may have wanted to keep. This may have nothing to do with sentimental attachments. Instead, it is more to do with hasty decisions that may cost you more.

To avoid the inconveniences of a hurried process, it would be best to start downsizing several weeks or months before moving out. Cramming everything up in just a few days can pose problems. If you’re downsizing due to retirement, you may want to keep certain belongings that hold memories of your now-grown kids. Admittedly, it can be an emotional process, and you need the time to sort those feelings out. Just don’t take all the time in the world. Excessive delay in the entire process could make it difficult to let go of things that need to be given out.

• Failing to consider the type of storage unit you need

Perhaps, you already have a plan for your downsizing project. However, have you considered the type of storage you will need? So far, there are about eight types of self-storage, and it’s vital to decide which one suits your circumstances best. For instance, if you made your garage the sole area for storing excess belongings, it may be time to change. All those items will need a new home as you move out to a smaller space.

Whether it is drive up storage units, student storage, or a place to keep your business’s excess stuff, the options are many. Many storage units are designed for specific purposes. That is why they vary in size, climate control method, cost, etc. The tip to getting it right is to visit the facility first to inquire. This way, it is easier to plan what items go to which unit. More importantly, knowing the exact storage type you need can save you money.

Perhaps you are having friends over for the first time, selling your home, or hosting an event in your house. Whatever the reason creating a good first impression of your home can be very important, not to mention stressful. If you want people to come away from your home feeling comfortable and inspired, here are  some simple tips to follow. 

HGTV

The outside

It goes without saying that the very first thing any guest will see is the outside of your home. Take a look at your home from the street and ask yourself, does it have curb appeal? If the answer is no or you are unsure then consider some of the following;

• Tidy up pathways and driveways – ensure any weeds, loose rockery, or rubbish is removed.
• Cut the front lawn, if you have one and prune any hedges.
• Paint your front door.
• Add a hanging basket, door number, or working doorbell. 
• Wash your car, yes really!

Source

The Entrance

Next up is stepping into your house. This is the first time they will see (and smell) the inside of your house so it is equally as important as the outside of your house. To give your entrance the wow factor then here are some pointers;

• Ensure it smells nice, invest in a diffuser or candle to give off a pleasant aroma of your choosing. 
• Keep it clutter-free, use coat hooks, shoe racks and storage cabinet for your home to ensure everything is tidy and out of the way in your entrance area. 
• Use a doormat

Tips for the interior:

• Light up your house with good lighting. A well lit room an make all the difference. Good lighting can make a room feel bright and airy and even bigger than it actually is. Placing lights so that they an reflect off a mirror is a great tip to brighten up a room. 

The Flowering Farmhouse

• Give the house a thorough clean. It goes without saying that a dirty or messy house will not give off a good first impression. Doing some simple chores such running the vacuum around and a bit of dusting before your visitors arrive can make all of the difference.
• Splurge of some fresh flowers or plants. Fresh flowers or green indoor plants give the feeling of life. Think about it, we know that in order for plants to grow they need the right conditions so it stands to reason any plants that have stood the test of time in your home must have been living in the right conditions. It can only speak highly of their environment and the owners. 

Beautiful Indoor Plants for Farmhouse, French Country and Cottage Style Homes

• Get rid of the clutter. Clutter looks messy and disorganized so if you can have a declutter. If you don’t have time for that then simply hide the clutter out of sight. In storage units, drawers, cupboards, wherever you need to, just keep it out of sight.

By following these simple tips, you will not only make a good first impression on those who visit both outside and inside your home, but you will also create a space you enjoying living in.