Whether it is by choice or because of personal circumstances, sometimes a person must move out of a larger residence where everything has its place into a smaller abode. It may at first seem impossible to take all your possessions with you … but have you considered all the options that are open to you?
Thinking outside the box when downsizing for a smaller adobe could lead to clever storage solutions or tricks so you don't have to get rid of certain still useful objects. Here are 10 ideas to get you started!
1— Vacuum Storage Bags Are Amazing!
Vacuum storage bags have been around for a long time and can be purchased in any big box store or online. The concept is simple: clothing, comforters, snow suits and other bulky fabric items are placed in a bag with a circular vacuum-hose-sized hole. Simply suck out the air with a vacuum cleaner to shrink it all down into a surprisingly compact package.
2— Your Yard May Surprise You
What does your new yard look like? Maybe there’s enough space for a garden shed or a four-season storage box. It is even possible to have one custom-built or to construct one yourself that is perfectly suited to the amount of space available.
3— Downsizing? Look Up!
In recent years, interior designers have been highly creative in how they maximize storage without compromising on the look of a room. Cabinets that go up to the ceiling or wall to wall closets are now regular home features. Shelves or boxes mounted on a wall are as practical as they are pretty. You can also install a small loft area in a room with a high ceiling to put away seasonal items like Halloween decorations or garden furniture.
4— Opt for Dual-Purpose Furnishings
Furniture can also be used to store our belongings: a coffee table in the living room can serve as a place to keep the children’s toys or your books out of sight; a bed frame with a mechanical system for lifting the mattress is perfect for concealing extra bedding; the long bench in the entryway can hold winter clothing and accessories in summer and vice versa.
5— There Aren’t Just Monsters Beneath the Bed
A lot of items can be completely hidden under a bed, which is important to know if you don’t want to ruin your decor. For maximum concealment, add a bed skirt or a comforter that reaches down to the floor. No one will be the wiser!
6— Rethink a Spacious Room
Is there a spacious room in your new home that could better serve your needs if it were redesigned? Sometimes, simply erecting a wall or adding a closet in these rooms can change the face of your property … and most importantly, give you access to more storage space!
7— Organize the Closet or Wardrobe
Why not turn wardrobes that are bursting with clothes and accessories into a space where every centimetre is put to use? Add shelves, drawers, boxes with casters, stackable hangers, etc. Designers who specialize in this type of renovation work can help you design the most efficient layout.
8— A Murphy Bed Can Make All the Difference
Is your little prince’s next bedroom too small to hold all his furniture and toys? Installing a foldaway bed can be a life saver. Closing the bed (inside or against the wall) frees up the space “beneath” for moving around and playing.
9— Swap Furniture
There are lots of places online where people can contact each other to swap furniture. For example, you can exchange your large eight-seater wooden table for a trendier six-seater one, or your massive sectional couch for two loveseats that will better fit your new living room.
10— Rent (or Borrow) a Friend or Family Member’s Empty Room
Some objects are only used seasonally, such as inflatable swimming pools, hammocks, or winter sporting goods. As a last resort, ask those around you if they have a room in their own home that you could use to store these items.
There may be a host of other solutions available to you. Look around your new home, you just might come up with a wholly original and unique solution!