How To Downsize Without Compromising On Comfort

We spend most of our lives trying to get the bigger and ‘better’ things, and our homes are no exception. The more successful we are, the larger the house we can buy, and that large house can be great if you’ve got a big family or you need plenty of room for all the ‘stuff’ that you’re buying too. 

However, after a little while, that big house just isn’t needed anymore, and if your kids have left home, you’re thinking of retiring, or you just want to save some money, downsizing could be a good idea. All that means is that you sell your large house and buy a small - less expensive - house instead, ideally making a profit so you’ve got some extra savings to enjoy. Downsizing can often be a savvy financial decision, but it can also be a tricky one to get used to because going from a big house to a smaller one can be a little uncomfortable. With that in mind, here are some of the ways to downsize and still be comfortable. 

When you move into a smaller place, you’ll probably need to get rid of some of your things - it’s just common sense that it’s not all going to fit. You can sell the items, store them somewhere, donate them, or whatever you want, but the key is not to have them in your home anymore. 

Trying to fit everything in will make things cluttered and, unfortunately, uncomfortable, whereas having less around you will add to your comfort. If you’re not sure where to start, think about learning more about minimalism, and that should start you off on the right path. 

Again, a cluttered home is an uncomfortable one, whether you realise it or not, so even if you do try to get rid of some of your stuff, whatever’s left is going to need to be stored somewhere. 

Firstly, when you’re looking at property to buy, make sure the one you choose has enough storage if possible (it might not always be possible, but it’s certainly something to consider). Then, to make things even better and help you to stay tidier and more comfortable, make use of the wide range of other storage options you can get, like understairs storage, baskets, ottomans, shelving, and so on. 

Don’t forget you’ll need to consider storage outside the house as well as inside - if you have a car, for example, where’s that going to go? If you’ve got limited parking or a small garage, it could be worth downsizing your vehicle as well as your home, and finding out the VW part exchange value is worthwhile. 

Even in a smaller living space, you’ll still want to make it personal so you feel more at home and, yes, comfortable. That’s why you need to choose decor and furniture that you love and that goes with your preferences rather than what goes along with current trends, for example. 

And although we did say you want to declutter as much as possible, don’t get rid of everything - having some personal and sentimental things around you is sure to make you more comfortable.