Whether you just got a new job or you’re making a lifestyle change, moving into an apartment might mean downsizing. By decluttering and focusing only on the essentials, you will be able to relieve stress and create more space in your home for the things and people that really matter. However, we know that it can be difficult to know where to start when making such a move. That’s why we’ve gathered 4 of the best downsizing hacks for moving into an apartment that will make your life easier.
Take advantage of apartment amenities
One of the best aspects of moving into an apartment is access to the luxury amenities. These amenities are great for helping you downsize. If your apartment community features a coffee maker in a community cafe, you can ditch your clunky version and save on counter space. Apartments with a fitness center save you the hassle of fitting a treadmill or other workout equipment into your interior designs. Consider how the amenities offered can fit into your lifestyle and help you simplify your life.
Declutter your kitchen and closet
Decreasing the amount of unnecessary items in your home is the first step to downsizing. Two of the places that people are known to collect exuberant amounts of products are the kitchen and closet. To help you decide what needs to go, you can use a couple of different methods. One is to consider the last time that you used the item. For example, if you haven’t used your popcorn maker in a year, it’s probably time to get rid of it. Another way that people declutter is by holding each item and asking if it drains your energy or excites you.
Chances are, you have a lot of clothes that either don’t fit you or you don’t wear anymore. While it’s a good idea to keep old clothes just in case you need them, you probably don’t need those free tee shirts from the 5k you ran 5 years ago that you haven’t worn since the day you got it. Sometimes, we hold onto items that are no longer necessary, and by taking a good look at your possessions, you’d be surprised at how much space you can free up in any home.
Sell your belongings well ahead of moving day
Once you have a pile of belongings that you need to get rid of, you should consider if they are trash, donations, or if you want to sell them. While trash can be quickly discarded, it can take some time to get to the donation bins or to list your items for sale online. Good places to list your items are Facebook Marketplace, Ebay, or even Nextdoor.
Once you have the furniture, clothing, or other items listed for sale on your chosen platform, you’ll need to give them time to capture someone's interest and be picked up. Waiting until the last minute to take this downsizing step will lead to more stress and ultimately can cause you to move unnecessary items into your new apartment or to lose out on the cash you could have made from your old items. By getting a head start, you’ll save yourself time and stress.
Invest in multi-functional items
Once you are ready to start shopping for your new apartment, it’s important to consider how you can continue to minimize the number of your belongings while maximizing their impact. Consider purchasing multi-functional items in order to keep your new home clutter free and avoid collecting items as you have in the past. If you need a guest bed and an office couch, why not save space and downsize to a pull out couch or a futon? Bed frames can include drawers and become a dresser, an entertainment center with shelves can serve as a bookshelf, or an ottoman with a lid can double as blanket storage. These nifty tricks will save you space and time down the line, as you will collect less and enjoy your space more.
Live a simpler, more luxurious life
Living in an apartment can help you achieve your minimalist lifestyle dreams. While it might seem intimidating to downsize your belongings and living space, apartments more than make up for it with the state of the art amenities and modern floor plans. At 444 Social, we work to help you achieve the lifestyle you deserve by offering fully furnished apartments, short and long term leases, and luxury amenities.
Click here to learn more about our floor plans and find the perfect fit for your family.