Move over, “McMansions”: there’s a new trend in town these days, and it’s downsizing! Between the high cost of housing, the “tiny house” movement, and cultural trends towards minimalism, Americans are living in smaller and more efficient spaces.
A prime example lies in cities like Seattle. In the year between July 2015 and July 2016, Seattle gained around 21,000 citizens. In around the same time frame, brand-new Seattle apartments were being built as much as 30% smaller than they were just fifteen years earlier. What is this attributed to by the real estate industry? The idea that smaller, efficient spaces are just fine when you have city amenities nearby, especially in the minds of millennial renters and buyers. Of course, the city isn’t the only place people are downsizing to. Simple living feels great in a smaller home sitting on a lot of country land.
So how about it? Are YOU downsizing to a smaller home? Here’s what you need to know.
You’ll have new priorities.
When your space is smaller, you may have to prioritize some collections and hobbies. While there may be room for your extensive shoe collection and your framed postcards, throw a large library or sophisticated PC setup into the mix and you may have too many things to handle in a small living space. Downsizing is all about paring down belongings. Think about what things you own that you actually want to prioritize, and take the opportunity to give them special attention.
You’re better off getting rid of extra furniture before the move.
Yes, it’s very tempting to take all your beloved furniture with you so you can definitively plan out your new abode before cutting down on shelves and chairs. The reality? Moving furniture is expensive. It’s bulky and heavy, and even experienced movers can have issues packing and moving it safely. When you pare down all that extra furniture ahead of time, you’ll see your moving cost go way down.
Suddenly you have more pocket change.
All those belongings and pieces of furniture you pared down in the first two parts? Hopefully, you didn’t throw them away! Besides passing beloved pieces off to family and friends, you can find yourself with a good chunk of change when you pare down your belongings. Sell things on local forums like Craigslist or other marketplace apps, and everything else you can donate. Keep the receipt — remember that donations often count as deductions on your taxes.
Moving, cleaning, and generally dealing with your physical belongings is simpler.
You know what happens when you live in a smaller, less cluttered space? Faster cleaning! Less organizing! Yay! Come moving day, your prepared and experienced movers will relax and breathe a sigh of relief when they see how much smaller your haul is, too. Can you imagine how quickly you’ll unpack everything?
Downsizing in square footage feels a little countercultural in the “bigger is better” mindset America usually employs. Don’t feel like it’s unusual or anything you’ll be negatively judged about. Everyone from real estate professionals to experienced movers in the industry has noticed the downsizing trend, and according to most reported opinions, it’s only likely to grow. Revel in your new freedom and cozy home!
