Are you facing the possibility of downsizing? If so, you’re likely wondering what steps to take and the key considerations. In this blog post, we’ll highlight some of the key things to prioritize when looking to move into a smaller house.
What is Downsizing?
Downsizing is simply moving from your current home to a smaller space. Downsizing is increasingly becoming popular in Kenya with more and more people choosing to live in smaller and more affordable accommodation due to a change in health or financial status. However, everyone’s living situation is different and under certain situations, moving to a smaller property may be the best thing to do based on your lifestyle, preferences, and future plans.
You might also consider downsizing if:
- Your house is too big to maintain, especially if you have kids that have left for school or college
- You’re a senior citizen moving to a smaller, cheaper house to simplify your living arrangements
- you’re a young professional embracing minimalist living
- You’re living alone and would like to move closer to your family
- You have a spare bedroom or rooms you aren’t looking to let
- You’d like to cut monthly maintenance expenses
- You have mobility issues and are struggling to live independently
- You’re divorced or separated and are looking to move into a smaller, separate house
Like any type of residential moving, downsizing has its advantages and disadvantages. Since most times people have no option to move out into a smaller space, it’s reassuring to know that downsizing has its benefits.
What are the Benefits of Downsizing?
One of the best advantages of downsizing is lower rent and maintenance costs compared to the bigger house. Less upkeep is usually needed, which means fewer domestic chores and bills to pay. Moving into a smaller house will reduce monthly expenses as you’ll likely save money on mortgage repayments, taxes, energy bills, and maintenance costs.
If you’re moving from your current house whose value went up at the time of sale, downsizing might net you additional equity and end up benefiting you financially.
Downsizing also gives you the opportunity to move to a more preferable location among the top neighborhoods while choosing a property that is easier to manage and maintain. If you have mobility issues, this is the best time to find a sheltered house with staff to give you extra peace of mind about your health, security, and safety.
Key Things to Consider When Looking to Downsize
Here are a few practical things to think about when downsizing your home:
1. What are Your Home Essentials?
When moving to a smaller property, it’s important to think about what aspects of your current house or lifestyle you want most to keep. Do you need a second floor or would you prefer a bungalow? Do you need a big garden or would you rather have a low-maintenance patio? Do you want to stay in the same neighborhood or would you get more value for your money elsewhere?
Think about what matters most to you when downsizing. If you have always wanted to move to Westlands or another particular location, this could be the ideal opportunity to do so. If space is something that really matters to you, then you’ll still want to make sure that the property you’re downsizing to has enough rooms to meet your needs.
It’s important that your house feels like home, so be sure to know what you’re not willing to compromise on.
2. Create an Inventory List and Assess What You Need
Take a detailed inventory list of items you own, identifying items you use regularly, existing duplicates, and those you no longer use or need. Go room by room, measure space to picture how everything fits (before and after) and consider how to move furniture between rooms.
Form the inventory list, assess what’s worth keeping based on functionality and sentimental value. You can use the KonMari Method – a home organization style that prioritizes decluttering and keeping only items that ‘spark joy’ – to create a more efficient living environment.
Deciding what you need to keep, donate, or store can help you alleviate the stress of having too many items for a small space. Some ways to declutter include holding a garage sale, selling furniture online, or renting a storage unit.
3. Maximizing Your Home Living and Storage Space
In case you’re downsizing as you move, take stock of your current home’s living and storage spaces – such as the attic, basement, or garage – to better understand how the new space can house your belongings. Consider implementing clever storage solutions to maximize your living space:
- Use vertical storage – You can maximize vertical space in kitchens and bathrooms with wall-mounted racks, hangers, and floating shelves. Over-the-door storage also frees up floor space while keeping books and shoes organized. Use wall hooks for hanging towels, clothing, hats, and umbrellas.
- Invest in multifunctional furniture – Use space-saving furniture that serves dual purposes; storage ottomans, day beds for seating while neatly tucking away sheets, blankets and other beddings, and storage benches for guest seating. Foldable furniture such as wall beds, sleeper sofas, and expandable tables also helps make the most out of a small space without sacrificing comfort, function, or aesthetics.
- Use hidden storage areas – You can effectively store additional belongings in hidden areas such as under beds, staircases, and other overlooked areas.
Remember, even when you’re downsizing, clutter can quickly take over. Invest in stackable storage containers and plastic bins which you can label and use to organize your items and keep them visible even in cramped, dark rooms. Baskets can also be versatile additions, providing a convenient yet hidden spot for towels and essentials under beds and tables.
4. Maximize Closet Space
Now that you’re moving to a smaller space, your closet is about to become your best friend. Invest in a closet organization system with adjustable shelves and rods, dividers, and space-saving hangers.
You can even work with a rotation strategy for seasonal wear, such as storing off-season clothes in sealed bags or under the bed in a basket to free up space for current wardrobe needs.
5. Consider Putting Extra Items in a Storage Unit
Before storing your items in a facility, measure what you plan to store to determine whether larger items such as furniture or pianos can fit through doorways. You will also have a clear picture of how much storage space you need to book and whether items need to be disassembled or rearranged for better storage efficiency.
Depending on your downsizing needs, you can access either self-service storage or managed storage services where the moving company handles everything from packing and transportation to delivery back when needed. If you’re storing fine art, collectibles, or temperature-sensitive electronics, it makes more sense to use a climate-controlled storage unit.
Lastly, consider the duration of your rental, as most facilities offer flexible month-to-month contracts. Some storage companies in Nairobi such as Nellions may offer the convenience of online booking so you can secure a unit setting foot on-site, especially if you’re moving urgently.
Ready to Downsize Without the Stress?
Embracing downsizing storage tips doesn’t just free up space – it frees up your mind too! Moving to a smaller, more manageable space means prioritizing what’s truly important, leading to a more focused, organized, and stress-free life.
Looking for more space after downsizing your home? Nellions is proud to be your storage partner, with facilities spanning over 14,000 square feet located across the country, including;
- Westlands, Upperhill, and Parklands – Quick access for CBD and Westlands residents
- Karen, Kileleshwa, and Lavington – Ideal for households storing furniture during renovation
- Kilimani and Kileleshwa – Central Nairobi’s go-to storage solution
- Gigiri, Runda, and Muthaiga – Trusted by expats and diplomatic households
- Lang’ata, Syokimau, Ruiru, and South C/B – Affordable storage for southern Nairobi estates
Find a storage facility near you!
Call +254700000002 or email move@nellions.co.ke to get started on your storage journey.
