So you’re downsizing…
Comfort is key and though you’re in a smaller space, you can take measures to ensure that your space doesn’t look and feel squeezed and uncomfortable, allowing you to settle in as quickly as possible. Also, how do you plan to ensure that you encounter a stress-free move? We’ve come across such scenes quite often and we’d recommend a number of things that will help.
1. Take a visit to the new house early enough. While at the new house, be keen on the following factors:
- Curtains – Chances are the windows won’t be exactly similar to the ones in your current home. Some will be narrower/wider and longer/shorter therefore you’ll need to pay close attention to this when going to view the house. Have your tailor customize some for you to match your preference.
- Storage Spaces – These include drawers, cupboards, wardrobes and pigeon holes. The new house will have a limited amount of space compared to the origin house therefore you’ll definitely need to factor this when choosing the items that you’ll carry with you to the new house.
- The Size of the rooms – When you make a visit to the new home, check whether the couches, beds and bedroom furniture will fit well in the new space. Will you need to change the layout of the room? Will you need to disassemble any furniture before taking it into the room? Will they fit through the door? All these are questions you need to consider to prepare well in advance and in case they won’t fit as desired, what measures will you take early in advance? Knowing these will also help us to organize to have the correct tools carried with our carpenters when coming for your move.
- The Outdoor Items – When moving into a smaller space, chances are that the outdoor space is smaller. The balcony, verandas, yard space and parking as well. As a result, you’ll need to think about where items like gazebos, plants, bicycles, swing chairs and hammocks will be pitched.
- The Kitchen – The kitchen area with all its cups, dishes, ‘sahani na vikombe za wageni’ (plates and cups reserved for visitors), the pantry and numerous pots and pans; is a room that we often struggle with because everything comes in handy at some point and we are often so attached to our utensils. When moving into a smaller space, take another keen look at all the dishes and ask yourself whether you’ll really need each. Alternatively, the older items can be disposed of or given away to give room for the newer ones.
2. Always inform our move consultants when that come over for your FREE PRE-MOVE SURVEY. In case you opted to use our Video Survey option, mention that you will be moving into a smaller space when showing us the items that will be moving.
3. Prioritize only on what will be useful. Hoarding will result in so much clutter that will only bring more harm than good. It is often said that if you haven’t used an item/clothing for more than 3 months, then it’s no longer yours. Donate it or give it to someone who needs it more.
Moving into a smaller house shouldn’t always translate into chaos and discomfort. With proper planning, you won’t even realize the difference in size. Plan early, involve us well and all will be good to go.
