Creative Small-Space Living

I'm getting ready to move. In fact, we'll be packing starting today and I want to know what tips you have on parting with things you don't need and making it easier to live in a smaller space. We're moving from a big house to a smaller house and we WON'T have the storage that we have now (an attic). I'm worried about where we're going to put the Christmas tree, winter clothes, camping stuff, etc.

Do any of you have tips that could help me before I move into my new house?

Do any of you have suggestions for organization/shelving that has helped you?

Thanks so much!!!!

We're going to paint before we move in so I will have some time to install shelving if I need to.

Hi, moving is very stressful and moving into a smaller home is even more so.  Now is the time to get rid of "stuff".  As for clothing, get rid of stuff you have not worn in 6 mo to a year.  Chances are if you have not worn it for a year there is a reason.  Donate clothing to a charity.  Do you have a piece of furniture that you just really dont like or is worse for wear?  Get rid of it.  All of the stuff you are saving for "some day", but some day never comes.  Get rid of it.  Broken kitchen items, lids that have no pots or pans it goes with, ect, toss them.  Any large wall art that will be to large for your new home (sell them).  Old thin ripped worn out sheets & towels, great for using for blankets to protect your funishings while moving & can be hung from hooks in the garage to use for rags after your moving is done.

The garage is a great storage place.  Hubby can build shelving there, arrange it to suit the space.  Dont pass up the chance to hang stuff from the garage ceiling if you have good rafters & they are out of the way.  Another idea is outdoor storage sheds.  They are great for seasonal items.

There is always the basement too, but you did not say if you had a basement.

Don't for get under the bed storage.  Use either plastic tubs or those plastic bags that you suck all the air out and they lay flat, a great seasonal storage idea.  Go to Lowe's or Home Depot and look at their closet storage shelving.  Great ideas there.

If your new home has a laundry room, while you are looking at the closet storage items at the hardware, look at the shelving too for your laundry items.

I would not rush out and buy a lot of stuff right at first.  Sometimes you have to live there for a while to decided what and where you might want shelving put and such.

Good Luck I dont envy you moving.  If you have anymore questions please ask.  Hope I have helped you some.

The best advise is..........get rid of it if you dont like it dont want it or its broken or worn out.(this does not include hubby)

 

 

 

I am glad I could help.  One other thing I thought of too, if you have any oversized furniture, such as a huge sectional sofa, get rid of those big pieces and get smaller ones.