When moving to a smaller apartment you will need to edit the amount of stuff you live with, but this does not mean you have to throw the rest of your possessions away. Follow these five steps and live smaller while keeping the good things.
Organize Everything
Once you know how much apartment you can afford and you’re ready to make your move, editing and organizing the stuff in your apartment will help you discover which items are used every day and those that are not as you sort through your apartment to create stacks of stuff. Organize clothing and other items that you use daily.
Sort seasonal things and pieces that would be worth the effort to sell. Create a donation pile for articles you want to keep but may not have room for in the new apartment.
Bonus Tip: Keep in mind that when you’re moving during the Coronavirus crisis, you might need to become comfortable with moving into a new place without seeing it in person first. Make sure you’re aware of the virtual real estate tour options, so you understand the size and space in your new place.
Why Do I Need Off Premise Storage?
Unless you are planning to fully embrace a minimalist existence, moving to a smaller place most likely will leave you with possessions you need but have no room for. Trying to fit everything into a small closet leaves you open for the classic comical disaster labeled “DON’T OPEN THAT DOOR!”
Overfilling closets is simply annoying because you’ll need to shuffle everything around each time you need to get a piece out of the space. Instead, make your life easier and rent a storage unit.
Where Are the Tubs Going?
Not having extra space in your new apartment for seasonal sports gear, clothing and decorations is a problem with an easy solution. Storage units are available in a size to fit any need. The realtors at Northern Virginia Home Pro stress the importance of locating a storage facility close to your new apartment.
Most storage spots have a manager who can assist you in choosing the correct size unit. Before you rent, measure the approximate length and width of your stacked bins. Add the size of any extra items like skis, bikes or furniture that you want to store and bring the list with you so the storage facility manager can help you determine the size space you need.
Other Things to Store
In addition to seasonal clothing and sporting equipment, you can safely store table décor, large serving pieces used for parties, extra textiles and art work if the unit is temperature controlled, the items are properly packed, and you have enough insurance to cover a loss if an emergency should occur. Make sure you pack everything safely and correctly when moving by using appropriate sized boxes, putting heavier items at the bottom, lighter items at the top, and packing boxes so there’s not too much empty space. Keeping items from the same rooms in the same boxes is also useful for when you get to unpacking!
The Storage Unit
The items to be stored should be organized by season and packed in clear tubs with lids. Mark the outside of the tubs with a number and create a list of the items inside. This list will be your key to finding things quickly and efficiently. An example of the list could look like this:
BOX NUMBER 1:
- Three pair of candlesticks (1 wooden, 1 brass, 1 glass)
- One dozen napkin rings
- Seven small glass vases
- One white tablecloth (Lg. rectangle)
- One turquoise tablecloth (Lg. oval)
The more specific your list, the easier it will be to find what you are looking for when the time comes. This list will also be handy as a reminder of what you own. As you begin to fill the storage unit be mindful of what gets stacked on top of what and where the tubs are placed front to back. Items used more frequently should be placed in the most accessible spots.
Moving to a smaller apartment can save money but does not mean the end of owning things that bring you joy. If you consider your storage unit as a giant, well-organized closet, you may find it is the ultimate gamechanger. Call us today on 714 331 6556 for a professional consultation and free moving quotes!
