Moving houses can stir anxiety even in the best of us. There’s so much to do, from decluttering to packing. And if your new house is smaller than your current one, it may feel like you’re going from walking around with a peanut-sized worry to having an elephant on your back!

What to leave? What to take? Who to ask for help? YIKES!

In states like New Hampshire, where crime rates are low, but the cost of utilities is 20.5% higher than the national average, moving to a smaller space might actually be a very cost-effective solution.

Nevertheless, the transition from a large space to a smaller one is far from easy, but here are some tips you can use to make the process smoother:

Assess Your New Space

Before you start stacking cartons over cartons, take a moment to assess your new space. What are the dimensions of the rooms? Where are the outlets and light switches located? Is there enough natural light, or will you have to take your lamps?

By taking the time to understand the layout and features of your new home, you’ll be better equipped to plan your move. It’ll also help you make informed decisions about what to keep and what to toss away.

Maybe your latest oversized sectional purchase won’t fit in your new living room. Or your grandiose wardrobe has to take a back seat to more economical solutions.

These details will help you decide what goes into a storage unit and what needs to be sold at a yard sale. When you’re searching for units that are secure and affordable, consider All Purpose Storage. They guarantee safe and secure storage of your belongings along with a seamless process of storing and retrieving them.

Lose the Unnecessary

Taking a cue from what we mentioned above about having a yard sale, shedding the excess is essential whether moving to a house or an apartment. Moving items you don’t need will make your new house feel more crowded. Not to mention, the more you take with you, the higher your bill will be!

So, take a long, hard look at your stuff and ask yourself, “Do I really need this?” If the answer is no, let it go. Donate those old books you’ll never read again, sell those unworn clothes, and toss out the expired spices in your pantry.

If something is damaged beyond repair, let it go too!

You might even make a few bucks by selling unwanted items. So, channel your inner Marie Kondo and get ready to say “thank you, next” to all your unnecessary belongings.

Start Packing ASAP

There’s a lot you must have collected over the years, such as souvenirs from vacations and memorabilia that you can’t part with. And now, it’s all got to fit into one space. It’s easy to be dumbfounded by the sheer amount of stuff you’ve accumulated. That’s why it’s important to start packing as soon as possible.

Set up a packing schedule and stick to it. Start by categorizing items into boxes—for instance, kitchenware in one box and books in another. Divide up the workload and assign tasks to family members if necessary.

We also recommend conquering one room at a time. Start with the rooms you use the least and work your way to the ones you use most frequently. That way, you’re not packing up the kitchen utilities when you’re trying to make dinner.

Use Smart Packing Strategies

Packing is like a game of Tetris. You have to try to fit all of your belongings into a tiny space without breaking anything. So, be smart!

Use smaller cardboard containers to make hauling items up and down stairs much easier. Plus, they take up less space and store better in tight spaces. Bubble wrap the fragile valuables and use packing tape to secure the boxes.

You can also get creative with your packing. For instance, use your towels to wrap glassware and store clothes in vacuum-sealed bags to save space.

And, please, label. Write the contents of each box on the outside, so you’re not left playing a guessing game when you’re unpacking.

Work with Professional Movers

We all like to think we’re superheroes who can move all our belongings by ourselves. But let’s be real; we’re not. That’s where professional movers come in. They have the strength to carry that massive couch you inherited from your great aunt and the experience to pack your fragile items in a way that won’t result in a broken vase or two.

And, of course, there’s a convenience factor too. You don’t have to lug heavy boxes up and down stairs or try to maneuver your mattress through a narrow doorway.

Also, think of all the time and energy you’ll save by leaving the heavy lifting to the professionals. So, before you start signing up for moving truck rentals, look into local movers and get a quote.

Invest in Multi-Purpose Furniture

When it comes to small space living, multi-functional furniture is your new best friend. Consider a coffee table that doubles as a storage unit or a bed that folds up into the wall. The possibilities are endless! Not only does multi-functional furniture save space, but it also adds versatility to your home.

So, when you’re shopping for multi-functional furniture, think about your needs.

Maybe you need a sofa bed for hosting overnight guests, or a storage ottoman is ideal for stashing away extra sheets.

You’ll be amazed at how much space and money you can save simply by investing in multi-functional furniture.

Make Unpacking Fun

Moving to a new house shouldn’t be robotic and dreary. So, leave the frowns behind and inject some fun into your move! Invite family and friends over to help unpack and offer them pizza for their hard work. That way, you can get your house in order without feeling overwhelmed.

You can also have a little fun decorating. Hang up some of your favorite artwork, set up a small gallery wall, and display your children’s artwork. It will make the house feel more homely and give it a personal touch.

Conclusion

You need a pat on your back for tackling the difficult task of moving. So, be patient with yourself and allow some mistakes along the way.

You’re sure to make some errors in the process, and that’s totally normal. So, when something goes wrong, or you forget a box at your old place, tell yourself you’re only human! Remember, you’re doing your best, and that’s all you can do. That’s enough! We hope these tips help you have a stress-free moving experience.