Things To Consider When Downsizing To A Smaller Home
Kachi Realty
Things To Consider When Downsizing To A Smaller Home
Things To Consider When Downsizing To A Smaller Home
Whether your kids have moved out or you simply want a lower mortgage payment, downsizing your home has a lot of benefits. You’ll save on utilities, have less to clean, and less to maintain as well. Before you get ready to move to a smaller home, consider these important points that will make the transition smooth.
Is Storage An Issue?
When you have been living in a larger home, you may not realize just how much stuff you really have. Moving to a smaller place can make it clear in a hurry, because it simply won’t all fit.
While you can give away some things or hold a garage sale, there are always things you simply can’t part with. They may be of sentimental value or things you really need for the future. Consider what sort of storage the new place has. If you can’t fit everything, you might need to look into renting an off-site storage unit for the things you don’t need frequently.
Will The Furniture Fit?
Large furniture does well in large spaces, but may make a smaller room appear cramped and tight. Before you move, a change to smaller furniture might be in order.
Take a measuring tape and get measurements of both the furniture you currently have as well as the rooms in your new home. If things won’t fit well, it might be a good idea to consider going for smaller furniture pieces that will make the new home appear more spacious than it is, and make things less cluttered as well.
Small Space Solutions
Smaller homes require different ways of using the space you have. If you don’t have room for a full guest room anymore, combine a guest room and an office by using a futon or fold-out sofa rather than a bed. If you don’t have an extra room at all, pick up a high-end air bed that can be tucked in a closet when not in use and brought out when you have guests.
Organization is key in smaller homes as well. There are a wide variety of storage options that will allow you to fit more into that smaller home and still stay organized. Look for closet and cupboard shelves and organizers to maximize your storage space.
A smaller home can save you money and cleaning time, but does require some adjustments. Prepare for downsizing ahead of time and the move will be smooth and simple.
Useful Information from Kachi Realty LLC
Cut your energy costs with easy home tips. Learn how smart lighting, efficient appliances, and simple thermostat tricks can help you save energy and money year-round.
WAYS TO GO GREEN IN THE KITCHEN Start a garden. Whether you opt for a full-out vegetable garden or a small window of fresh herbs, the taste of freshness will be unmistakable! Shop locally! Visit local farmers markets or choose locally produced produce whenever possible. Bring your own bags when you visit the grocery store. Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs. Save time and energy by cooking a double portion and setting half aside in the freezer for a quick meal at a later date. Get energized and leave the appliances alone. Whenever possible, mix and beat ingredients by hand, cook multiple items at the same time, and avoid washing dishes unnecessarily. Use energy-efficient appliances such as the slow cooker or toaster oven, which can use up to 30% less energy. Be aware of energy wasters such as excessive pre-heating or simmering. Ditch the wraps (such as saran wrap or foil) and make the switch to reusable containers for lunches and leftovers. Put a lid on it! Did you know that cooking with lids could save up to three times the energy? Keep all that steam inside the pot for a more energy-efficient (and faster!) meal. Go fresh—say goodbye to excessively packaged foods, which are often produced using processes that are harmful to the environment. Cooking meals from scratch using fresh ingredients is not only healthier, it’s often less expensive and better for the environment. Decide what you are looking for before you open the fridge, and never keep the door open longer than absolutely necessary.
Water Features For Your Yard A water feature can make a major change in your yard, and there are plenty of different ways to go about adding one. From a simple and small fountain to a koi pond or waterfall, you can use water to create a peaceful sense of a real escape from life in your yard. Small Water Features For small yards or for those looking to add something simple, a basic fountain is easy to add. They come in a variety of types, shapes, and sizes and can fit into any landscaping. Your fountain can be a centerpiece for the yard or can be placed near the patio. You can even get a small tabletop fountain for the patio table. Most fountains are easy enough to install by yourself. They use a pump system that circulates the water and keeps the fountain running. Follow all of the instructions for set-up, use, and care that come with the fountain and you can enjoy the sound of trickling water for many years to come. Adding A Pond A pond is a really eye-catching and special addition to any yard. You will need some space for it, but even smaller yards can manage one. Koi ponds are a very popular choice, as the fish are lovely and create an ambience in the yard. They fit in well with any sort of Japanese or other Asian landscape design, but really extend into other styles as well. Make sure your pond has a system for keeping the water circulating and clean; standing water can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, and it can get quite dirty over time. It’s best to have a professional install the water system for your pond. Waterfalls You may not be able to have Niagara Falls in your yard to enjoy, but you can get a waterfall added as a feature of your yard. These can be falls that descend over a rock wall, a small stream that runs over consecutive drops in a sloped yard, or something in a corner where water falls down into a small pond. A waterfall adds the sound of moving water to the air all the time. Be sure you have proper drainage for the water system. Water features are a beautiful addition to any yard, and your imagination is really the only limit. Many professionals can help you to design the water feature that is right for your yard and your needs.