If you have never experienced moving from a house to an apartment, you can hardly guess what it is like to start living according to your preferences and discover that life can be far simpler, safer, and, most importantly, more enjoyable, even in a smaller place. Downsizing is usually associated with financial difficulties in people’s lives, but what if we told you that the majority opted for apartment living in recent years simply because it made them happier?
Is living in an apartment better than a house? Will I regret this decision? These must only be a few of the many questions popping up in your head. However, when you spend most of your life living on a big property, it’s hard to know how a smaller space affects the quality of life. Yet again, understanding this is a deciding factor when it comes to making such a transition.
Did you know that the average person spends almost 13,000 hours cleaning their household, which equals a year and a half of the entire lifetime? Living in a single-family home can only increase that number even more. We all know how valuable the time we’re given is, and so is choosing to spend it on things that actually matter. So here are a few things you might want to remember:
Easy maintenance of a smaller place clearly provides you not only with an easier everyday life but with much of your free time, too. If there’s anything you have been missing out on and waiting for the right moment to do it, now’s your chance.
One of the most significant advantages of downsizing from a house to an apartment is the opportunity to save a serious amount of money. Just think about it – if you are renting a flat, most of the essential repairs are paid for by the landlord. Even if you decide to buy a place, it will still be smaller than the property you used to live in, and the amount you’ll spend on repairs will be significantly lower. The same goes for any improvements you have in mind and furnishing. Your new apartment checklist will not be as expansive or expensive. So when you consider that shaking up your routine means getting rid of the huge hefty property taxes and bills, it isn’t hard to conclude that making such a change is worth the effort.
Making friends in a new city is a piece of cake when given the opportunity to meet new people in front of your door. What’s more, when living in a residential complex, your neighbors might help you settle in more easily and adjust more quickly to the new surroundings. You don’t have to waste your time worrying about getting around; they can give you directions to find all you need – from grocery stores and parks to important facilities in the area. Also, don’t be surprised if they invite you to participate in the activities and meetings they usually have. It’s an excellent way to integrate and learn more about the community.
You have to work pretty hard to secure your single-family home as much as a building usually is. They are equipped with several layers of security, starting from the entrance surveillance system to security and fire alarms. You should also take your neighbors into account, because having people nearby is a huge benefit, especially in case of an emergency. When relocating to another state alone, this is a convenience that allows you to have peace of mind.
How do I move my house into an apartment is a question that – first and foremost – requires a perfect organizational structure. You will do nothing (at least, nothing good) without creating a detailed to-do list. Also, countless relocation hacks can help you downsize your belongings, and we’re here to tell you more about the most efficient ones.
Before you get down to business, be sure to know where you’re going. That being said, knowing the size and the layout of your new home will help you make some crucial decisions, so take all the measures before moving your possessions there. Ask if there are any separate storage areas included since it’s not uncommon for a building to have one.
What to keep when relocating might be one of the most challenging decisions you’ll have to make. Not every item you come across is equally important, no matter how hard it is for you to admit it. Besides thousands of small apartment ideas that you can find online these days, there are smart and quick ways to reduce your household inventory and have a smooth relocation process. However, here it is vital to learn to let go of things you are emotionally attached to that have no purpose. Believe it or not, there are more such things than you are aware of. Needless to say, if you’re wondering how to save on relocation costs, this is the way.
Creating a thorough inventory list should be a priority part of your to-do checklist. Without it, you will never be able to keep track of things you’re relocating, particularly now, when it’s essential to know what’s not coming with you. Separate all the items into categories, give yourself time to go through them carefully, and list the ones you consider irreplaceable and necessary for the future home. Also, pay attention to their condition, and if you’re not in a hurry, you can even take a photo of each item.
Anxiety about moving out usually hits when you’re faced with the piles of belongings and clutter altogether, and you’re not sure what to start with. All you know is that you want to move efficiently, but how to do it is a million-dollar question. Marie Kondo’s method of decluttering is a good starting point.
Luckily, there are many creative storage ideas out there you can use to tackle all of your belongings. In case these are not enough, there are always reliable storage services to consider. Of course, selling your unwanted belongings is always an option. It’s a smart way to downsize and save up some money, too. Look around you. There are people in need who would be more than happy to have some of the stuff you don’t need anymore. If you’re feeling charitable, you can also donate it.
To learn more about how to declutter your home, check out the video below.
Turning the page is a complex process because it involves packing your household items, even the most delicate ones. But arming yourself with packing tips well in advance will simplify it a lot. If you want to learn how to pack fragile items, whether we’re talking about packing glasses or maybe even packing your plates, don’t make one of the common relocation mistakes by skipping this step.
Also, getting boxes and packing supplies before you engage in the packing process is one of the things people forget to do when relocating. Remember that purchasing entirely new materials isn’t necessary when there are local bookstores, liquor stores, and grocery stores that will be happy to give some of their piled-up boxes away. Just check them thoroughly for damage, strengthen the cardboard where needed, and you’re good to go.
Getting your place ready for showings is one of the main steps when putting it on the market. By cleaning, decluttering, and neutralizing the place, you will prepare your place for sale properly and increase its value by up to 5%. This is the best time to get serious about house-hunting, as well. Before you embark on the selling and buying adventure, we recommend looking for a professional real estate agent because it will make a world of difference both financially and emotionally. You certainly don’t want to sell your home cheap or to lose the place of your dreams. On top of that, a good real estate agent will know what it’s like to deal with both, so go and find one.
Planning a move to another city is time-consuming, especially when it comes to how to downsize from a house to an apartment. Although this is the point where any kind of help is welcome, investing in a professional long-distance moving company and the moving services they provide is the best way to speed up the relocation process. Still, if you opt for hiring long-distance movers, beware of relocation scams and do detailed research on them before signing the dotted line. When you are sure you have honest people by your side, you won’t regret paying and even tipping them for the top-tier packing services they delivered.
Downsizing your living space will make you go the extra mile, but that mile of changing your lifestyle will teach you how to find purpose in things and love every inch of your new home. If you, for example, have pets, and you used to let them run around the property, now is the time to show them how exciting it can be to sniff around the neighborhood streets and parks and meet other furry friends during long walks. Also, this will be a good way for you to socialize and make some new connections. So it appears that downsizing can easily be a good choice for many people. Give it a try, you may like it.
