Why Space Planning is Important when Downsizing

"I would like to bring my 10' x 5' dining room table to my new apartment home if it will fit."

I have heard this at least a few times since becoming a Senior Move Manager® early this year. Meet my husband and Business Operations Manager, Danny Ramer. In the picture above, you see him measuring 10 feet out from the dining room wall to show where the dining room table described above would be if it were flush with the wall. As you can see, it would come out to the middle of the hallway - not ideal in a smaller living space. 

Imagine not having measured the new space, paying to have the table moved, only getting it there to find out it is not going to work out. Now what?! ​

Here are some other things to keep in mind when downsizing and planning your space:

1. Have a floor plan, or better yet, a blueprint. The floor plan will give you room dimensions, but what you really need are the dimensions for each wall. It's good to notate, if it isn't already, where electrical, cable, and telephone outlets are.
2. Measure the furniture you intend on bringing with you to your new home. Place your furniture on your floor plan, making sure to consider the available space on each wall. Think about where light switches and thermostats are. Large wall unit entertainment centers might cover access to these. 
3. Bookcases and curio cabinets are fantastic for making use of vertical space, so don't hesitate to use them for display and storage.
4. There is nothing worse than a large couch overcrowding a small living space! As you should consider a smaller dining table, you should consider choosing a love seat and one or two side chairs. 
5. Compare kitchen cabinet and drawer space from where you are to where you're going. You may have 10 cabinets now, but if you are only going to have 5, you will need to pare down on kitchen dishware, appliances, pots & pans, and pantry items. 
6. Should you bring the hutch? Only if you intend to keep and display lots of china. It will take up a lot of space, however.
7. Closet size is really important when considering your clothing. I always recommend my clients try on every piece of clothing they own (it doesn't have to be all at once). If it fits and they like it, keep it. If it doesn't fit or they don't like it, give it away or sell it in a yard sale. Doing so before the move will ensure this won't be a large task after.
8. ​Wall mounting the TV is a great option for saving valuable floor space. 
9. Utilize current furniture that has drawers and shelves for storage, like end tables, night stands, hutch tops, cedar chests, etc.
10. Think outside the box when planning your space. I've set up whole offices on enclosed patios and inside walk-in closets. You can have a guest bedroom and an office together by having a sleeper sofa. You can utilize the one half of a sliding glass door as a wall to maximize your floor space. The options are really endless and completely customizable! 
    

Take some time to consider what your true goals are for your new space. Do you feel cluttered already in your larger home and you are tired of feeling that way? Start anew and keep the pieces that mean the most to you. If you are overwhelmed and need some guidance, reach out for help. It's important to remember that you will feel your best in a comfortable, safe, and uncluttered home. 

Nicole Ramer
Professional Organizer & Senior Move Manager

Proud member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), the National Association of Senior Move Managers® (NASMM), and Better Living for Seniors Polk (BLFS).