Downsizing: Moving From a House to an Apartment
Whether your financial situation changed, you’re a new empty-nester, or you are looking to save for future dreams, downsizing from a house to an apartment is a chance for a fresh start.
Downsizing and letting go can be invigorating.
The most significant differences between a house and an apartment are lifestyle changes and the reduced space. Follow our tips for downsizing from a house to an apartment to help the process run smoothly.
Start As Soon as Possible
Stated by movers in Arlington, when moving from a house to an apartment, the moving process can be longer than a regular move since it’s a big change; downsizing is quite an adventure.
As soon as you know the transition is going to happen, create a game plan and find a moving company to schedule your move. A best practice is to start planning and preparing for major tasks three months in advance and begin packing three weeks before your move-out date.
Creating a timeline and plan will help you mentally set the moving process in motion and alleviate some of the stress that comes with moving.
Should It Stay or Should It Go?
When downsizing from a house to an apartment, there will be a significant reduction in the space of your home.
Marie Kondo-ing your home can be refreshing, so don’t let this part of the moving process overwhelm you. It’s a chance for a fresh start!
Go through each room of your house and make a list of all the things you will keep and what you are going to donate or throw away.
A great rule of thumb to go by when decluttering is: if you haven’t worn or used an item in the last year, it’s time to get rid of it. Items with sentimental value or purpose don’t have to follow this rule, but it should apply to clothing, kitchen appliances, or unneeded furniture that won’t fit in your new apartment.
You have the option to sell, give away, or throw out your unused items. If you want to sell it online, try Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. If you choose to donate well-kept items, you can schedule a pickup through Salvation Army or take things to a Goodwill donation center. Or if all else fails you can have a garage sale!
New Items for Your Apartment
Once you have gotten rid of all of your unwanted items and now have some extra cash in your pocket, you can start looking for furniture and appliances for your new apartment.
If you can’t afford brand new furniture, consider online marketplaces for the best deals.
The chances are that when you’re downsizing, you will have most of the items you need — but with a new home comes a fresh start. Maybe new decor is just what you need to make your apartment feel like home.
Hire a Moving Company
When moving into an apartment, there is a slew of factors to consider.
Depending on where your apartment is located in the complex, you may have many stairs to climb when moving in. You’ll also have to check in at the front desk to sign paperwork, which can delay your moving process.
Hiring a moving company to help will save you the time and headache of moving by yourself. They will move all items into your new apartment and take less time than it would on your own or with friends. A moving company can also keep the move-in process going when you need to sign paperwork or run quick errands.
Be sure to get quotes from a few moving companies before booking.
Move Into Your Apartment Worry-Free
Although stress inevitably comes with moving, it is an exciting time. There is a reason — or multiple ones — you decided to downsize and move into an apartment. Hold those reasons in mind during the moving process to keep your spirits lifted.
There are so many perks to moving into an apartment from a house; no more lawn to worry about, no more property taxes to pay, and less space that needs to be cleaned regularly.
To ensure a smooth move and transition, come up with a game plan as soon as possible, declutter, and hire a moving company to help. If you have the means to, spoil yourself with new furniture, clothes, and appliances for your new apartment. The last step is to enjoy your new home and life.
