Downsizing tips: The keys to success
Dozens of Tips for successful downsizing
Summary:
New York City holds a special place for many looking to downsize — access to the arts, entertainment and dining being the most obvious. While certainly everyone’s downsizing goals are unique, there are some consistencies when it comes to navigating the process.
For example, I have had countless appointments where a downsizing buyer is measuring out the area for a dining room table to see if “the table” will fit. One imaginative buyer created a map of her table by using sheets of paper and then cleverly folded them up into her backpack so she could reproduce the table on the floor of the apartment to help her visualize the space her table would inhabit.
I imagine all of these buyers are remembering the countless memories created around the table and tying their ability to recreate more joyous times to this particular piece of furniture.
Lesson number one of downsizing: our hearts and minds, not our furniture, creates connection.
There is quite a bit that goes into successfully downsizing. Allow me to share the lessons I have learned, not only from helping buyers for more than two decades, but also my own journey of moving from a 2,000 square foot duplex to a 1,000 square foot two bedroom.
Like myself, many buyers underestimate the learning curve associated with understanding how to fit your big life and dreams into a smaller space without too much compromise.
Here are the steps to creating a new life with a smaller footprint while still living large in the city.
Is your furniture apartment sized?
Even ten years ago there were not as many options in the small-scale category as there are today. Now a sectional sofa with a chaise can be found to fit a smaller footprint. Sofas, end tables, chairs and lamps can all be downsized.
The one place you don’t want to downsize is the size of your bed. If you are used to sleeping in a King size bed do not try a smaller bed. Instead trade out your large nightstands for a smaller option or a floating shelf.
Overall, you want to be realistic about what you truly need. Furnishing a house requires a great deal of furniture and lighting whereas a small apartment needs only a few select well-chosen pieces which have multiple functions.
Form over function
It is a classic saying but so true. Before you move to a smaller space, be realistic about what you actually use on a daily basis and then be certain it is your favorite. You will quickly realize you have your favorite place to sit, clothes, dishware etc. It is time to release all those items tucked away which you think you might need just in case or do not really serve a purpose.
Your collection of baskets or bowls, which are simply decorative, but are not necessarily used for anything might need a new home. Are you an art collector? Choose your favorites and store the rest. You can always rotate your collection as you see fit.
As Marie Kondo is famous for saying, “does this spark joy”. Keeping her motto in mind, begin dividing your belongings into three piles: keep, not sure and give away. This is especially difficult if you are sentimental. In that case it is okay to have a large not sure pile.
You may need a storage space
Once you have gone through the time-consuming task of sorting and you discover it is too hard to let go of your “not sure” pile, I highly recommend getting a storage space for a year. However, this requires some discipline. If you have gone through all four seasons and found you never wanted anything in the space, make an appointment on your calendar to release those items so you don’t incur unnecessary storage bills.
Embrace all things digital
Almost everything can and should be digital these days. A good scanner can convert all of the documents you must have stored and put them in a safe cloud base storage. If you are new to the process, take your time and be certain that you have powerful protection.
For all of the book lovers, giving up their favorite hardbound treasures can be anathema. I love my Kindle but not everyone is on board with digital reading. You may discover that you don’t necessarily need all of your books with you. Do you have an old record, tape or CD collection you haven’t used in over a decade? These items will also need a new home.
Professional organizers can save the day
Cutting your space in half is a challenge but many who are downsizing and moving to New York City are reducing by far more. If you need professional help, I highly recommend Sonya Weisshappel principle of Seriatim. You might want to begin with her delightful new book, “Confessions of a Chaos Whisperer.”
Choose a building aligned with your priorities
Is there one particular neighborhood where you always find yourself? You may want to live nearby. If you enjoy exploring the city you could find savings by living in a neighborhood outside of the most central neighborhoods which tend to be more popular — and more expensive. When giving up square footage you might find living in a building with a full suite of amenities effectively expands your space.
Many newer condo buildings offer work space, gyms, outdoor spaces, music practice rooms and more. For example, Claremont Hall, in the heart of Columbia University, gives you easy access to all the city has to offer along with a gym, pool, work space, entertaining space, outdoor space, parking and more. Depending on the building you choose it can be like living in a hotel, allowing you to freely explore and enjoy your free time.
If you know you’ll never use any of the amenities, skip on such buildings as they will increase your monthly charges.
Downsizing can be liberating. Apart from potentially paying less for your housing, you also have the freedom of taking care of less, giving you time and services in exchange.
Are you ready for your next chapter? Reach out today and I will happily guide you through the process.