Last Updated on July 14, 2023 by Kravelv
The two most common reasons for downsizing are finances and convenience. Perhaps you find it too expensive and unnecessary to live in a big house or a three-bedroom apartment on your own. Moving closer to work, family members, and other amenities may prove to be cost-effective and time-saving. Regardless of your reasons behind it, make small apartment moving a less-stressful adventure by doing it right.
Smart apartment moving: planning and preparation
Declutter and select
Improve your state of mind by decluttering your life. Get rid of those pieces of furniture and your belongings which you personally find redundant. Now, consider the size of your new apartment. Compare it to the scale of furniture you currently have, as well as the purpose they serve. For example, you know you will need a sofa, a coffee table and a TV for your new living room.
If your sofa fits the space without taking up half of the room and is in a good condition, keep it. On the other hand, if it does not fit one of the criteria above, get rid of it and replace it with something more suitable. You can also pack those little things that will not disrupt the balance of the new space. Everything you decide to leave behind, you can either sell or give away. If you have things of emotional value which did not make the cut, you will feel at ease if they somehow get in ‘good hands’ of one of your family members or friends.
Create an inventory list
To avoid losing track of anything during the move, make an exhaustive inventory record of your possessions. Sort your belongings by room and mark the corresponding boxes. When you go to your new place, unpacking will go much more quickly.
Do not duplicate
This is important for those who are moving in with someone else, as well as for those who have spent years in the same place. You have probably collected several sets of dishes by now and you only need a set for 6 people. Also, try to come to an agreement with your new flat-mate on who brings what so you do not end up with two dining tables or two puffy armchairs.
Pack efficiently
It’s crucial to make the most of available space while packing for a move from a tiny apartment. For more streamlined packing, consider the following:
- Pack heavy products in smaller boxes and lighter ones in bigger ones.
- Protect breakables by packaging them in bubble wrap or paper, and mark the boxes as “fragile.”
- Packing peanuts or old garments can be used to stuff empty gaps in boxes.
- If you need to free up some room, disassemble your furniture.
Label your boxes
Clearly labeling your boxes can make unloading much easier. Please clearly label all boxes with their contents and the appropriate room. It will save you and the movers time and effort during unpacking if you label the boxes with the rooms they belong in.
Get expert advice
Think about hiring movers who focus on relocation of this size. They know what they’re doing when it comes to packing and moving, so you don’t have to. As an added bonus, expert movers can easily handle tight spaces like stairwells and hallways, making the transfer from your old place to your new one much less stressful.
Smart apartment moving: setting in
Choose the right colors
Before you move any of your furniture, paint the entire apartment a light and bright color and maximize the amount of natural light. If you use mirrors it will help you create an illusion of space and they will also reflect the necessary light to make the place seem bigger.
Think vertical
Once you are in the new apartment, try to think of ways to keep away from the center of a room. Use your walls and corners to make greater use of space. The furniture you are left with and the one you decide to buy should be narrow. Get a flat-screen TV and mount it on a wall instead of using a TV unit as a stand. Use your TV as a computer screen to help you get rid of your computer desk.
Use folding and hiding furniture to free-up space once you are not using it for a certain purpose. These are particularly handy if you have to fit a dining table with chairs in a kitchen. Build a bar to use as a dining table, as well as a barrier between your kitchen and the living room. If you have children, use bunk beds in their room.
Use storage wisely
Smart storage space is both trendy and practical. If your new apartment has any strange corners, make build-in closets. Hang shelves on your walls. You can also use them wherever you would normally fit a cupboard, e.g. kitchen or bathroom. Place decorative baskets and boxes on the shelves for all of those items you do not want visitors to see. A drawer beneath your bed or a lift-up ottoman are some of the ideas how furniture can be turned into storage.
If making the right cut was too difficult for you and you ended up replacing certain pieces of furniture, use temporary storage to accommodate your belongings. Explore what are the storages in the area nearby, for example, if you live in Queensland find what are the best storage options in Brisbane. Ensure to make a mental note that this is not a permanent solution and that it needs to be dealt with.
Small apartment moving FAQs
Can I move a small apartment by myself, or should I hire professional movers?
While it is feasible to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment on your own, you may want to consider hiring professional movers to save you time, energy, and the possibility of damage to your things. Before choosing a choice, think about how much money you have and how complicated your relocation is.
How far in advance should I start planning for a small apartment move?
You should begin organizing your transfer to a tiny apartment four to six weeks in advance. You’ll have plenty of time to sort through your belongings, pack, and plan ahead.
What should I do with items I no longer need or want?
There are a few routes you may go with unwanted possessions. You may give them to a good cause, sell them at a garage sale or on eBay, or even just give them away to friends and family. Pick the course of action that best fits your needs and aspirations.
How can I ensure the safety of fragile items during the move?
Wrap delicate things with bubble wrap or packing paper and mark the boxes as “fragile” to prevent any damage in transit. When moving fragile or expensive objects like artwork or electronics, you may want to take them in your own car.
What are some tips for unpacking and organizing a small apartment?
Start with one room at a time when unpacking and setting up your little flat. Start with the basics like the bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen. Take use of available storage options to minimize clutter and enhance efficiency. Spend some time planning out a comfortable and practical living area.
How can I make my small apartment feel more spacious?
Use light and neutral colors on the walls and furnishings to make your tiny apartment feel larger. Keep window coverings at a minimum to let maximum light in. Pick for pieces that can do double duty, like a couch bed or a storage ottoman. Last but not least, avoid letting the area become congested by not using storage options.
Final Words
Moving to a smaller apartment may be liberating since it forces you to simplify your life and maximize the resources at your disposal. You can make sure your relocation goes off without a hitch if you follow the advice in this article. Plan ahead, get rid of unnecessary items, pack lightly, and make the most of your storage options. You’ll be able to settle into your new little apartment with ease if you take the time to plan and organize everything ahead of time.