Creative Space Planning Makes a Home Comfortable, Safe, and Uncluttered.

When downsizing, carefully planning the space for maximum comfort, safety, and convenience is extremely important. Overlooking this step will result in moving too much stuff and then trying to live in an overly crowded environment--the exact opposite of what the goal of downsizing was originally meant to achieve.

We are not advocates of the “Let’s just take it and see if it fits” approach to space planning. In fact, there have been times when we have had to light heartedly, yet in a professional manner, remind our customers that walls will not expand to make rooms larger and storage space will not magically appear. The new home is what it is and being objective and flexible about it will bring to light the many possibilities and options for the space.

Our space planning service helps our customers in a couple of ways. Not only are we able to provide guidance regarding what to take, we can also help avoid taking the wrong things such as too many storage items or certain pieces of furniture. Our computer generated floor plans show our customers exactly how their furniture will best fit (to scale) in their new home. We enjoy working closely with our customers in order to achieve the most comfortable home environment possible.

Here are a few ideas to keep in mind when either considering a downsizing move or looking for ways to utilize space more efficiently in your present home.

• Always request a floor plan of your new home. The floor plan will act as a template and will determine what will fit comfortably (both furniture and storage items/closets).

• Take accurate measurements for furniture placement to avoid being surprised with a piece that won’t fit. Check and double-check the available storage areas.

• Rethink furniture pieces that just won’t fit or work in your new home. Don’t be averse to purchasing the right piece(s) of furniture in order to make your home more comfortable.

• Use vertical pieces of furniture whenever possible such as bookcases or curio cabinets for display or storage.

• Choose end tables, coffee tables, and bedside tables that offer maximum storage capabilities.

• Consider using a loveseat instead of a full-sized sofa or a dinnette set for the kitchen in place of a large dining room table and chairs.

• Unless you’re taking lots of china and stemware, rethink taking the china cabinet and hutch. These pieces are usually large and take up a lot of valuable floor real estate.

• Switching from a king to a full or queen-sized bed can open up the bedroom.

• Depending on the height of the bed frame, under bed storage units may be ideal for items not frequently used.

• Install closet packages that meet your specific storage needs for clothes, linens, and other storage items.

• Hang a flat screen television on the wall.

• Avoid over-sized rocking chairs as they require a large amount of clearance to use.

• Use a trunk or cedar chest at the foot of the bed or under a window to hold out-of-season items such as quilts and clothing. Depending on the height and sturdiness for safety, the chest can also double as additional seating.

• Home-office furniture that offers vertical storage (hutch above desk) is great for smaller rooms.

• If the kitchen is large and you won’t be using some of the cabinets and drawers for kitchen-related items use them for storing other things.

• Use a vertical storage unit over the toilet to hold miscellaneous bathroom items and extra towels.

• Measure walls for the art, pictures, and decorative items you'll be hanging.

Take time to think about how you want to live in your new home. Be creative and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need someone to guide you or share ideas with. Most importantly, remember that living in a smaller space is all about comfort and not about being surrounded or pinned in by clutter. Simplify!

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