First Abode or Downsizing: Tips for Decorating a Smaller Space

You have landed your first job and are venturing out to move into your very own abode. The kids are gone and the house is too big so it is time to downsize to a more manageable, but tinier, abode. The one main problem, how do you fit everything that you have accumulated and want into this smaller home?

This is where you will be living, working, and entertaining. Make sure that it is comfortable and inviting. Plan on keeping your abode organized and tidy, this will help you to feel calmer and less stressed. You will be able to relax more when you know where everything is. If someone stops by you will not be stressed out about suddenly having to clean up for company.

Start with a plan.

You might want to sketch out a rough plan of how you may fit your furnishings. To learn how to prepare floor plans, read my examiner article,“Preparing Floor Plans for Your Abode”. Buy what you need most at first; a bed, dresser, sofa, table or desk, and move on as you gather your funds and needs. For dishes, glasses, and silverware, you might save money by asking family and friends. Many have extra sets stored away that they are looking to get rid of, and will loan or give them to you. You can find good deals on these items, as well as cooking essentials, at IKEA. Great pieces of furniture can be found at secondhand stores and yard sales. These can be fun for you to refinish yourself. For painting inspiration read my article,“Renew Your Abode with Fun Painting Ideas”. Be careful not to purchase upholstered items or rugs at these places unless you know the seller. You do not want to bring bugs into your new home. Check out stores such as IKEA, Home Goods for nice deals.

Introduce color.

If allowed you can paint. Create an accent wall with fabric. My past articles, “Wall Covering on a Budget for Your Abode”, and “Enjoyable Alternatives for Your Abode’s Walls”, will give you some informative ideas.

Remember, you will be working with smaller spaces than you are probably accustomed to. This is the time to be creative. Loft beds are for adults too. They create a second story for your bedding, opening up an area for storage, or desk and seating underneath. Murphy beds are great. There is an exciting new twist on the Murphy Bed from Zoom Room. Using a remote it pulls down and out from the wall. These can be expensive but there are Murphy beds that you can make by yourself if you are handy. Futons create a sofa and a comfortable bed, without that uncomfortable bar found across traditional sofa beds. These can be reasonably purchased. IKEA has some good values.  A flip down table attached to a wall with folding chairs create a nice dining area and desk top that can easily be folded up when not in use. Keep appliances small; microwave or coffee maker (single serve).

Every inch of a small living space can be used for some necessary purpose. Hang a broom and mop from wall-hooks snuck next to the refrigerator. Shelving can be installed around the top of the walls, above windows and doors for towels, or out-of-season clothes, and extra bedding.

Make a plan.

Accessorizing can be fun. Use scarves as table linen or to wrap a pillow in. If you do not have ceiling fixtures, you can hang a pendant light from a hook and drape a long cord to the ceiling/ wall edge and bring it down the wall to the outlet. A colorful area rug can dress up a dull floor.

Decorating is the fun part but do not forget to remember all important needs you should plan for when moving:

• Get a file cabinet or box for all important documents: insurance, lease, banking, etc. This should be in a safe and convenient location. You might want to invest in a small fireproof safe for important documents; birth certificates, passports, and jewelry. These are items you should keep with you and only move yourself. Place in file cabinet all manuals, receipts and warranty information for items you have purchased or you have rented your apartment (appliances, computer, TV, vacuum, etc.). These are much handier to have instead of searching on the computer for a manual when you are having an issue.

• Make sure that you have the proper smoke/ fire/ carbon monoxide detectors and that they are in working order. Place new batteries in them upon moving in and make sure you change the batteries yearly. It is a good idea to have a small fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Make sure all doors and windows are working and lock properly.

• Make a list of your local numbers (police, fire, doctor, neighbors, and relatives) in case of emergency. Tape it to the inside of a cabinet door where you will always find it.

• Have your mail forwarded to your new address. Make sure that you update your new address with all of the necessary businesses you deal with such as: motor vehicles, any banking, insurance, and utilities. You will want to let the friends and family that you want to find you have your new address and phone number too.

• You should have an emergency kit with a flashlight and first aid items. Make sure you have a toolbox stocked with the essentials; a hammer, different size and head screwdrivers, eight inch adjustable wrench, a break-away utility knife, good scissors, a ratchet set with sockets, a level, tape measure, assortment of screws, nails, picture hooks, and wall anchors, and always have electrical, masking and duct tape. You will also want a basic sewing box.

• Before you move in make any appointments you may need to set up utilities in your name, such as electric, gas, cable, water, and phone. Make sure that the heat, air conditioning, and utilities are properly working.

• Do not forget your groceries. You will need the essentials; toilet paper, tissues, cleaners, soap, shampoo, etc. Make sure you always have water. It is a good idea to keep some canned and boxed goods such as soup, tuna, pasta and mac and cheese that will keep for a long time. Do not forget the staples like peanut butter and jelly. Steamer vegetables are good to have in the freezer. You can pop them into the microwave for a quick, fresh, snack. Eggs are always good to have for a quick meal. Keep a loaf of bread in the freezer. It won’t go bad and you will have bread available for toast and sandwiches. Always have popcorn handy for a movie and snack night. Before heading out to the store you should do some preparation. You can check out circulars online to find the stores with the best deals. Cut out coupons from the Sunday Paper. Then make a shopping list. The most fun with shopping that you will have is at the end when you see how much money you have saved by doing your homework.

• It is a good idea to have two sets of sheets and towels for you to alternate on laundry day. You will also want extra items if you will be having any guests stay overnight.

Finally, you are moved in and are feeling cozy and comfortable in your new abode. Now it is time to show off and celebrate with a fun house warming party. You might want to ask your new neighbors to come for a nice chance to get to know each other. Supply the beverages and invite everyone to bring a dish. Have a great time, turn on the music, and never be afraid to dance!

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