When situations changed and we had to relocate, I was faced with downsizing. We had to leave a 3-story house in the country for an apartment in the city. Then a couple of years later we had to downsize again to a one story house. After 10 years we are faced with another move, this time to another province and to a small bungalow. Again I was faced with having to downsize and simplify. Here are 9 things I learned in those 3 moves:

1. bleed

When you’re looking to move, you have to purge. We all accumulate things that need to be reconsidered when looking at the cost of moving. A big key to purging is to do it as soon as you know you’re moving, don’t wait until close to move-in day. Otherwise, the task is daunting.

I found it helpful when you purge to keep thinking about your new space and your new life. Think about having more time and less work when debugging, it makes the job so much easier. For example, I am passionate about sewing. When we were faced with the move, I had a large stockpile of fabric that I accumulated over the years. I only saved extra special and unusual fabric and gave away about 70% of my reserve. I even gave away unfinished projects. Just be realistic about what you can complete in 3 months or even a year. Once he’s gone, you forget about him and feel pretty free.

2. Purge again

No, this is not a typo. When you enter your new home, you begin to unpack all the boxes that require essential items. Once you’re basically set up, the rest of the boxes are stored in the basement or garage until you get to them, in a month, a year, or even longer. The fact is, that’s a hint that you need to purge them. I wonder if you can get rid of them without going through them. Hmmmm. If you can you are amazing. I couldn’t. I only allowed myself to bring things I knew I would need and reminded myself that I lived without it and didn’t even miss it. Don’t let the unnecessary creep back into your great new space.

3. Reduced furniture

We all accumulate a lot of stuff over time, and when we live in a bigger house, we fill up the space. Now, when you’re faced with moves and downsizing, you also need to downsize your furniture. Many sell their homes furnished and then buy new ones to accommodate their new location.

Or reduce what you already have. To do this, you need to measure your new space, and then measure your existing furniture. I draw the space and furniture to scale on graph paper.

I used to have 3 shelves full of books and a U-shaped desk. I paired it with a desk and 2 bookshelves, purged books, and this even made room for an exercise station in my family room.

4. Add shelves to dead space

Our bungalow was built in the early 50’s and I don’t know how they existed with so few and so little closets. Honestly some of the shelves are 6 inches deep. We solved the storage problem by adding extra shelves in the closets, pantry and closets, and some decorative shelves.

5. Look for “up” for storage

It’s amazing how extra storage can be made with a little ingenuity. Our kitchen was the size of a matchbox and very little counter space. We cut a hole in the wall of our breakfast nook that led into our garage and built a cabinet to display our dishes. Years later, when we were finally able to renovate our kitchen, this unit was recycled into my cousin’s. She did the same, she cut a hole into a closet and she loves her new closet.

We have a very small garage and we had nowhere to store all our camping and diving equipment. So we cut a hole over the garage, made a door and stairs to access this attic space and now we have a wonderful place for this, as well as seasonal clothing and my mason jars. The ladder swings up and down on a pulley and is secured with a safety chain.

When we finally renovated our kitchen, I took advantage of the space above the cabinets for additional storage. Usually this space is covered with drywall or left open and the whole thing gets dusty. I designed glass doors and lighting, and this replaces my need for a china cabinet, which I didn’t have room for in my small dining room.

6. Look “down” for storage

I’m not a fan of the stuff under my bed, it feels messy. But when you’re faced with a smaller home and living up north, where having 4 full sets of seasonal clothing and bedding is required, you just have to do what you have to. So I bought under bed bins that have lids and I highly recommend them. Now I keep my seasonal shoes, yarn, and wrapping paper under the bed. They make great bins with wheels and lids that are hinged to keep dust out and make everything accessible.

When shopping for furniture, look for ones with hidden storage, such as coffee tables, ottomans, beds, or even chairs, as shown here.

7. Introductory organizers

Keep an eye out for organizers that will fit your space. You can place them in small corners or under your clothes in the closet. It’s amazing how long they last.

8. Rotate

We used to have a picture framing business, so I had so many beautiful prints framed, more than I had wall space. After purging and sticking with only the best, I put half of it back in my storage closet, and after a year or two, swapped out the pictures. I also do this with my vases and accessories. You don’t have to show everything at once. By rotating your stuff, you don’t feel as much of an urge to shop, everything feels new and fresh.

9. Being content with less

I no longer have walk-in closets or Jacuzzis, downsizing means simplified living. And a simplified life means more time and less stress. With less stuff, you have less to fix, maintain or clean, so more time to do things that really matter. We have learned to be content with less and enjoy a simpler life.