A growing number of people are moving into a smaller house, and there are many benefits to doing so. Some of these include less cleaning, easier maintenance, and greater security, since you are more likely to detect an intruder in a smaller house as opposed to a larger one. However, there are challenges that come with moving into a smaller home, and knowing how to cope with them is the key to success.

Move and Position Your Largest Items First

When deciding what to move first into your new home, it is best to begin with the largest items. The reason for this is because these objects will be the most difficult to move around, and you don’t want to have to maneuver around smaller objects as you’re putting them into place. Additionally, after moving the heavier objects you should have enough energy left over to move the small stuff.

Hold A Yard Sale or Donate

When moving into a new home you have to be selective about what you will keep, as the space will be limited. Get rid of duplicates or anything you no longer use. You can raise extra cash by holding a yard sale or if you’re feeling charitable you can donate them to local charities.

Always Get Accurate Measurements

Never move your furniture or other objects into a new home until you’ve taken the time to acquire accurate measurements. Knowing the size and dimensions of each room will make it easier to determine which objects will fit, and those that must be discarded. Another rule of thumb is to develop a floor plan before you begin moving objects, so you know exactly where each item will go. The last thing you want is to move a piece of furniture up to a doorway, only to find that it doesn’t fit because you didn’t get the exact dimensions.

Ask Your Family or Friends for Help

Moving can be a stressful, tedious process, particularly if you’ve lived at the same residence for many years. Family and friends can help you in many ways. First, they can hold onto to items and keepsakes that you don’t want to get rid of, but are not yet ready to move into your new home, and they can also assist you in the moving process itself, either by providing transportation or helping you lift the heavy furniture. This assistance is indispensable to seniors or anyone who has a bad back, as it may be difficult of even impossible for them to lift heavier objects themselves.

Many friends or family members will help you move for free, but a nice way of saying thank you is to throw in dinner or lunch at a local restaurant or to prepare something yourself. Moving into a smaller home doesn’t have to be tough. By planning ahead, performing the proper measurements and developing a floor plan which lists where each object will go, you will make the process of transitioning into your new home a lot easier. Of course, you can sit back and relax if you entrust the task to professional movers!