Moving to a smaller home can be an exciting new chapter in life, whether you’re a young professional getting your first apartment or a retiree downsizing into a cozy condo.
While a smaller space means less area to fill, it also means you need to be more selective about the furniture and décor you choose to bring with you.
Many of the metropolitan areas have embraced compact living. For instance, recent statistics reveal that two-bedroom homes are the predominant choice in Florida, making up 40% of the housing units. This suggests a move towards optimizing smaller spaces for comfortable living.
Moreover, even though cities like Fort Lauderdale might be more affordable than others in the state, an average person’s income might not be enough to rent out a large home. The cost of living and property taxes are also quite high.
If you’re one of these people and need to downsize, here are a few tips to help you:
Do Planning Before Move
Efficient planning ensures a stress-free move. Measure your new home thoroughly, noting room dimensions, doorways, and hallways. Refer to these measurements when shopping for furnishings to guarantee they’ll fit in your new space. Also, draft a floor plan with furniture arrangements to visualize layouts. As you pack, decide what to keep, sell, or donate. Selling some items might also aid in the financial aspects of your move, which you might need if you’re living in Fort Lauderdale, where living costs are 40% more than the US average.
You’ll also need to inform your moving company about the number and size of the furniture they are required to move from your old home. Make sure you research reputable moving companies well in advance and choose reliable movers in Fort Lauderdale to move your possessions safely. Proper planning makes your move successful and hassle-free.
Opt for Multifunctional Pieces
Multifunctional furniture optimizes small spaces by merging form and function. A sofa sleeper adds a guest bed without sacrificing seating. Nesting coffee tables provide surface area, then tuck away when not needed.
Multifunctional furnishings are ideal when square footage is limited. Each piece serves multiple needs, maximizing utility in a condensed footprint. Dual-purpose items allow you to gain function without clutter. When space is tight, choose furnishings that merge style and efficiency.
Choose Furniture on Wheels
Furnishings on casters provide flexibility in small spaces. Opt for lighter-weight accent chairs, tables, cabinets, and shelves that can easily roll around. This allows you to rearrange pieces effortlessly as needed. Wheeled furniture also enables you to open up floor space when required by simply gliding items out of the way against a wall.
From sleek metal carts to caster-equipped sofa beds, rolling pieces are ideal for adapting to daily needs. Furniture on wheels makes repositioning effortless. Chairs and accent tables with casters can quickly move to accommodate foot traffic, create defined conversation areas, or clear space for exercise.
Take Advantage of Vertical Space
In a compact interior, utilize vertical space to prevent a cluttered feel. Floor-to-ceiling shelving, like a bookcase with capped crown molding, makes the most of high walls. Stackable cabinets, wall-mounted desk hutches, and floating shelves also maximize space.
Multi-level bookcases can serve the dual function of storing items and displaying some pieces. Tiered plant stands utilize corners and create dimension. Overall, using vertical space keeps floors clearer and makes the rooms feel more open.
Seek Out Scale and Proportion
When furnishing a small space, scale and proportion are crucial. Oversized pieces can overwhelm and make rooms feel cramped. Instead, seek out furniture sized in scale with your rooms.
Look for compact coffee and end tables that align with petite sofas and chairs, and choose narrow bookcases rather than bulky wide ones. Low-profile, space-saving silhouettes maintain an open, airy interior.
Measure showroom furniture or browse dimensions online to visualize pieces in your rooms before purchasing.
Use Furniture That Does Double Duty
In a small space, it’s essential to select furnishings that multitask. Coffee tables with lift-tops to reveal interior storage offer surface area plus concealed storage for remote controls, coasters, and more. Round ottomans easily slide next to chairs or sofas to serve as side tables or extra seating for guests.
Look for consoles and media cabinets with doors that close to hide electronics and clutter. Open shelving exposes everything, so opt for enclosed storage when possible. Benches and storage trunks stationed at the foot of beds provide seating and tucked-away bedding.
Bistro sets with two chairs maximize seating in a small footprint. Counter-height pub tables double as eat-in desk workstations. The more functions a single piece serves, the fewer furnishings you need, maximizing both utility and aesthetics.
Look for Lightweight Pieces
Since you’ll need to move around furniture in a small space, portability is key. Metal and wicker chairs have an airy, lightweight appearance that won’t weigh down the room visually. Consoles and media cabinets on casters are easy to roll around.
Coffee tables with glass tops seem to float above the floor. Prioritize portable, multi-functional furniture with smaller footprints. Their lightweight, adaptable nature makes rearranging stress-free.
Buy Items That Serve as Room Dividers
Strategically place furnishings to carve out separate zones in an open-concept home. Position a console or floor lamp to define the dining area from the living room. Consider using freestanding bookcases to create intimate reading nooks.
Room screens embellished with wallpaper or fabric provide an elegant partition between the kitchen and living room. Moreover, a counter-height bar table distinguishes the kitchen while still promoting conversation. All in all, thoughtfully placed furnishings foster multifunctional use of space.
Select Neutral, Versatile Pieces
Furniture in neutral, versatile styles simplifies rearranging. Cream, beige, and gray sofas and chairs complement any wall color. Their muted tones allow accent pieces to shine. Natural wood finishes on console tables and media cabinets also pair well with various color schemes.
Timeless silhouettes like barrel chairs, x-base tables, and clean-lined platform beds work in a variety of spaces and decors. Their classic looks remain stylish for years. When furniture selections are neutral and versatile, it’s easy to rearrange pieces and refresh the look of your rooms.
Conclusion
Furnishing a small home calls for smart, multipurpose pieces that are made for smaller spaces. By taking measurements, evaluating your needs, and selecting flexible, lightweight furnishings, you can create a stylish, livable interior, no matter the square footage. Keep functionality and dual-purpose designs in mind as you furnish your new downsized dwelling. With these tips, you’ll be able to maximize every inch and make the most of your cozy new abode.
