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petercaulf http://www.sxc.hu/photo/771454
The era of the McMansion is coming to an end. Families are recognizing the benefits of downsizing to smaller homes over enormous showplaces.
When was the last time you used your formal living room, guest room, or dining room? How much do those unused rooms cost in your mortgage, electricity bill, furniture and accessories, property taxes, insurance bills, and time/money spent cleaning those rooms?
Consider downsizing to a condo/townhome, cottage in the country, or an apartment in the city. If you are thinking about downsizing, here are some steps to help with the transition:
1) Purge what you don't use. I would suggest doing this once a week for at least a month. This can be very difficult because many people are sentimental. Many people find this liberating and feel like a weight has been lifted off their shoulders.
2) Consider new ways of doing things. If you normally save every bill, consider shredding them or scanning them into your computer. You can pay your bills online instead of getting a paper statement. Consider using a small laptop instead of a desktop. Do not over purchase groceries that will not fit in the pantry (avoid big box stores).
3) You will need to be very orderly and organized if you downsize. Create a place for everything and keep it there. Find unused space in your home and turn that area into a closet, bookcase, or storage cabinet. Even consider space inside your walls, such as under your stairs, as places to store items.
4) Use things that serve more than one function. You can get a platform bed that has storage underneath. You can get a sofa that converts to a guest bed. Your dining room can double as a home office.
5) Store items that are out of season. If the season is winter, you can store your summer clothes under your bed to make more room in your closet.
6) Make sure your friends and family are aware that you are downsizing so they do not buy presents for you that will not fit in your new home.
For more info on interior design tips and tricks: interiordesignarticles.blogspot.com
If you have information about interior design, interior decoration, new products, design events, or other related items that you would like to share, email me at kerry@fletcherdesignconsultants.com with a subject line of "examiner".
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