The Moving team is here to help you move to a smaller home. Maybe you have a large home with at least 4 rooms, and you're tired of cleaning so much. Or maybe you just want less stuff to experience more peace. Whatever your reason, downsizing often has surprising benefits. This guide will give you insight into everything that comes with moving to a smaller home. We'll discuss the benefits, give you tips on furniture and boxes, explain what to think about when applying for a new home, and show you how to save money. Brace yourself, because together we're going on a journey to a more compact, efficient living style.
Four Benefits of Moving to a Smaller Home
1. Lower housing costs after moving
A smaller home usually costs you less money. You don't have to heat as much, and you pay less rent or have a lower mortgage. This means you have more left over for fun things like doing odd jobs in your new home or a weekend away. Have you been wondering for a while why moving is interesting? Think about the fixed costs that go down. There is often a good chance that this will give you financial space to make other dreams come true. Do you want to live smaller? Then you have to think carefully!
2. Easier overview and less stress after moving to a smaller home
Large surfaces seem nice, but they can actually cause unrest. You have to tidy up a lot and wonder how you will ever get that mountain of items in order. When you live smaller, you limit yourself to the essentials. You can see at a glance where everything is, and you know exactly where your furniture belongs. People who have moved to a smaller apartment often say that they are happy with the available space, because they no longer get bogged down in clutter so quickly. It feels lighter in your head when you are not looking for storage space for unnecessary items every day. Moving can be tough, but if you plan it well, it will all be fine.
3. Sustainability and environmental awareness after moving to a smaller home
Moving to a smaller home reduces your ecological footprint. You can store less stuff in it, so you buy less. You also use less energy, because the rooms you heat are smaller. Many home seekers find this attractive because they want to be more environmentally conscious. This does not mean that you give up comfort. By choosing your interior smartly and working multifunctionally, you will see that everything feels quite spacious. There are many people who want to live smaller, but this is not always possible. Do you want to live smaller? Then always weigh up all the pros and cons first.
4. Flow on the housing market for home seekers
By moving from large to smaller, seniors and other people moving up promote the housing market. We call this flow. Your old large house becomes available for families with children moving out or starters who are looking for more space. This helps corporations and real estate agents to better distribute housing among home seekers. Sometimes you can even request priority from a housing corporation if you make your large home available. Ask your municipality or at verhuizen.nl to see what the possibilities are. A rental home with minimal costs is of course very popular.
Living smaller starts with decluttering
We have listed a number of tips for you to ensure that your move goes smoothly. It can all seem very challenging, but with the right approach, it will be fine. With Moving's decades of experience, we are happy to help you. For example, think carefully about which items you can take with you and which you can still use in your new home. There are often things that you still want to keep, but which may not fit in the new situation. You can imagine that certain furniture and/or the large current furniture may not fit in your new home. It is therefore very important to take a good look at which items you will really need in the future.
Take a critical look at your belongings and furniture
Many people start by collecting less stuff when they start downsizing. Have you ever counted how many coffee cups you have? Or how many coats are hanging in the closet that you never wear? We recommend that you take a critical look at your belongings per room. Start in the kitchen. Unpack the drawers and put everything on the table. See what is useful, what is redundant, and what you no longer use. This prevents your new home from being full in no time. Are you moving soon? You have to think about a lot of things. It is important to prioritize the most important things.
How to tackle decluttering before moving to a smaller home
Set out a few boxes. Label them “keep,” “donate,” and “throw away.” Take some time to systematically go through your current home and separate the items. Don’t feel guilty about getting rid of something. You give it a second life at the thrift store or you clean up your living space. Children out of the house? Consider reusing their old toys or arranging storage in a smaller closet. That way, you only keep the items that are truly important to you. What is important is that you take a good look at what you can take with you and what you can’t. Usually, you have fewer rooms in a smaller home. Are you moving in together? Then you often have to deal with discussions about what the other person does or doesn’t want.
Preparing for downsizing – step-by-step plan
Why Move? Budget and Financial Planning
Moving can be expensive. Consider hiring a moving company or a recognized movers, insurance and notary costs if you buy a home. Therefore, make a budget on. Include your new mortgage, rental property or other financial obligations in the calculation. Also check whether you are entitled to a scheme that encourages smaller living. This can give you that extra push to move permanently. By using Moving's free service, you can compare our movers with each other and choose the moving company that suits you best.
Moving to a smaller home? Finding the right smaller home
Ask yourself whether you would rather buy or rent. Seniors and tenants with a limited income sometimes find a social housing unit that they can move into with priority. First-time buyers may want a small owner-occupied home that they can do some work on. You can also contact a real estate agent or housing association. They will help you match your wishes with the supply. Have you known for a while that you want to live smaller? Then be alert to new construction or special projects in your region. Are you thinking about moving to a new, smaller home? Then it is important to look carefully at the reasons why. Is the new rent better? Are the maintenance and energy costs lower? Have high-quality materials been used in the new home?
Practical tips for moving
Packing and organizing for the move
You’ve made the most crucial decision: you’re moving. Now you need to pack everything. Start with things you don’t use every day, like seasonal clothes or Christmas decorations. Pack them in well-labeled boxes. Use a thick marker to label each box with what’s in it and which room it belongs in. Make sure you have plenty of protective material when packing fragile items. Get the whole family involved in clearing and sorting. Moving will feel less like a chore and more like a shared project.
Do it yourself or movers enable?
Moving yourself is often cheaper. You do need to mobilize enough friends. If you don't have much time or little help, you can professional moving company hire. Certified movers will pack your furniture and belongings professionally and arrange transport. Some companies also offer useful services, such as packing service or free moving boxes. Always request multiple quotes without obligation. That will give you a good idea of the possibilities. Moving from big to better and smaller can be very sensible!
Furnishing your new (smaller) home
Think multifunctional: horizontal and vertical
In a smaller home, every piece of furniture is precious. Preferably choose furniture that does double duty. A sofa bed in the living room or a footstool with storage space can make a world of difference. You can also opt for a folding dining table if you don't eat at a large table every day. This way you make optimal use of the available space and keep everything more organized.
Smart interior choices
Light colors make your new home seem bigger. Place tall cabinets against walls to work vertically. Dare to move or rotate furniture until you find the right flow. Place mirrors to reflect light and choose accessories that make you happy. If you're still wondering why moving can make such a difference, you'll notice it the moment you walk into a well-designed, compact space.
Tables and overviews
Some people like to use tables to get an idea of what they want to take with them and what they don’t. For example, make a list of each piece of furniture and note whether or not it will fit in the new home. Saves hassle when you move and discover that that huge dining table doesn’t fit anywhere.
| Piece of furniture | Dimensions | Fits in new house? | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dining table (6 pers.) | 200×90 cm | No | To eat |
| Sofa bed | 180×80 cm | Yes | To sleep |
| High bookcase | 80x30x200 cm | Yes | Storage |
| Extra chest of drawers | 90x45x90 cm | Doubt | Clothing |
Emotional and practical challenges
Adapting to a smaller space
Downsizing can be daunting. You may initially doubt whether it feels right to give up rooms. We often hear that people are ultimately relieved. They experience more freedom in their minds, because they no longer have an overcrowded attic. Give yourself time to get used to the new layout.
Social aspects and regulations
When moving to a smaller home, you may have to deal with local regulations. For example, a housing association can stimulate your flow. This helps tenants to find suitable homes and shorten waiting times. Seniors in particular are sometimes given priority if they want to move to a more compact rental home. Always ask the municipality if there are special project regulations, and see if you qualify for them.
A moving company can always help you
Moving can seem like a big step, but moving to a smaller home doesn’t have to be complicated if you prepare yourself well. Make a plan, determine your budget, and start decluttering in time. This will create space to start looking for a new home that suits you better. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether that’s a certified mover or friends who come over to carry boxes. A smaller home can be a better match with your life stage and personal preferences.
Request free quotes from Moving
We at Moving hope this guide has given you a clear view of downsizing. If you have any questions or are looking for new ideas, please feel free to contact us. And remember: it’s not about how many rooms you have, but how you use them. Happy downsizing!
Related Blogs and Resources
- Via Moving.nl: Request quotes from moving companies without obligation
- Blogs about minimalist living: discover how to embrace less stuff
- Housing association websites: check whether you can request priority if you leave behind a large home
- Municipal information: check if there are special arrangements for seniors or other target groups
