Over the past couple months I had the pleasure of assisting three clients in transition. One just separated, one just moved out of a parental home and one just retired. In all cases, the clients were moving from larger living quarters that they lived in for a considerable amount of time. The clients were coping with the changes in their lives while trying to cope with the changes in their living environments. I was happy to be there to make the transition an adventure, rather than a trauma. If you find yourself in a similar position, you may want to consider these few pointers.
1Survey your new surroundings. When you visit your new space, measure everything. Note the location and measure the doors and windows. Take lots of photos. If you think you have taken enough – take more. Note where all the light fixtures, electrical outlets, cable outlets, phone and internet outlets are located. Then measure your furniture and appliances. If you do not have any, the room measurements will give you an idea of what can fit comfortably in the space. Sofas, beds, tables, stoves, refrigerators, washers, dryers, all come in many shapes and sizes. If you plan well you can find something to fit your space comfortably.
2Maximise your storage. You can never have enough storage space, especially in a small place. If you are renting please put adequate storage as one of your priorities. Trust me. You may feel it is not important and you may think you do not have many things. But you have more than you think and you are not done accumulating. In a small space clutter can be even more frustrating and depressing. It will be just so much more difficult to keep the place tidy. So see if the property provides innovative, and an abundance of storage. Every room should have storage associated with the activities in the room. So look for storage in the kitchen, bathroom, laundry and bedroom, etc.
3Multifunctional spaces. Look for well defined, open spaces. Various functions should be considered and catered for. For instance, even if the living room, dining and kitchen is essentially in one space the functional zones should be well defined. The kitchen counter can double as an eating bar or the back of the kitchen counter can be the back of banquette seating for the dining space. The chairs on the other side of the banquette can serve double duty in the living area. The laundry can be incorporated in the kitchen or the bathroom, for instance. But at no time should it seem like the function is not adequately facilitated.
4Double duty furniture. Every piece of furniture should earn its keep and furniture that can do double and triple duty is more valuable. The chairs that work both in the living room and for dining; the ottoman works for storage, footrest, coffee table and seating; the bathroom sink that can be used for hand washing laundry; the clock that can make a statement as wall art ... Get the idea?
5Functional placement. Your extensive measurement and photo taking will assist in the optimal placement of your furniture. Poor furniture placement impacts negatively on the usability and comfort of the space. Think of how you move around the space. Place the furniture in such a way that you have clear paths from one area to the next and while you engage in various activities. Forget the 3-seater sofa in the living room. Very seldom do three persons sit in a sofa. You will get more flexibility and usability from single seats or loveseats. Depending on your entertainment requirements and space consider two loveseats or four single seats. The same thing in the bedroom: consider a queen or full sized bed instead of a king. Select furniture that fits the space.
6Edit your possessions. Believe me; you do not need all the stuff you think you do. Edit your collections and reduce potential clutter. Ensure that each item earns its keep. Sentimental value is valid; decorative equity is valid but functional value is premium. If you have multiple items, keep the most valuable and most suitable pieces. So prioritise and edit.
7Lifestyle Compatibility. When choosing your new home, do not discount the value of the bath, kitchen and bedroom spaces. Some people spend most of their time in the bedroom. If so ensure the space is comfortable. If you love cooking, your kitchen should allow that. If you don't cook and mainly eat take-out, a microwave is your most important appliance. Do not discount the value of a good bathroom. When you need to unwind and relax very little can beat a good long shower, or bath. It will be to your benefit if your bath is more than utilitarian. The atmosphere should support your need for relaxation and unwinding.
8Decor. More than any single element, colour can influence the mood of a space. Select colours that you love and that you feel comfortable, or stimulated by. Select a focal point for all your spaces: something that you love. Be innovative. Your kitchen cabinets can be a focal point, wall art, window treatments, pendant or chandelier lighting.