Downsizing? Decide Which Furniture Is Moving Before You Start Packing

One of the easiest downsizing mistakes is packing everything first and deciding what fits later. Reverse the process. Start with the new home.

Measure the Major Pieces

If you have a floor plan, use it. Confirm room dimensions when possible, then measure the major pieces you are considering taking with you. A sofa can

technically fit inside a room and still be too large for the way you want to live.

Think About How the Room Works

Consider walking space, doors, windows, traffic patterns and other furniture. A large bedroom set that worked beautifully in your previous home may

overwhelm the new space.

Do Not Forget Dining Space

Measure the table and the space required to pull out the chairs. Then consider whether the furniture can physically reach the room. Doorways, hallways

and turns matter.

Let Furniture Decisions Simplify Everything Else

Once you choose the major pieces, decisions about smaller belongings often become much easier. If the new dining area comfortably accommodates

six people, you may reconsider how much serving ware and table linen you need.

Martha's Tip

Put painter’s tape on the floor of the new home, or another similarly sized space, to outline the dimensions of your furniture. Seeing the footprint can be

much more useful than reading measurements on paper. Downsizing should create a home that feels comfortable rather than crowded.

Request Martha’s Smart Senior’s Downsizing Guide at MVP-RealtyTeam.com.