Downsizing 'UP' to a better lifestyle

One of the greatest perks when downsizing is the opportunity to live minimally with items you treasure, to declutter and simplify or upgrade your lifestyle with stylish interiors and other choices that make your home worth more to you than its asset value.

Why do people downsize? It's a question that is constantly being driven by market conditions and economies, and no longer is it just the purview of those now in or approaching retirement or empty nesters. "It is also a lifestyle choice," says Kim Woods, franchisee of Tyson Properties' Morningside Durban office. "Many people are choosing smaller dwellings over larger properties, intentionally deciding to sacrifice living space for a more affordable or improved lifestyle that allows them to devote more time and money to things they love."

Downsizing is not always about moving to a smaller house, it can also mean repurposing an existing property to cater for multi-family or multigenerational living, where a large home is divided into separate living quarters. "This means elderly parents or children can share costs and maintenance burdens, freeing up valuable financial and time-saving resources that can be directed to a better quality of life," says Woods.

Upgrade lifestyle

Downsizing is a trend that has innumerable benefits beyond financial. Owner of Eyezwe Interiors, interior designer Cynthia Mabela, highlights that downsizing can translate into 'upgrading' to a more sophisticated lifestyle to realise the benefit of a happier way of living. "A better term for downsizing is 'rightsizing' which is more about finding a home that suits your needs and lifestyle for a better quality of life."

Both Mabela and Woods believe that the trick to finding the right smaller property or designing one on an existing property requires making smart choices. "How you want to live plays a big role in your decision-making," says Mabela. "Form and function in the design of your home are key. There is no point in having a big kitchen if you do not regularly entertain a large number of guests."

Relationship with space

"How spaces function is important, be it the layout or how you design and place furniture in the space. You need to ensure that the home flows with ease and has a good mix of practical and aesthetic value."

Mabela says that thought should also be directed at how many rooms are going to be used regularly, and prioritising needs and wants.

Preparing to downsize

Whether you are moving to a smaller property or repurposing an existing one, crucial decisions need to be made about how the space will be used. Mabela advises that you should visualise how you will use each space to suit your needs. "For example, will your current furniture work in each room? What do you need to achieve a spacious yet comfortable home? This will help you decide what existing furniture you can use and where it will be placed."

Planning will really make this task easier. Mabela suggests sketching out the layout of the new space and marking where you will position existing furniture. "Take note of the walls to determine where you can place artwork and mirrors. Choose multifunctional furniture that can also provide storage solutions. You may not even need to buy new pieces if you can reupholster and resize furniture pieces to give a sense of newness in your space," she suggests.

Storage solutions

There are many key ways of fitting into a smaller space, especially if you have many items that aren't used frequently but are still important to keep for whatever reason. "Maximise vertical storage solutions such as shelves and tall cabinets, and use beautiful boxes and baskets to give you an easy-styled yet functional look. Consider investing in under-bed storage and ottomans for extra out-of-sight storage and, if you are still completely overwhelmed, invest in hiring a professional to help guide you on designing your new space," says Mabela.

Cutting the clutter

There is no guarantee that all your existing possessions can move with you. Realise that you may have to invest in smaller furniture and part with items you are emotionally attached to that will not fit the new environment. This can be a healthy exercise, allowing you to let go of what is familiar in exchange for an improved quality of life.

"Change is stressful for most people so be prepared. Give yourself enough time to decide what to keep, donate, sell, or throw away," says Mabela.

Creating a brighter future

"Downsizing or rightsizing can often be a blessing in disguise," concludes Woods. "It can be a positive step for your and your family's future. See it as an opportunity to start afresh, create new memories and tame the clutter."