When you move from your former home into an assisted living apartment, you may find yourself in the midst of a downsizing dilemma, but don't worry. Just follow these simple tips and tricks to make the most of your new, smaller space.
Use Smaller Furniture
The furniture you already have may include large couches, sectionals, long tables and wide recliners. You can enjoy all the same comfort and usability when you opt for smaller furniture.
Instead of a big couch or a sectional, use a smaller love seat to make your living space cozy. If you’re expecting a lot of company, you can always use one of the community’s public gathering rooms to take advantage of expanded seating options.
Instead of a dining room table designed to seat a dozen, use a two-person round or square table to create a snack nook in your assisted living apartment.
Enjoy the same comfort and motion with a slim-line gliding rocking chair with matching ottoman as you could from a much larger, wider recliner.
Double Furniture as Storage
A struggle in any small living space is finding enough places to store your possessions. Furniture with built-in storage is a great solution for your new apartment. A few options include:
Less Is More
Resist the temptation to cram as much into your new apartment as possible. When all your wall and floor space is covered by furniture, it looks crowded and cluttered instead of open and inviting. Try to leave space between pieces of furniture, reserve adequate room to walk around or for your walker or wheelchair and adopt a more minimalist sense of decorating. Now is a great time to gift favorite pieces to your friends and family.
The same is true for your family photos and wall hangings. Covering up every single wall with frames may make a smaller space feel closed in and chaotic. Work with your family to turn favorite photos into scrapbooks so your images are still nearby and accessible, and decorate with just a handful of treasured prints.
Use Multi-Functional Furniture
If you’re worried about losing office space you still need to keep up with your hobbies and correspondence, choose a table that you’ll be comfortable sitting at when on your computer or working on your pastimes. Anticipate overnight guests occasionally coming to visit? A small sofa that doubles as a futon bed is a great solution. Need extra counter space for your gourmet creations? Add a rolling cart that includes a workspace plus storage areas and still tucks away nicely when not in use.
Moving into a smaller space doesn’t have to mean a lack of functional areas. Instead, use these tips and tricks to maximize your use and love for your new apartment.
