Downsizing tips in Boynton Beach-Creative Storage Solutions-Step 2

The first step in downsizing in Boynton Beach was to make some decisions... what you really need in your new home; what you need to keep; what you can donate ...in a nutshell starting out with a relatively clean slate.   
 After editing your furniture and accessories.... 30 + years of kitchen gadgets.... a lifetime of gifts you’ll never use.... you still have to decide how to get a 4000 sq ft lifestyle into 2400 sq ft or less.

dual purpose furniture


Step 2- Get creative!

1.  Whatever you buy for your new space try to choose pieces that can do double duty.  


-For example, there are cube-sized ottomans or even benches that can work as a cocktail table, as additional seating and has built-storage for blankets, throws, pillows and games... the list goes on.

-Buy tables with drawers and lower shelves.
 

2.   Baskets and Covered Boxes-  you don’t want a lot of little boxes or baskets everywhere, but large ones can hide and organize what you have.

 
- Small boxes in the family room can hold remote controls, cocktail napkins and a deck of cards.

- You can use covered boxes in your office or kitchen to hold files and paper

- Use covered boxes or baskets on bookshelves to smaller items.  This is also a great way to keep your bookcases from looking too busy with nothing but a row of books.

 

3.  Cover it up!  as much as we try to get away from it,  we still have paper in our lives.  Take a look at what this homeowner did to hide a file cabinet.

Don’t forget the clouds!  Use the Internet and cloud storage to rid yourselves of the mountains of paperwork you just can’t seem to get rid of.


Creative solutions for downsizing


4.  Get creative and repurpose something you already have!  This client had limited space in their guest bedroom and bath.  They found this piece that served as a small bar.   The bottom rack was used for towels and the top for repurpose for downsizinggoodies for their guests.



5.  Closets- You’ve already edited your wardrobe but you still have to make the most of your closet space.
 

- There are hangers sold online and in stores that are slim and keep your clothes from falling off the hanger.   Not only do they save room in your closet, your closet won’t look as packed.  

-  Use clear shoe boxes and bins to store shoes and items such as sweaters and purses


Remember these two downsizing tips:

1. Decide what you absolutely need in your new lifestyle to make you comfortable then donate, throw away or sell the excess.
 

2.  Use creative solutions for storage and organization... dual purpose furniture and decorative items for storage.


creative solutions for downsizing

For a one on one consultation to help you downsize

and get organized call Room Service Home Staging!

 Kathy Streib 

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27 Comments on Downsizing Tips in Boynton Beach-Creative Storage Solutions -Step 2

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JUN
27
1,388,172 Points 27 Featured Posts Hit Router Called Shot Master

Great tips Kathy.  I wish we would do some downsizing in our existing home.

4:41am • #8
348,861 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Fantastic tips Kathy. Thank you.  I have one of those ugly file cabinets I need to hide.

4:47am • #9
542,402 Points 119 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Kathy:  

I wonder if you could send me that wine rack table.  It would be perfect in my less than 2400 sq ft home in the ensuite.  Is that asking too much?  LOL  

4:56am • #10
1,052,529 Points 2 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

What a great series...you always have the best topics...and this is no exception....I may have to share with a client of mine!

5:39am • #11
953,350 Points 52 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Kathy, very creative ways to utilize space!     My neighbors just moved from 3000+ sq ft to 1200 in a condo and really got rid of lots before they moved.   It can be done!

5:44am • #12
1,028,040 Points 237 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

BARFF- now that's creative thinking.  I guess your dinner guests pulled your "drawers" out of your drawers.

Conrad- I think it's so hard to do this but, yes, they have to decide what it is they really need.

Gita- with more and more Baby Boomers doing this, it can help when you're working with them.

Josh- thanks again.. you have no idea what this means to me.... seriously.

Debbie- I love covered boxes and tables with drawers.  

Sally & David- I know... and now there are so many gadgets out there that do only one thing.. like a hot dog maker. 

James- that's the fun part of what I do... repurposing my clients things or finding the right creative storage solution.

Gabe- most men wish that!  Just be patient.

Bobbie- Get a round top from your hardware store and have a pretty tablecloth made up!

Valerie- very funny!  Try Pier 1 Imports.

Kristin- hope your clients can use the tips.

Joan- yes, it can be done.  I think a lot of it has to do with motivation.  If a person is reluctantly moving and downsizing then keeping their "things" is a way of exercising some control. 

6:17am • #13
584,863 Points 46 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Great downsizing tips Kathy. Who would have thought about disguising the file cabinet!

7:06am • #14
1,028,040 Points 237 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

John (QMan) - the owner actually uses the file cabinet to store extra linens, etc for her dining area which is nearby. 

8:26am • #15
924,226 Points 13 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Kathy,

What a wonderful list of creative storage solutions, especially the file cabinet.  Enjoyed it and suggesting. A

8:56am • #16
440,152 Points 69 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master
Kathy, I love the tips and will be posting on my Facebook.
10:39am • #17
702,236 Points 55 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Good Afternoon Kathy, I loved part 1 and part 2 is even better. great tips.  Have a great day.

2:05pm • #18
142,479 Points

Kathy, great tips!  I find a cluttered house leads to a cluttered mind!  I always feel so much better psycologically when I complete a particular task.    

2:16pm • #19
306,123 Points 6 Featured Posts

You have some great ideas in maximizing space.  God only knows we are experts at that here in Manhattan where apartments are so tight.

2:32pm • #20
1,324,234 Points 37 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Kathy

Great tips on the art of downsizing in Boynton Beach Florida.

Good luck and success.

Lou Ludwig

2:33pm • #21
778,935 Points 38 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Great downsizing tips, Kathy!  I love the file cabinet idea...now why didn't I think of that?????

2:41pm • #22
157,566 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Love the tips for downsizing!  I love using boxes myself also - and thecovered  file cabinet idea is great!

4:10pm • #23
226,949 Points 2 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Great tips Kathy, I also love the storage ottomans. I have a big house but looks like everyone are hanging out in the main living area so we have lots of papers, magazines, mail etc and I will never trade my coffee table with baskets on some other one that will be more contemporary....I guess  I'll just refinish mine with the darker stain.

10:03pm • #24
JUN
28
1,187,306 Points 31 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Can't believe this wasn't featured Kathy so we gave it a push. Fabulous ideas and so simple!

5:40am • #25
1,028,040 Points 237 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Alexandra- What really makes it stand out is if you find some really nice fabric and have a skirt made.  Have them put covered cord at the bottom to help it lay nicely.  Then get a piece of glass cut to fit. You can get the round tops at your hardware store. 

Debbie- thanks.  This is when you want to think outside the box.

Scott- thank you.  I love shopping for different carved boxes that are pretty to look at and can hold something. 

Cathy- you know, you're right.  It's truly amazing just how free and relaxed you are when you don't have so much "stuff" around. 

Jennifer-  oh I know.. I love seeing the before's and afters of the small apartment spaces you have.  

Lou- many thanks. It seems we spend so much of our time when we're younger collecting things only to try to figure out what to do with it as we get older. 

Sharon- you can't fool me... you've probably already been there.. done that!!

Louise- You can buy these wooden tables at home stores, but they don't hold nearly as much as a file cabinet. 

Anna- one of my favorite coffee tables I saw was in distressed wood with woven baskets underneath. 

Al & Peggy- you are so sweet.. thank you for the push!  Just happy you guys stopped by. 

6:24pm • #26
JUN
29
473,892 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I love your series Kathy. You are so right about choosing to keep things that will do double duty.

4:17pm • #27

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Kathy Streib-Home Stager-Palm Bch County South Florida - 561-914-6224

Delray Beach, FL

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