When you're moving into a new construction home, you have the benefit of working with a builder that can install smart storage solutions to make your downsizing project less challenging overall. In fact, if you're going to downsize, moving into a new construction home is ideal for many reasons. In this article, we'll talk about why it's easier to downsize into a new construction home, and what you can do to make your transition as smooth as possible. 

Benefits of Downsizing Into a New Construction Home

• Reduced utility bills. Smaller homes are easier to heat and cool. This is particularly true of new construction homes, because modern insulation standards and building practices create a tighter building envelope. Expect to pay less to heat and cool a smaller home. 
• Time saved maintaining your home. Smaller houses are easier to clean and easier to maintain. When downsizing into a new construction home, you'll benefit from even more time saved, because a well-built new construction home needs far fewer repairs and maintenance than a pre-existing older home. 
• Less stress. When you spend less money on utility bills, less time cleaning and less time repairing your home, you can expect to feel less stress overall.

Tips for Downsizing

Downsizing can be an overall positive experience, but moving into a smaller home can be a challenge if you've been collecting items and furnishings for a bigger house your entire life.

A part of downsizing is decluttering - that is, giving away, selling or throwing away items that you no longer need. However, another component of downsizing is building a house that makes smart use of storage space. Here's what you need to know about downsizing into a smaller, well-built, new construction home. 

Focus on Built-In Storage

Built-in storage makes downsizing easier overall. Work with your contractor to install built-in storage that meets your needs. Some examples of built-in storage to consider for your new home:

• Built-in desk. Whether you need space for thinking, reading or paying the bills, a built-in desk gives you space for getting the work done. Work with your contractor to install a desk with built-in cabinetry, drawers for holding your important office supplies and more. 
• Columned room divider. This hutch-like piece of furniture gives you a place where you can store photo albums, blankets, mementos and more. In an open-layout, a well-placed columned room divider can also divide the space to create some sense of privacy between a living room and dining area, or a living room and sitting area.  
• Stair wine cellar. Use the under-the-stair area to install a wine storage cabinet. This attractive, high-value installation is perfect if you're a wine aficionado. 
• Pantry cabinetry. Nothing is more practical than a pantry - especially a pantry with special cabinetry and drawers for holding your food items. Keep your food organized and out of the kitchen with this smart, high-value installation. 

Consider Open Layout for Flexibility

If you're having a hard time getting rid of some favorite furniture pieces to downsize into your new home, consider an open layout. This popular home design option provides plenty of space for creating "zones" of furnishings.

With a spacious open layout, you can arrange your favorite armchairs into a sitting area, put your dining room furniture nearby to create a dining zone, and even set up a supplementary sitting area on the opposite side of your dining area, if that's your choice.

Talk to your builder about how much space you anticipate you'll need in your new home. Your builder will create drawings that show dimensions which you can use to determine whether your furnishings will fit in your new home - and if not, work with your builder to make changes as needed.

Work Closely With Your Home Builder

Your home builder will have ideas for helping you save space in a smaller home. After all, an experienced home builder will have worked with many homeowners just like you, and will have seen a variety of unique methods for saving space in a small home.

During your initial consultation, spend some time telling your home builder about your downsizing project. Ask for recommendations and design ideas that will make life in your new home easier.  

Customize Cabinetry

Custom cabinetry comes in many shapes, sizes and forms. While stock cabinetry can save money, you'll have an easier time fitting items into your kitchen and bathroom with custom or semi-custom cabinetry. Your builder can point you in the direction of a supplier of beautiful custom or semi-custom cabinets for your new home.

Declutter and Purge Before Moving In

No matter how well-designed your new house is, decluttering your old home will likely be a part of your downsizing project. Some tips:  

Go room by room. Downsizing and decluttering can be an overwhelming project. By breaking this project in small, manageable chunks, you'll get through it with less stress. 

Think about your future lifestyle. Keep the things you know you'll need - let go of the things you've decided you no longer want. Maybe you're planning to cook less and focus more on your water coloring hobby. Keep the paintbrushes - get rid of the pots and pans!

Digitize whenever possible. Paper can clutter up your life, but digital records take up no space at all! Spend some time scanning photographs and important papers.  

Have a downsizing plan. Spend some time walking through your home before you start decluttering and identify items that you no longer need. Make a checklist of things that you intend to get rid of. Checking items off a list can be satisfying and motivating, which can make the decluttering experience overall more enjoyable. 

Downsizing for Your Upcoming Relocation? Hire the Right Builder

Downsizing means simplifying! With a smaller, cozier space you can enjoy less stress, less housework and more money at the end of the month. Your upcoming relocation can improve your quality of life - if it's done right. 

Make your downsizing project a more positive experience overall by hiring the right Wisconsin home builder. The professionals at Sugar Creek Homes have worked with hundreds of homeowners to help them build a home that fits their lifestyle. We can help you too. Contact us today to make an appointment for your initial consultation.