Although downsizing is a growing trend, the reality is that, because of financial pressure, many people will now move to a smaller home or even back in with family, making innovative and creative storage solutions a necessity
Many people will be forced to cut costs in the coming months and while downsizing does have advantages, moving to a smaller home goes with enough storage being one of the biggest headaches, says Chris Cilliers, CEO and co-principal, Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty in the Winelands.
"Downsizing a home can cause much stress and anxiety, especially for people who are attached to their belongings but hate living with clutter. However, with a little planning, it's possible to create a comfortable home and keep your most prized - and essential - items handy without tripping over them."
She offers the following innovative and functional storage solutions:
Maximise closets
Optimise wall space
Think vertical
Decorative storage
Put your doors to work
Other nifty tricks
If you can't part with all your belongings, consider renting storage space where you know they'll be safe and protected from damage, says Cilliers.