How to downsize the right way

The modern-day downsizer doesn't need to shrink their entire lives to fit into a new home.

The modern-day downsizer doesn't need to shrink their entire lives to fit into a new home.

We’ve all seen the movie Downsizing.

The story of a couple who undertake a newly invented procedure to shrink down and start a new life in a “downsized” community, the choice they make triggers a life-changing experience for both. Luckily for the modern-day downsizer, we don’t have to shrink our entire lives to fit into a new home. Melburnians are a tad luckier, with new developments, such as The Docklands by DKO Architecture, presenting a luxe landmark of living, inspired by the timeless city on its doorstep.

According to Richard Misso, Creative Director of The Stylesmiths, while downsizing can be somewhat stressful, much like the movie, it can be the perfect life refresh. “I feel the easiest part is looking forward to settling in and enjoying your new home and local attractions,” Richard says. “It’s like a clean slate, detox and fresh start all in one. Let’s face it; a fresh start like this can reinvigorate one’s outlook on life.”

That is, if you do it the right way.

MULTIPURPOSE IS KEY

When shifting your stuff, you must be smart about your new space. The new Docklands apartments are sweeping, so while you might have lots of space to play with, you still might need to create multipurpose rooms. “A study can double as a guest room and gym, with a kitchen or bathroom doubling as a laundry and storage area,” Editor of Houzz, Vanessa Walker adds. “Our design professionals suggest you plan well ahead of the move, making necessary changes to ensure your home is comfortable.”

Multipurpose furniture does the trick too. “Outdoor furniture can be used indoors when additional guests arrive,” Richard says. “Ottomans double as a coffee table, while a sofa can also be a sofa bed.”

SAY NO TO MINIMALISM

Although downsizing conjures up mental images of minimalist living, it doesn’t have to be that way. The Docklands collection of apartments have been meticulously crafted from every angle, while still providing ample opportunity for residents hoping to inject their own sense of style across generous spaces. “If you like layers, knock yourself out,” Richard adds. “Smaller spaces can still be beautifully layered with decorative items, walls coasted in art and charm. The key is ensuring all the items work in the space and floor panning is easy to navigate.” Create a space that is an extension of your lifestyle, letting those soft textures, marbled patterns and organic materials be highlighted by Dockland’s spectacular harbour.

SAY YES TO CREATIVE CULLING

While you might not want to, it’s a crucial (and creative) part of downsizing. “Make an inventory of all the stuff you no longer require or would like to shed,” Richard says. “If you have grown children, ask them if they’d like to take any belonging or keepsakes with them. Be ruthless when shedding the past and start fresh in your new home. Keep in mind, furniture from a larger home may be too bulky for your new space, so try and sell as much as you can, or donate to charity if selling items seems too daunting.”

Before the big move, Vanessa also suggests sorting out where you warn certain pieces to live in your new home, “Measure your furniture and mark it out with painter’s tape in your place before you move in,” Vanessa adds. “This ensures your furniture doesn’t dominate your space.”

SIT BACK AND RELAX

You’ve officially moved into your new home - pop a bottle of champers and enjoy the feeling. Whether you choose to cuddle up on the couch with a loved one, or head out for a stroll through District Docklands, a bite at Alumbra at Central Pier or a stickybeak at the first 5-star hotel to be built in Australia in 20 years, the Marriott Hotel, there’s much to explore. Close enough to the city (but not smack-bang in the middle of it), Melbourne’s equivalent to Darling Harbour has come a long way in the last 15 years, so make the most of your new energetic hub. “Downsizing can bring with it a new sense of anticipation, excitement even,” Vanessa says. “Shed those shackles that come with a larger home, and get to know a new area closer to the action.”

Originally published as How to downsize the right way