How to Furnish a Small Senior Home While Maximising Space!

There comes a time when your children have been living independently for years and you would prefer to move to a smaller home. Moving into a senior home can then be a good option. Senior homes are, on average, 60% smaller in terms of living space. But what should you do with all the furniture and belongings that no longer fit in your new home? Below, we share our best tips for creating a spacious living environment while keeping your cherished possessions.

Creating space is essential

As mentioned above, you will most likely be moving into a smaller home. However, you may still need some extra space. For example, a walker or wheelchair may need to move freely through the home, or a bed may need to be placed in the living room temporarily or permanently. Most importantly, you should not have to say goodbye to your cherished belongings.

Getting rid of belongings

A smart way to create space in a smaller home is to sort through your possessions. Which household items have you not used for years? Do you still have children’s toys that your grandchildren no longer play with? You could pass these items on to the next generation or donate them to a charity shop.

You will probably also have many belongings with great emotional or financial value. These may include old photo albums, paintings or pieces of furniture that you would like to keep but no longer have space for. You may also have seasonal items, such as garden cushions and Christmas decorations, that you only use during one part of the year.

One solution is to store these belongings in an external storage unit. Your possessions can be stored safely and securely in a dry space, and you can collect them again whenever you need them. You can also use a moving assistance service if you are unable to transport the items yourself. The moving team can collect the belongings you have selected for storage and place them in your storage unit. This allows you to keep everything you no longer have room for.

Living large in a small home

After sorting through your belongings, it is also important to arrange your senior home in a way that feels spacious. For example, if you already use a walker or wheelchair, or expect to need one in the future, the home must be wheelchair accessible, with enough room to move freely. Here are a few useful tips:

• Avoid placing too many small tables and chairs in the middle of the room or too close together.
• Use vertical lines to make the room appear larger.
• Light-coloured walls and flooring can also make the space feel fresh and spacious.
• Extendable furniture is very practical. A dining table with an extra extension leaf is useful when you have guests and can easily be made smaller again afterwards.
• A chair that can be converted into a small step ladder can also be very useful. Thanks to its double function, it never takes up unnecessary space.

With these tips, you can enjoy a comfortable and spacious home during this new chapter of your life!