Downsize to Maximize

(Image courtesy of )

We’re know you’re probably just as excited as we are for move-in’s to start - we mean come on who wouldn’t be. Though moving is exciting and decorating a new space can be exciting, we need to tell you that there are a few ‘essentials’ that aren’t so essential.

Do you have any ideas where areas of your house may be crammed full of the not-so-necessary? Writer Jennifer Hunter from apartmenttherapy.com highlights five practical places you may be able to cut back. The best news yet? You’ll save tons of space in the process! Keep reading to learn more.

1. Top sheet — Are you hip to this trend? I'm on board (Teresa is too). Forgoing a top sheet has made zero difference in my sleeping comfort, but a major difference in my laundry load and morning bed-making time. I'm a convert.
2. Place settings for 12 — Every registry will encourage you to stock up, but don't do it. Chances are, if you're ever expecting 12 people at once, there will be ample notice to arrange to borrow or rent enough china and silver. And in the (probably long) interim between your epic dinner parties, you won't have to devote storage space to your huge collection of dishware.
3. Specialized cleaning products —Every cleaning line wants to convince you that you need to buy many different lotions and potions to get each specific part of your home clean. An extra-strength disposal bomb to get it lemony fresh? Why not just try a lemon? Or...VINEGAR.
4. Matching nightstands or lamps — Of course retailers will try to convince you to shell out for two instead of one, but don't blindly buy what you might not need. Ask yourself, do both sides of your bed need the same storage? The same lighting situation? Do you even like the look of a matching set? If the answer is no then you're probably a candidate for an unusual nightstand.
5. ALL the knives — Why buy a set and let the store choose which knives you get? Pare down your collection to the ones you know you'll use and love. (Hint: you probably just need a chef's knife, paring knife and bread knife, says the Kitchn)