Downsizing 101

Downsizing can often be a bittersweet transition as change often is. The reasons to downsize are plentiful but one thing is true it can be logistically difficult adjusting to a smaller space. If you are anything like me, no matter how much you plan you always still have too much stuff in your new home. I went from a 1,500 sq foot home in New Hampshire with A LOT of closet space to a one bedroom, 1 bathroom with minimal closet space. Prior to my move I went through and gave close to 5 large trash bags of stuff away and arrived in Denver with still too much stuff. 

I have found the trick to downsizing is organization. With a smaller space you need to be creative with both your space and how you organize. My new apartment has tall ceilings which is great to make the place feel bigger but the walls are also an awesome way to utilize extra space in a smaller home. When you have too much stuff - go up and use the walls as a means to organize. 

Here are some of my favorite ways to organize with the help of your home's walls. 

1. Create a command station. It is a great way to communicate with other people in your home and store things that you use everyday such as keys.

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2. Mount ledges on the wall to organize books. Great idea if you do not have enough space for a bookcase but have a lot of books.

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3. Use caddies or buckets to store really anything! I love the idea of using this in the bathroom.

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3. As a lover of jewelry I have an endless battle of figuring out a way to organize all of it without getting tangled. This would do the trick.  

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4. A pegboard on the wall can help with organization in any room.

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5. Using clipboards to organize and display pictures or important papers.

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This is just some of many ways to organize your space with the help of your walls. What other ways have you used? 

In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, short sales, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352.

How to Create a Gallery Wall

Are you thinking of creating a gallery wall in your home? Gallery walls are a great way to display photos, art and other mementos. Here are some tips on how to create one in your home. 

• Always prepare beforehand. Create a sketch of where you want the pieces to go before putting them up. You can use painters tape or tape paper up on the wall. This lets you visualize where the pieces will be prior to actually putting holes in the wall.
• Use your gallery wall to display what is important to you! It doesn't need to all be photos. You can hang a postcard, mirror, letter, clock or piece of art.

• Mix and match the frames use different style frames for the photos.

• Don't be afraid to use a different size frame for the photo. As long as you matte the photo, you may use a large frame.  

• Splurge on the frame. The eye will immediately go to the photos on the gallery wall so make sure the frame is high quality.
• Be open to the location of your gallery wall. Most people think a gallery wall is best in a large living room, on a staircase or a hallway but you can put one anywhere. 

• A gallery wall doesn't always need to be hung on the wall. Think of other creative ways to display the items, like a ledge. 

In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, short sales, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352.