Removals and setting up a new home are always difficult or at least time-consuming things to do. The process becomes particularly taxing when you have to move  from a larger space to a smaller one. It's difficult to figure out what to keep and what to lose, where to put everything, etc. If you do not plan ahead, such a move will be a nightmare. So here are a few suggestions on how to transfer from a bigger space to a smaller one without driving yourself insane.

1.    Plan, plan, plan. When you begin packing, take inventory of every single thing you own. Think carefully about these items. Think about whether or not you need them. Do not pack anything that you're not sure about. Always remember the golden rule of a successful relocation: reduce, reuse, recycle. Do not pack anything that you haven't used in the last three months, apart from items  with great sentimental value.

2.    Go on multiple viewings of your new place. Explore before you move in. Try to imagine your furniture and belongings arranged in the available space. Make up different arrangements. Play around with ideas and think about how best to utilize the space. Remember that even if you can fit all of your furniture in a certain room, that doesn't mean you should. There should always be some space left to "breathe" in the house. This will help you relax and enjoy your time in there. This is particularly important for the living/sitting room and any area that's designed for relaxation.

3.    After you've planned out your arrangement, figure out what you're going to let go of. You might find it helpful to write down a list of priorities. For example, at the top you could put the furniture that you absolutely cannot let go of, then go on to list the things that you like, but are not strictly necessary, etc. This is usually very helpful and you might even think of a few things you will be grad to see gone.

4.    Think of an absolute maximum of things to bring. This is referring to the  smaller stuff like decorations, plants, old equipment etc. When you're doing this, think in terms of volume, not numbers or weight. Of course, it may be helpful to decrease the weight of your baggage, simply to ease the removals, but what's most important is that everything fits.

5.    Think about storage options. There may be some items that simply cannot go in the new place, or at least they can't at that precise moment. If you still want to keep them, though, look into some storage options. This doesn't necessarily have to mean paid storage, although your remover may be able to offer you a very good deal on that. If you just need a few boxes stored, you could turn to a friend with a garage or attic and not pay a penny. Consider all of your options before committing to anything.

6.    Last but not least, just try to be as flexible as possible. No matter how well you plan or how impeccable your special organization skills are, you are going to have to let go of some of your belongings. Try to think of it as a new start, and not as losing some of your treasured possessions.