Moving comfortably
Anywhere you go around the world, you’ll see local ideas of comfort. Whether it’s heavily accented décor or light Scandinavian simplicity, design tastes are also very personal. Though heightened over the past year, people’s yearning to create their own sanctuary is as old as time.
We’re all familiar with the Danish and Norwegian word hygge (pronounced “hyoo-guh”), meaning comfort, coziness, contentment, and well-being. The concept of feng shui is also part of our collective conscience. From the words “wind” and “water,” it describes a flow and balance of objects in a way that optimizes a person’s connection to their environment.
More recently, “comfort decorating” has been embraced as a style that encourages people to furnish their space with items that evoke feelings rather than aesthetics. These could be meaningful family heirlooms or something more modern. The goal is to promote calm and reduce stress.
Relocating is a good time to think about all this. Whether moving domestically or internationally, what gets shipped is more important than ever. And how you organize your space might be very different than you would have envisioned 15 months ago.
A few things to keep in mind:
– Think about uses for your space. Will you need a home office? A quiet spot for remote learning? Have you taken up a new hobby and need room for painting, woodworking, or gardening? Optimal spatial flow is different for every family.
– Think about color, light, and even sound. Paint choices make a difference and can project harmony and serenity – or not. Window treatments and choice of light fixtures will affect the brightness and mood of your space. Placement of audio equipment or wireless speakers can facilitate access to music, news, podcasts, and digital assistants.
– Beyond everyday essentials, think about objects and furniture that provide comfort or usefulness, eliminating those that cause friction or inconvenience.
– Check the shipping costs and customs requirements for your destination to determine any import restrictions or size constraints. These days, many people are making domestic moves, which are less likely to have as many costs covered by an employer. It makes sense to make wise choices in terms of comfort, utility, and cost.
– Take advantage of technology for things that might otherwise accumulate as clutter. For example, newspapers, magazines, and certain types of mail – like bills, bank and credit card statements – can be accessed digitally, thereby alleviating piles of paper. Preparing for a move is a good time to take stock of which items you want to switch to digital versions.
Of course, for some people those piles can be the source of comfort. For example, I love to have a stack of unread books by my bedside table. It makes me happy to see them there, anticipating the next good read.
So, whatever brings you comfort and makes you content and efficient in your space, moving is a great time to re-assess your belongings so you can create your best space in your new home.
Written by Ellen Harris, GMS, Product Manager, Content Group
