Space Saving Ideas
We’re not sure if you’ve noticed but these days, it seems as though houses and apartments are being built smaller – or are we just imagining it? If you ever find yourself confined to a more, let’s say, humble home, then these space saving ideas will apply to you.
Just because the roof over your head is minuscule, it doesn’t mean that you can’t have a commodious area to live in. With some innovative thinking and a few adjustments, you can create a mansion-like atmosphere (hypothetically speaking, of course) in no time!
Here’s our advice:
1. Think Outside The Box
When it comes to sparse space, you might want to think out of the box – literally. If getting rid of your belongings is not an option, then your best bet is to source a storage facility outside of your home. If you are lucky, you might have access to a garage and, in this case, a garage storage system could do just the trick. Another alternative would be to rent a storage container. While this might come at a cost, you’ll get to keep your goods for a rainy day and your rooms will feel a little…roomier.
2. Use Your Wall Space
Instead of fitting cupboards that take up floorspace, use shelves and wall hooks to keep your items organized. From clothes to kitchen utensils and stationery, you can use open walls to secure your belongings in place. With the right technique and a little creative thinking, you can get this done without creating a cluttered look. Stylish hooks and funky floating shelves also make lovely features and will add to your interior décor.
3. Turn Your Furniture Into Storage Space
From couch cushions that lift to reveal storage boxes to desks with lids and beds that come with bottom drawers, furniture designers are investing in new and innovative ways of turning good-looking furniture pieces into multitasking storage devices. Perhaps its time to trade your ancient bulky furniture in for more versatile solutions?
4. Dig Deep
Attics always come in handy but if you find yourself without one, then you could always dig below. It’s not uncommon for builders to create floorspaces where the tiles or wooden slates lift to reveal storage compartments. While this method might require some dedicated construction work, once the project has been completed, you’ll have tons of space to keep things neatly packed away.
5. Fold-Out Furniture
Back to furniture. Not only can you store tons of different stuff “in” furniture but brainy engineers are coming up with creative ways to fold larger household items so that you’re left with more floor space when they’re not in use. From fold-up beds and desks to ironing boards that pack away neatly against a wall, many of the daily items we use can be folded into more compact creations when they’re not needed.
6. Use The Full Height Of Your Space
Many architects often make the mistake of not utilizing the full height of a room, especially when it comes to smaller apartments. If you can, ensure that cupboards and shelves reach the ceiling. Upwards and beyond is often better than outwards and all over the show. Keep the items you use often on the bottom shelves that are easy to reach and the rest can live quietly at the top.
7. Downsize
Yes, we live in a material world but with the economy flailing under pressure, now might be the time to downscale. Swop bulky and heavy furniture for lighter pieces that can be moved easily and furnish your home by keeping the basics in mind only (go for the less is more approach). Toss out whatever you haven’t used in the last 6 months – we say!
8. Brighten The Light
OK, so with this trick you’re not physically making more space but you can make it feel like your four walls aren’t actually closing in on you. The more light you can add to a room (natural is always better), the bigger the area will feel. Painting your walls a light color is a good start and lights that emanate a natural white glow can also do wonders for a room.
9. Keep Items Within Items
When packing away your belongings, remember to pack smart. Much like playing with Russian Dolls, see what can be packed and contained in other items. For example, smaller Tupperware can be packed in larger Tupperware, thinner jackets can be hung underneath bulkier jackets, and even tables can be kept under taller counterparts. This way you will be left with more room and you still get to hoard your belongings – it’s almost like a game of Tetris!
10. Declutter
Knick-knacks are great, they make a house a home. But, if you’re tight for space, now might be the time to let go. A cluttered home will automatically feel smaller with little room to breathe. Piles of old magazines and newspapers should be the first to go and anything that doesn’t have sentimental value (real sentimental value) should also make its way to your nearest charity store. By removing the smallest objects from your home, you will already feel like the space has grown.
And There’s More…
With all of these tips in mind, we also encourage you to keep a clean home. An untidy living space will leave you feeling cramped and probably moodier than usual – it’s simply just not good for the soul! So, whether it be spring or the dead of winter, whip out that mop and bucket and give your intimate setting a thorough clean. Your walls will be brighter and the sterile environment will feel airy and just a tad more spacious – trust us.
Sources:
- 10 Space-Saving Tips And Storage Tricks You Should Steal From Tiny Homes – Huffpost
- 10 Space-Saving Ideas From an Itty-Bitty Home – Popular Mechanics
