We can all agree that any home is a good home, no matter its size and appearance. Having a place of comfort to share with friends and family is a gift in itself, and having one to call your own is one of life’s greatest joys. But sometimes, with time, we end up feeling like we’ve outgrown our abodes, and the feeling of being cloistered can set in. Before thinking of finding a new place, consider this: you might need more space.
Houses have a finite amount of space. The longer we stay in one, the more we fill it with bits and bobs of our lives that end up cluttering or making it smaller than it once was. What used to make one feel at ease could now bring unnecessary stress. Maximizing what’s already there can help you and your loved ones live with more convenience. It can also raise your home’s value for the future. Learn about some ideas that can make a living in a smaller space seem larger.
1. Store things vertically
Storing things sideways on the floor can take up precious floor space and make any room feel smaller. Utilize wall height and install some floating shelves for books or trophies. You can also get some extra wall hooks to hang garments from.
Using the space on walls for extra storage can lessen the need to get bulky storage bins or extra drawers. You can also search for items almost immediately with this arrangement. This approach can do double duty by acting as decor.
2. Try loft beds for smaller rooms
For families with teens who have outgrown bunk beds, loft beds are a good alternative. Instead of another bed on the bottom bunk, loft beds can be customized and added with an extra closet or a built-in desk. They are an inexpensive way to free up extra space while giving the room owner room (pun intended) to get creative and decorate their nook. Some types also have extra drawers built into the steps leading to the sleeping area.
3. Let go of furniture that’s served its purpose
Let’s face it; homeowners can make a habit of keeping furniture and appliances not out of necessity but because of sentimental attachment. When this happens, clutter can easily accumulate and make things harder to organize.
The main rule of thumb for older home fixtures is to let go of anything with major tears, scratches, or staining. Contact your local furniture bank to donate larger items like couches. You can get in touch with an antique sales dealer for pieces that can have higher value, like an old chest or vanity table.
4. Change or Upgrade the Basement
Basements can act as more than just storage units for miscellaneous things. When you get creative with it, it can be turned into a game room, a home theater, a guest bedroom, and even a small fitness area.
Remodeling is a heftier process of freeing up space and using it for better things. Permits and approvals come into play, depending on your location. Basement remodeling companies can differ from area to area. Different factors depend on how much your home can be altered, so make sure to research before diving into this one.
5. Invest in multipurpose furniture
A popular trend among modern furniture styles is multi-functionality. This makes things easier for people with limited spaces, like apartments or smaller houses. A bookshelf can double as a space divider between the living area and sleeping area in a studio, or a chic chest of drawers can double as a coffee table. Multi-functional pieces can be a cool upgrade and an amazing way to maximize space at home without having to spend too much or tear down walls.
Maximizing space makes homeowners push their creativity because of the limits they have to face. It is more challenging for others, but it’s doable. There are many “hacks” to making the most of whatever space you have. All it takes is a good enough understanding of what works best and which things to let go of. Not only can this help you feel more at home, but it can also make way for more necessary items that your family might need.
As with everything, consulting a professional before making large home alterations is the best route. Do ample research, get your permits in order if needed, and go into any project with a strong vision and a clear head. This way, the process of changing things won’t be difficult. Good luck with redecorating!
