No matter how big or small a home is, apparently everyone faces this annoying problem: there never seems to be enough space. Maybe when you first moved in you thought a tiny home is ideal because it feels cozier and it’s less difficult to maintain, but later you had to deal with the harsh reality that you have too many things and too little space. Or maybe your house was just right for you in the beginning, but time passed and circumstances changed. Kids came along or maybe your elder parents moved in with you and although you still believe in the more the merrier adage, your cluttered rooms and lack of space are making everyone feel not so merry. And then there are those who bought a house the size of a palace and still complain about not having where to store everything because somehow they’ve managed to fill every corner of their home with objects.
It really doesn’t matter which category you find yourself in. We’re not here to pass judgments, but to offer solutions. So you shouldn’t lose hope and you should definitely leave buying a new house as a last resort. There’s no need to take drastic measures before trying out these clever tips that will help you make the most out of your space and enjoy a less crowded living situation.
Start with the entryway
You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression and that applies to your house as well. So when thinking about maximizing your space, you should obviously begin with the first room in your house and that’s the entryway. Some people simply forget how important it is in the space economy of a house. It’s an area with great potential, not to mention it sort of sets the mood for the rest of your rooms as well. You can give it a new life with just a few tweaks such as adding a bench that also serves as a storage unit, install some shelves on the walls or buy a drawer for your shoes. If you don’t have enough room, you can just hang some hooks and place a mirror on one of the walls to make the area seem more spacious.
All eyes on the kitchen
We all know that the kitchen is the soul of the house, but it can become quite a troubled soul if it’s not taken care of properly. You must make sure your kitchen is functional and looks nice as well since you must be able to practice your cooking skills unbothered, but you also want to use it as a gathering place for the whole family. The golden rule is to keep your pantry organized with vertical storage solutions, plenty of containers for all your ingredients and drawers for your kitchenware. If you don’t have a pantry, the same rules apply, only you’ll be using wall space instead.
Store more in your bedroom
Nobody likes a crowded bedroom and we’ll be the first to admit it. A bedroom is by definition a place where you go to relax and unwind and you surely don’t want to stumble over piles of clothes and other items when you open the door. So how can you store more in your bedroom without turning it into a complete chaos? The key is to organize your closets wisely and store the clothes that are out of season in a different place such as containers that can be placed under the bed. Out of sight, out of mind – at least until the season changes.
Update your living room
The living room is where you spend a lot of time with your family and friends and therefore it’s easy to keep it tidy and uncluttered. You organize it now, blink twice and it’s a mess all over again. One clever idea to spare you of this never-ending drama is to use multifunctional furniture. Coffee tables that also have drawers or couches with storage space underneath are great examples of furniture pieces that can make life easier for everyone.
Consider adding an annex
Sometimes organizing and decluttering alone won’t do. That’s when you have to think about making home adjustments to create some extra space. When you have to welcome more family members into your house and you simply don’t have enough rooms, an annex might be the only solution. If your parents are moving in with you, building a 2 bedroom granny annex can solve all your space related problems. Of course, it will require a significant investment, but you can’t really put a price on your family’s wellbeing.
The garage can be a life-saver
The good old garage is where most people throw their stuff when they’re in desperate need of storage space. But that’s the problem with garages. Things get thrown in there, instead of being thoroughly organized and kept for further usage and somehow you end up creating a black hole where your items get lost, never to be seen again. So roll up your sleeves, do some spring cleaning and get rid of all unnecessary objects that have been gathering dust for years. You can then install efficient storage solutions like overhead ceiling racks, shelves and hooks for sports equipment, containers for Christmas decorations and other similar items. As a bonus, now you’ll also have enough space for your car.
Don’t ignore the outdoor space
Those who are lucky enough to have a garden or a patio are standing on a goldmine. But you must follow the same principles as when addressing space issues inside the house: keep things organized and maintain your garden tidy and healthy to create great curb appeal for your home. And if you do have the possibility, a cute little garden shed can give provide some storage space as well. Your garden tools, outdoor furniture and other household items can be successfully stored in there.
