When your home doesn’t have much space, it’s important to maximize what you do have in order to make the most of the storage while still making it visually appealing. Getting organized is key since even a small amount of clutter can look huge when placed around a small room. You can also use visual tricks to make things appear taller or longer than they really are; these can usually be achieved with paint and fabrics. This is one great way to get the job done without breaking the bank.
To maximize a small space means getting creative, so go up with shelves rather than out, and look for furniture that can double as something else. A footstool with storage for blankets, for instance, or a coffee table with drawers to hold all your remotes and drink coasters. Utilizing pieces that will do double duty can keep the aesthetic you want without sacrificing space.
Keep reading for tips on how to make the most of a smaller room when you’re on a budget.
Stacking shelves, appliances, and storage boxes is a great, inexpensive way to save space, especially if you have one too many things in your closet that you just can’t bear to part with. Look for shelving made specifically for stacking, and consider a stackable washer/dryer unit that will save space in your laundry area. Utilize cash back rewards or discounts from stores like Bed Bath and Beyond so you don’t spend a ton of money on your project. These solutions are particularly helpful if you live in a small space, such as an apartment.
If you think you might consider moving in the future, or if you have some things that just won’t fit in your current home but can’t stand the idea of giving them up, consider renting a storage unit. Go through your home and clean (you might want to hire a cleaning service to get a good deep cleaning), organize, and declutter first; of the items that are leftover, consider how well they fit your space. If they’re too large, a self-storage unit might be the way to go, plus it’s great way to store seasonal items like ornaments or Halloween decorations. When considering a unit, keep in mind that the average price for a unit in Denver, Colorado, over the past 80 days has been about $101.03. You may also need to factor in the price of a rental truck to help you move these items to your unit.
Painting a room can really change the feel of it, from the size to the mood, so choosing the right color is essential. Look for light, neutral colors — such as grays and blues — and paint the ceiling, too. This helps to elongate the room and draws the eye up, making it feel much bigger than if a darker color was on the walls. To help ease paint into your budget, search for sales and coupons to help bring that cost down a little. Also, you can use mirrors to great effect here, as they reflect light and make any space appear a little larger.
Often, we include certain pieces of furniture in our homes because we feel they should be there, not because we’ll get a certain amount of use out of them. Take a good look at your living room or bedroom and make sure you have a use for everything in it; otherwise, take a piece out to see how much space it will give you. This is a trick used by interior designers and home sellers to make a room look bigger, and it can help you as well.
Finding creative ways to maximize your space doesn’t have to be stressful or break the bank. With some careful planning, you can ensure that every inch of your home works for you and your family and that you’ll have a safe, clutter-free space to live in.
Written by Guest Blogger Julian Lane