Small homes can feel cozy or cramped depending on how they’re organized. If you constantly find yourself thinking, “We need more space!” it’s worth taking a closer look at your home organization. These seven tips will create more space in your home so you don’t have to shop for a bigger house.
1. Organize the exterior
Your home’s exterior is where first impressions are formed. As such, you’ll want your outdoor spaces just as tidy as the interior, and since you likely have a lot fewer items accumulated outdoors than you do inside, it’s a good place to start your organization efforts. Deck boxes and storage benches are an easy solution for keeping furniture cushions, outdoor toys, garden tools, and other outdoor items out of sight. Preserve your curb appeal by opting for stylish options that look more like accent pieces than storage solutions.
2. Declutter early and often
In a big home, clutter can be hidden in out-of-the-way places until you’re ready to deal with it. But in a small home, a tiny amount of clutter looks like a huge mess. Declutter weekly to prevent your excess “stuff” from growing out of control, and establish collection points for daily clutter sources like mail, keys, and spare change. Life Sprinkled with Joy names the essential catch-all solutions to keep your stuff organized.
3. Don’t put stuff on the floor
Items placed on the floor visually shrink the square footage of a room. Other than furniture and rugs, keep your stuff off the floor. Shelving units and wall storage always look neater than stacks of stuff on the floor. Clear floors are also easier to sweep and vacuum.
4. Utilize vertical space
If your stuff isn’t on the floor, where does it go? Vertical storage solutions are ideal for small spaces, but don’t think bookshelves are the only option. Stick a tall, narrow shelving unit in a corner for records and books, install floating shelves to display your favourite knick-knacks, employ hanging baskets to hold bathroom towels, and use wall grids and hooks to open up cabinet space and keep everyday kitchen utensils accessible.
5. Box up out-of-season items
Nothing is more frustrating than having a closet full of clothes and being unable to find what you need. If you have more clothing than your closets can handle, box up out-of-season items and store them in an attic, basement, or off-site storage unit until they’re needed. The same goes for seasonal bedding and recreational equipment. Organized Home explains how to store out-of-season clothing to extend its life.
6. Buy double-duty furniture
If your home doesn’t offer much built-in storage, create your own with furniture that pulls double-duty. Beds with storage drawers, storage ottomans, kitchen carts, and storage coffee tables are just a few options for furniture that doubles as a storage solution. Better Homes and Gardens recommends a few more space-savvy solutions.
7. Build more storage
When your home doesn’t have enough storage, the best solution is sometimes to simply build more. You can add storage without diminishing square footage by building recessed storage. This involves installing shelves into wall cavities between studs. You’ll need to ensure walls don’t have wiring, plumbing, or ductwork before opening them up (Family Handyman explains the DIY process in depth). If you don’t have the DIY skills to do the job properly, hire a contractor so you don’t accidentally damage your home.
Your home looks best when everything has a place and everything is in its place. However, you don’t need a ton of square footage to create adequate home storage. By employing clever storage hacks like these, you can achieve a tidy, organized home, whether you’re living in 3,000 square feet, 2,000 square feet, or less!
Article written by Julian Lane of The Fix it Champ