Whether you’re in a studio apartment or a crowded house, you may feel suffocated and restricted by the limited space. But you don’t need to accept this level of discomfort or scrimp and save so you can move to a bigger place.
You can create more space in your home with smart storage systems and efficient tactics that help you declutter and maintain a tidy home. By using interior design tricks, your home can also appear larger than it is. To ensure your property reaches its full potential, here are six space-saving hacks to try.
1. Use multi-functional appliances
Household appliances are often bulky and take up a lot of space. However, by purchasing multi-functional items, you can minimise the devices you need. Here are some examples:
- fridge-freezer
- washer-dryer
- combi-boiler
- shower-bath
- oven with built-in microwave
The boiler replacement company BOXT offers a range of compact combi-boilers, which combines a water heater and a central heating boiler into one unit, eliminating the need for a bulky water tank. To check whether your home is suited to this boiler type, use the website’s ‘find a boiler’ tool.
2. Find hidden storage solutions
Storage furniture, such as bookcases, cabinets, and chest of draws, can occupy a vast amount of space. However, there are plenty of ways to store your items smarter, to create more room while keeping clutter out of view.
You can purchase furniture containing hidden storage features, such as a storage bed and storage bench, instead of occupying additional storage-specific pieces.
3. Utilise available space
Efficiently optimise any storage cupboards or units you have and consider how to take advantage of any unused space. For example, fit hooks onto bare walls and the backs of doors to hang jackets, shoes, bags, and kitchenware, depending on the room’s purpose.
Split up your wardrobe into two levels by installing another rail so you can fit more clothes inside it. Also, opt for floating wall shelves and overhead lamps instead of bookcases and floor lamps.
If your budget allows, invest in made-to-measure furniture to perfectly suit awkward spaces such as alcoves, tight corners, under the stairs, and attics.
4. Buy flexible furniture
Instead of buying furniture that you only use occasionally to permanently take up room, opt for flexible items that you can bring out or adjust only when needed.
If you occasionally host overnight guests, choose a murphy or sofa bed for them to sleep on that you can fold away when it isn’t in use.
Foldaway or extendable desks are great if you sometimes work from home too. Similarly, flexible dining tables will help you seat more guests for special occasions.
5. Create the illusion of space
Mirrors and bright, neutral colours bounce light around your home and open it up, making the rooms appear more spacious. The mirror’s placement can further optimise space illusion, such as if it reflects an outside view. You can also maximise daylight with lightweight and airy curtains.
Avoid busy patterns, and bold colours as this will make your home feel cramped. Instead, opt for a minimalist design. Creating a focal point with a statement piece of art can distract from the limited space as well.
6. Declutter your home
When clutter emerges, you’ll lose valuable space, and your home will appear crowded and smaller than it is. It’s beneficial to have a system in place to help you maintain an organised home, such as list-making, schedules, and delegating chores. Otherwise, a mess can quickly build up.
To help you develop efficient habits, use labels, storage cubbies, draw dividers, and cupboard racks to simplify the process.
If you’re prone to hoarding, go through your clothes, keepsakes, books, collections, and junk drawer, one at a time, and try to remove anything you no longer want or need. It’s easy to become attached to belongings, especially if you’ve owned them for a while, but if they aren’t serving any purpose or providing you joy, it’s probably time to donate or recycle them.
By implementing these space-saving tactics, you can create a more functional and comfortable living space without paying expensive extension or moving costs.