Most homeowners realize how quickly living circumstances can change. The “free” space in your home you didn’t know what to do with when you first moved in is now nowhere to be seen. And so, how can you ever find more functional space?
Some people start a family soon after moving in and require more living space. Others may launch a small business and need room for a home office. Lifestyle habits can also change over time and push some owners to, for instance, dedicate a space for a gym or require a larger dining area to entertain guests. But regardless of how big or small your home is, it seems like, eventually, everyone runs out of space. Even in a city like Billings, Montana, where the average square footage of homes is above the national average, a lack of usable free space often becomes problematic.
So, if you, too, are looking to create more space in your home, first figure out what you need it for. Knowing your circumstances and preferences and using these seven helpful tips below can make the entire process effortless and efficient.
1. Declutter and organize
The first rule to creating more space is to get rid of stuff you no longer need. Go through all your belongings and sort out whatever you haven’t used in the past six months. Pack boxes of old clothes, shoes, furniture, or any knickknacks you have, and consider donating them to a shelter or an organization of your choice. If you need something later, secure it in a container and keep it away from everyday items.
In northern metropolises like Billings, MT, where weather conditions can be extreme during the winter, you’d probably want to be more careful storing your valuable things. For items requiring larger space, consider renting any of the storage units Billings, MT, has since these come with automated access, a security system, and even video surveillance.
2. Make use of vertical space
Another practical tip for freeing up room in your home is to use your vertical space. By using shelves, cabinets, or other tall storage solutions that extend upwards toward the ceiling, you can maximize storage space while using less of your floor area.
For example, consider installing tall shelves or cabinets on the walls if you have a small room with limited floor space. This allows you to store items such as books, clothing, and other supplies without occupying the floor. Similarly, in a kitchen, you can hang pots and pans or install shelves for dishware to free up counter and cabinet space.
Additionally, loft or bunk beds are perfect for maximizing bedroom space, especially for children. Since kids need plenty of room to play around or to study, using vertical space to free up their room is an excellent idea.
3. Hang mirrors
Interior designers often use mirrors to decorate a room since they create symmetry and balance the place. Besides being beautiful decorative pieces that bring sophistication to any room, mirrors can create the illusion of more space.
For example, hanging up a mirror on your walls allows the natural light coming into the room to reflect off it. This makes the room look more spacious and brighter than it is. This idea is especially useful in rooms with low light, such as a basement or those without windows.
Additionally, if you place a mirror in narrow hallways, it creates an illusion of depth and can make the area seem larger.
4. Make a room multifunctional
Sometimes the best way to free up more space is to work smarter and use a single room for multiple purposes. A multifunctional room can work as an office and a gym, or a kitchen and a laundry room, and so on. This idea allows you to be creative to maximize each area’s potential space and use it to your advantage. Suppose you want to divide a room physically. In that case, you can use dividers, cabinets, and storage shelves for more practical use and to create privacy if two people share the same room.
However, while a divider lets you separate the room, it makes the space feel more cramped. And so, you might instead want to consider creating zones, each for a specific purpose. For example, you can place rugs or cushions to make an area more suitable for sitting. In another corner, you can keep a study table and lamp, allowing you to work in the same room but with its designated space.
5. Use outdoor living space
Creating more room in your home can be even more exciting if you’re lucky enough to have an outdoor living space. You can use this area to set up a comfortable sitting area with outdoor furniture, rugs, and cushions. Whether it’s for relaxing, entertaining guests, or simply reading a book – this can be a great nook to do it all.
You can also create an outdoor dining space by placing tables and chairs, freeing some room inside the house. Additionally, you can allot a separate play area for children, including a playhouse, swings, or even a sandbox. This space can also be handy for setting up an outdoor exercise area, giving you plenty of room to keep your gym equipment.
6. Rearrange your furniture
You’d be surprised to learn how much more space you can create simply by rearranging your furniture. You can start by placing the larger pieces against a wall for more open floor space. Consider removing furniture that’s uncomfortable, bulky, and isn’t all that necessary in the room. For instance, if you have a large coffee table that takes up a lot of space, you might want to replace it with smaller side tables.
Investing in multifunctional furniture can also be helpful since it can serve multiple purposes without additional space. For example, get coffee tables or ottomans with storage pockets, or buy a sofa bed that you can lay out for an overnight guest.
7. Pick the right storage products
Although storage products like boxes, shelves, cabinets, and dividers allow you to organize better and create spaces, their wrong fit can worsen the situation. They make a dead space if they’re too big or small to place inside your closet or drawer or wherever you want to put them. Due to this, too many awkward spaces get created that neither have practical use nor can be covered. The best way to avoid this is by carefully measuring your storage spaces and buying only the products that perfectly fit them.
Conclusion
Running out of space is bound to happen at some time or another. Whether it’s because you’ve put off decluttering for too long, rethinking your living arrangements, or want to take up a new hobby—no one’s immune to it. Fortunately, you can still get around this problem and find the perfect solution. And while it may seem impossible at first, some clever maneuvering and these tips to guide you can quickly help create more space in your home.
