6 Tips for Making Small Spaces More Livable
The popularity of tiny homes and smaller living spaces has been growing. Statistics show that the tiny housing market will grow at a rate of seven percent over the next three years. It is not a surprise that many are looking to minimize their space and their mortgage and have found that a tiny space is more practical for their lifestyle.
As more and more people reduce their housing footprint, they also need to come up with creative ideas to make the most of their smaller space. Often times this means finding new storage solutions to add dimensions to their space or to declutter. A smaller home doesn’t have to feel crowded, if you plan properly you can make a small space livable. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your space.
Tips to Enhance Your Tiny Area
There are tried and true ways of making smaller spaces more livable. Here are six ways that you can get more from your tiny area.
- Minimize clutter
Nothing can make a person feel more claustrophobic than a mess. Clearing the floors, in particular, can help a small room feel bigger. Use baskets to organize books and other items. Storage solutions should be vertical and preferably open so that doors do not compete for space in a tiny area. Any shelves, cabinets or wall mountings can help you organize and display your prized possessions while adding dimensions to a room. Don’t overlook the back of doors, nooks and other interesting wall spaces that you can make the most of with some strategically-placed shelving. Keeping clutter to a minimum will create a calm climate that is enjoyable to be in. Decluttering can be an exercise in self-discipline but it will be a worthwhile venture.
- Use selective shelving
When you are working with a narrow or small area, reduce your furniture to a few important items. Selecting smaller shelving units or staggering their size will add space to the room without overpowering it. Many shelving units can block the light in a room and make it feel crowded and smaller than it otherwise could be. Choose a single or double shelf unit rather than a larger feature. You’ll be able to use it for storage and still enjoy the room. Another way to make the most of shelving in a small space is to combine cabinet types. Use doors and drawers that open together to add storage and a feeling of space to a room.
- Choose multi-use furniture
When you have a smaller space you need to rely on furniture that can do double-duty. Make use of out-in-the-open bookshelves to add elements and space to a home office. Use side tables with storage shelves underneath, which you can hide with a well-placed decorative skirt. Perhaps a dresser can also serve as a nightstand? Multi-use furniture elements help you make the most of the space you have while adding the extra storage that you need. All you need is a little creative thinking about how to make the most of the furniture you have or are looking to buy.
- Consider a self-storage unit
If you are downsizing or just looking for a safe and reliable way to store valuables, you may want to look into getting a self-storage unit. Because they come in a variety of sizes, including extra small, you can be sure to find one that’s the perfect place to keep your precious items, collectables, or memories tucked away securely. Storage units like the ones at Abacus Self Storage come with personalized site access so you know your belongings are in good hands. Our facility is also climate-controlled so you don’t need to worry about the impact of weather changes on temperature-sensitive items.
- Get rid of stuff
When you are dealing with a small space, the reality is that you will not be able to keep as much stuff as if you had a bigger home. You will need to get back to the basics and only keep what you use on a regular basis. This means, no extra towels, blankets, pots, pans, etc. Keep in mind that many of these items will be kept in open spaces so you’ll want to replace things that are worn out or damaged. One of the best ways to get started is to create a list of the items you have used over the past month. Anything not on the list should be given away or put into long-term storage.
- Divide the space
With small spaces there often feels like there is not much to work with, however, by dividing up the space you have you will find there is more than enough room. By using a bookshelf or other larger storage feature to separate your space, you’ll be able to create two unique environments rather than a single room. This can even count for any storage space you have. Using dividers in cupboards can give you extra space to put your belongings. For example, in a bathroom you can store towels on one side of a cupboard and hygiene items on the other by dividing up the space.
When it comes to making the most out of a small space, storage is key. Whether you opt to repurpose furniture to make it more multipurpose, opt for vertical storage and display features, or decide to store your valuables in a self-storage unit, there are many ways to make the most of a small space.
For more information about self-storage units, call Abacus Self Storage at 289-807-1033 or contact us here.