Whether you’re a recent empty-nester or downsizing from a larger home, maximizing the space in your current abode can be a challenge. After all, who doesn’t want more space in their home? Nobody, that’s who!
It appears every day that we are forced to confront the fact of needing more room. Whether it’s because our families are growing or because we just have too much stuff, the need for more space is real! So, here’s what you can do to maximize space in your home.
Get rid of the clutter, you hoarder!
We understand and feel some (read all) your purchases hold sentimental value. Some things are impossible to let go of, no matter how much you need the space in your home. However, there are times when we must face the music and accept that enough is enough!
It’s time to put some tough love in action if you’re finding yourself overwhelmed by all of your stuff. Sort through everything and put aside items that hold sentimental value. Everything else can be sold at a yard sale or donated – unless there is something precious, in which case, sell it on eBay or craigslist.
The goal here is to give away unused items and make money off them, which you can use to spruce up other areas of your house with new decor purchases like shelves for more storage.
If you don’t want to sell or give up your treasured collection, consider renting extra storage. A quick search with a local string can help you find extra space to keep your precious belongings near home. For example, if you live in the capital city of Washington state, Google’ Olympia storage units‘ and browse available options. Repeat the same for any city you live in, and voila! All it takes is selecting the right type and size, and your valuable clutter (no, really) will have a new home.
You have stairs – use them
Stairs aren’t just for going up and down your home. You can build storage under them and hide it behind a door that looks like part of the staircase! Creative, isn’t it? For example, if you have a growing love for new shoes every week, you can build a shoe rack under your stairs. Stairs also make a great storage space for your wine collection too. You know you have one! Just put in a wine rack, and voila! Instant storage that doesn’t take up any valuable floor space.
If you have pets, then the storage area under your staircase makes a great play area for them to just laze around in when they are tired of looking at the same four walls all day long (don’t we wish our rooms were that big!).
Hacks for your bathroom
Custom shower door options are also important because they increase the value of your home. Bathrooms tend to be very small in size, and with all those shower gels & shampoos cluttering up your vanity, it looks even smaller. So what do you do? You get creative!
Buy clear containers and store everything from soap to shampoo in these bottles. And sort them in shower caddies (how handy, good job, human!). It is a perfect way of making it look aesthetically pleasing while saving up on space.
Use a ladder as a towel rack. It will not only look fantastic in your bathroom, but it is practical at the same time. Get different colored towels to add some life to your bathroom, and you are good to go.
Clutter-free living room
That’s one room where you spend a hell of a lot of time of your day. Plus you need space to keep your books and magazines. And what if it’s not enough?
Simple, get a stylish desk with lots of drawers. You can store everything in there, from stationery to office documents and even personal diary entries (no one will dare peek into those!).
And while at it, don’t forget the ever so handy magazine holder. It saves up on space perfectly well and gives easy access too. Who says practicality can’t be beautiful?
Another clever trick is to mount your TV on the wall or get an entertainment console with cabinets and shelves for extra storage. We are certain a PlayStation lover came up with the idea.
Use your kitchen to the fullest
Humans love stacking kitchen cabinets with all sorts of crockery, appliances, and snacks. Even if you don’t have the luxury of a walk-in pantry, there are still ways to make the most of your kitchen’s space.
Install some organizers and hooks on the inside of cabinet doors for spoons, ladles, whisks, and other small utensils. It will clear up counter space and give you easy access to these items when you need them. If you’re short on drawers, invest in good quality stacking baskets or bins which can hold lots of different things like fruits, vegetables, grains, etc. You can hide these baskets when they’re not in use.
The walls are your friend
Your walls are like the awkward, nerdy kid in school who gets straight A’s, but no one talks to him because he’s just not cool. But you should make friends with him because he has a lot of things to offer.
For instance, did you realize you can utilize your walls for storage? There are all sorts of shelves and racks that attach quickly and discreetly to your walls, giving you more storage without taking up any floor space at all. Book lovers, unite! These walls have a few sneaky ways of storing your treasure!
Don’t forget the garage
If you’re like most people, your garage is a dark and scary place filled with spiders and cobwebs. But it doesn’t have to be. You paid for that space, so put it to use! Clean out the junk (think yard sales or eBay), rent some shelving units from U-Haul, or buy them yourself if you think you’ll use them long-term.
Shelving in your garage can help you organize your home and free up some much-needed space. You can also buy a few hooks to hang tools or anything else you need easy access to.
Conclusion
Space is a premium, and you know it better than anybody out there. You have to get creative with how you use your space. There are a million different methods to improve the value of your house, so don’t be shy about experimenting! Above all, keep your sense of humor throughout it all – because when things get tacky (and they will), laughter is the greatest remedy.