Whether adapting to city-living, downsizing your space, or embracing the tiny-house movement, it may seem daunting to fit your life into a small living space. However, dwelling in small abodes and apartments has become a comfortable possibility amid do-it-yourself trends. Herein you’ll find a shortlist of many simple ways for navigating small-space living.
1. Utilize Vertical Space
It goes without saying that the best way to maximize storage, living, and appliance spaces is to use all of your space where possible. Vertical space is often overlooked in more spacious homes, but going up with furnishings, fixtures, and appliances will allow you to make the most of the space you do have. For example, purchasing a stackable washer and dryer takes up a smaller footprint than the traditional side-by-side model. Another way to use vertical space is to stack affixed shelves for storing books or styling decor.
2. Double-Duty Furniture
Select furnishings that perform double-duty. Multi-functional pieces reduce the number of furnishings you’ll need and will improve the maximization of your small space. For example, a chic trunk poised as a coffee table provides both surface space and storage space. A small kitchen island makes for an excellent counter workspace and a dining table at mealtime. A small pouf ottoman in a living room can provide couch potatoes with a footrest, can be used as an end table for a magazine or beverage, or can even be used for extra seating when company visits.
3. Maximize Bathroom Space
Whether you’re renovating a bathroom or building a new tiny home, bathroom space needs to be functional. One of the coolest fixtures for small bathroom spaces is a toilet and sink combo. These nifty, dual-purpose fixtures combine a toilet and sink in one side-by-side fixture that shares plumbing; when you use the sink to wash your hands, the water is then recycled in the commode. Not only are these combo fixtures space-saving but they’re also water-saving.
4. Hang Large Mirrors
If you’re concerned about the appearance of your living space as much as its functionality, hanging mirrors is your solution. Hanging oversized mirrors or even creating an entirely mirrored wall is an age-old trick that creates the illusion of more space. Hanging a tall mirror in a way that reflects light, maybe facing a window or other light source, can really brighten up a dark, small space.
5. Install Hideaway Furniture
A great way to maintain open floor spaces is by installing built-in hideaway furniture. A Murphy bed in a child’s bedroom is an excellent way to create open areas for playing and building forts. A hideaway desk that folds into a wall will not only neatly store office items, but when not in use, create clear open walkways in your home.
6. Declutter
As you know, accumulating clutter in our homes isn’t hard to do. From magazine subscriptions to unworn clothing and tchotchkes to Tupperware, people are collectors by design. If you feel the walls of your small space closing in on you, it might be time for a Spring cleaning of sorts. Taking the time to assess your belongings, their value and your need for them can be truly enlightening. If you don’t use it, don’t like it, and you don’t have the space for it, let it go.
7. Organize Closets and Pantries
Not only does organizing your space feels rewarding, but it’s a surefire way to make your small space look tidy. Using stylish baskets, acrylic containers, or other small bins to organize closets and pantries will help you to minimize your stuff. Doing so also prevents small-space dwellers from overbuying. For instance, if you know the basket in your pantry labeled “chips” is already full, you’ll avoid unnecessarily buying more chips that you don’t have the space for.
8. Hang Kitchen Gadgets
A great way to make the most of your kitchen cabinets is by hanging gadgets that can be hung. For example, a commercial magnet strip is a great place to hang knives on a wall and a pot rack hung cleverly over an island is the perfect place to store cookware. Not only do these storage hacks look cool, but they also free up cabinet space for other items.
Conclusion
Downsizing or adapting to small-space living may sound intimidating, but by incorporating these tried and true tips and tricks, living in a small space is entirely manageable.