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When you venture out of home for the first time and only have a budget big enough to rent a small space, it can seem discerning. You finally have your freedom, but how can you live with everything in such a small space? You don’t want to feel cramped, but rather have everything you need with space to move.
Luckily, you don’t have to feel too disappointed yet. There are some great ways to maximize a small space with creative and practical solutions. We’re here to help you embrace minimalism, while also giving you some ideas on how to have all your essentials in a smaller area.
Let’s get started!
Embrace minimalism
Have you ever gone through your wardrobe and noticed how there are so many things you don’t wear anymore? However, even though you don’t wear them, you keep telling yourself you will again one day, and therefore keep it there. This is the opposite of minimalism. If this is your way of thinking when you’re living in a small space, you need to switch it over and become more minimalist.
Go through everything you own, in every drawer or cupboard, and declutter the area, ensuring you only keep the essentials. The same can apply to furniture. Will you ever use that step ladder or stool again? If the answer is no, then it’s time to get rid.
Optimize vertical space
Not everything you own or all your furniture needs to sit on the floor. You also have walls in your space that can be utilized. For example (if allowed), you can put up wall shelving to help you hold your books, accessories, or even some decorative pieces. There are different types of shelving units to choose from, so go for the one that best suits your aesthetic.
Alongside shelves, some great hanging storage solutions are also available. If your coats are taking up too much space in your wardrobe for other clothes, you can place a number of hooks on the walls to hold them.
Use mirrors and light colors
Sometimes you don’t necessarily need to get rid of items and furniture, but rather just find a way to create the illusion of a larger space. One of the best ways to do this is by installing mirrors around your living area. For example, a bigger mirror above the main seating area in your living room can make it seem like there’s more space than there is.
Mirrors, light colors, and natural light can help give the impression that you have more room. Paint your walls with lighter tones, from white to beige to eggshell. Also, ensure that your windows aren’t blocked so you have enough natural light coming into the area.
Smart storage solutions
As we move into the modern world, we see much more innovative storage solutions being made available. The great thing about these is that they can help people who live in smaller areas make the most of their space. For example, many pieces of furniture come with built-in storage solutions, such as under the bed or within the sofa.
You can create hidden storage spaces if you need more space for your items. For example, if you have stairs, you can always place some drawers under them or consider purchasing some concealed cabinets. It makes it look like there’s nothing there when there is.
Furniture arrangement
You can’t just place your furniture wherever you want anymore. You need to be tactical about it, especially if you want to make the most out of your space. For example, if you have a sofa, you should never place it at an angle against a corner because you’re covering up a large amount of space you could utilize.
Before you even purchase furniture, ensure you’ve measured your space. You never want to buy something bigger than what can fit. Also, create a floor plan before you arrange everything, such as through an app, so you have a better idea before physically moving the furniture.
Flexible and movable furniture
Not every piece of furniture needs to be out at all times, as well. There are so many foldable products out there, allowing you to make more space when you aren’t using them. For example, you can purchase foldable tables and chairs if you don’t have room for a dining room table. Find a place to put them while they aren’t in use where they are also out of sight, giving you more floor space when you need it.
Modular furniture is also a great idea to consider. These are pieces that can be rearranged. For example. If you don’t have space for a bed and a sofa, you can purchase a sofa bed that acts as two things in one. When you aren’t sleeping and have guests around, you can put the bed away, and no one would be wiser.
Underfloor heating
During the winter months, you want to feel as warm and comfortable as possible. Unfortunately, traditional heating methods like radiators can take up a lot of space in the room. This is a place where you could add another piece of furniture or install shelving to give you more storage space.
Luckily, underfloor heating is an efficient alternative that doesn’t take up any space. The system is installed below the floor’s surface, radiating warmth upwards. It gives you more room for other things and keeps the whole room feeling toasty and comfortable, rather than just one space like a radiator. Ensure you have it installed by trained professionals for the best results.
Conclusion
We all have to start somewhere in life, and when we’re on a budget, we might not be able to afford a massive mansion with lots of space for our stuff. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the best out of your area. By utilizing these tips, you can ensure you’re happy with your living space, have everything you need, and are comfortable at all times.
