Smart Ways to Create More Space

Whether you are a single person in an apartment, a couple just starting a family, or a family with 4 kids with all of their possessions, most of us feel we need more space in our homes. Today let’s discuss planning your space to provide more storage for your family’s needs. Here are six ways to create more space for your family to make your home more comfortable. 

  1. Declutter the home 

The first step to make more storage space in your home is to get rid of stuff you’re not using. This requires decluttering and cleaning up your home. A tidy house means less clutter on the floor and good organization. According to a survey, one in every four US households has a clutter problem. The best method to declutter your home is to go room by room. Break up large or complicated rooms into zones to help you stay organized. Sort the clutter into items for throwing away, selling, or donating the things you no longer use. Personally I often put unwanted items by the sidewalk, and they are gone in a few hours. See Create More Space by De-cluttering for more information.

  1. Under stairs storage

If you have a two story house, you might have the ideal solution with unused space under the stairs. Bob Vila has a great article, 17 Uses For The Space Under The Stairs. He provides creative ways to transform that area. First consider how that area was constructed and what kind of storage you need. From a closet to drawers, or even a reading nook there are many ways to transform unused space into real living space.

  1. Choose and rearrange your furniture 

Small spaces are greatly impacted by your furniture choices and furniture arrangement. For instance, consider the traffic flow into a room. The way you position your living room couch may not allow for optimum movement between rooms. If you open the front door and walk in with a view of the back of couch, you immediately feel the room is small. It is better to come into the room with an open space to greet you. When you are buying furniture, choose low profile sofas which are very popular now. Visually a low profile sofa seems smaller than an overstuffed piece. Also look for pieces with a little leg showing. When buying furniture, look for multi-purpose pieces. I love furniture with hidden storage like benches and ottomans. No room for a table in the kitchen? Try a murphy bar that attaches to the wall. Bring it down for company and fold it away when not in use. Use vintage painted suitcases for attractive storage. Then it’s part of the decor as well as useful.

  1. Choose better storage solutions

Plan your storage where there is a place for everything. If you need to pack out of season items, use clear plastic storage boxes. Then you can see what’s inside without opening a box. Group like items in the same area whether the box is in a closet or in the attic. Labels for the boxes can be printed using my Seasonal labels. For storing current items, decorative baskets and bins are great for living spaces where you want attractive and functional storage solutions.

  1. Use your attic

If you have a real attic (I have a crawl space), you have a golden opportunity to add square footage to your home. Whether you need a bedroom, office, or just a clean storage area, what you accomplish depends on the physical layout currently and your budget. Adding an extra room adds value to your home because the square footage of living space increased. You need to check with local code for the minimum amount of space in a bedroom and if a window is required. Most cities require a closet as part of a bedroom definition. Not enough room for a bedroom and closet? Make an office.

  1. Consider moving

According to ATTOM Data Solutions, homeowners stay in a house about eight years on an average. One of the typical reasons families sell their properties is because they have outgrown them. Choosing whether to renovate your home or relocate is a challenging decision. Many of us homeowners would rather move than endure living with a renovation. If a change of employment requires relocating, finding a long distance moving firm will be necessary. Do your homework on types of housing and what will be best for your needs.

The above tips are a good place to start in maximizing your space. You must figure out the best way to help your family flourish based on your unique needs. Thanks for the visit!

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Carol

I was raised in Tennessee but have lived in Florida for many years. Love my small home in the Tampa Bay area and its developing garden. My decorating style is eclectic - some vintage, some cottage, all with a modern flair. Pursuing a healthier lifestyle. Spent many years in social services but am happily retired.

9 thoughts to “Smart Ways to Create More Space”

  1. I was shocked that people stay in a home only eight years average. I’ve been here for close to 30; same for Rick, and the neighbor next door since 1965! I wonder how much the numbers are skewed by families who outgrow their homes as they have more children or the kids get older. If I had a two story house, I’d love that under-stair pull-out unit. That’s pretty brilliant!

    1. Remember that 8 years is an AVERAGE number of years. Some folks move frequently and some folks stay 30 years. This number also includes folks who lose jobs and houses. I read yesterday that another source thinks it’s 12 years. I’ve been in my home for 12 years. Guess I’m average.

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