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Eight Space Saving Ideas

In these difficult economic times few of us can afford to up-size our houses, even when our families are growing and somehow we can’t stop accumulating more and more ‘stuff’. We may not be able to conjure up an extra room or two as we’d like, but there are several ways in which we can make space for ourselves and our families, creating a much calmer living space.

1. Clear Out!

It may sound simple, but the best way to clear space is to get rid of stuff! Have a massive clearout, reminding yourself of how good it will feel when all the junk crammed into the back of your cupboards is finally in the bin where it belongs.

2. Multitask

Could your furniture do two jobs at once? Get a coffee table with a magazine rack tucked underneath, a sofa that pulls out to be a bed or a bath/shower combo. It seems that most appliances and furnishings these days are created to serve two functions, and this can be a great space saving idea.

3. Get Creative

A bit of DIY is a not only a great way to save space, but also to save money. Rather than going out and buying a new book case, fixing shelves to a wall frees up floor space, whilst still offering a brilliant storage solution.

4. Utilize

You know those strange places in your house – the nook at the back of the cupboard under the stairs, the top of your wardrobe, that gap behind the sofa? Well these spaces can be filled too – they might not be easily accessible, but they’re an ideal location for seasonal items like wrapping paper and stockings.

5. Hang

If you think about how much floor and counter space is taken up with items, appliances and bits and bobs, compared to how much wall space is left free, it seems as if something could really be done to make this a little more balanced. Perhaps something simple like adding hooks for your pots and pans in the kitchen, or using vertical canvas storage suspended from the ceiling for the clothes that simply won’t fit in your chest of drawers.

6. Neaten

If there are things stacked, tucked and piled around your house, perhaps it’s time for a tidy up. By filing and arranging items in a different way you can free up space, whether this means adorning a window sill with ornaments, rather than a usable surface, or tidying things away into organised boxes.

7. Downsize

If you can’t upsize your house, why not downsize your life? Buy smaller versions of furniture and appliances such as a compact vacuum cleaner, or smaller dining table. Think about where things will go when you buy them; that 68 inch T.V. might be impressive, but is there really space for it?

8. Rearrange

Think about the space you have carefully. Just because your furniture has been in the same place for years, doesn’t mean that is the most effective arrangement. Play around with different layouts and see which feels most spacious.

About The Author of Eight Space Saving Ideas

Nicole is passionate about travelling and healthy life. Read more about Harringay self storage and home organizing tips.

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12 COMMENTS

  • Lindsey G

    I love the “Hang” tip – I need to try to create more space in my kitchen and this might just be the way I can do it!

  • Greta

    I’ve been working on this for a while. It’s so much easier said than done. I just need to let go of the junk like the half a bag of seashells tht I’ll find a use for…SOME day.

  • Amber K.

    I’m so guilty of not clearing out my stuff. The hubs is always walking around with a trash bag asking “can we get rid of this yet?” and I’m always finding an excuse to keep it all.

    • Brandy
      AUTHOR

      Gosh I am the biggest pack rat ever! I am way to sentimental for everything. I want to get one of those scanners because I can’t bear to throw away my oldest’s preschool papers. If I want to keep those you can imagine everything else I can find an excuse to keep.

  • Tazim

    Love the tips – especially the one about downsizing your life. I’m working on some space-saving and organization right now.

    • Brandy
      AUTHOR

      Good luck on the space-saving organization Tazim. I am working on this task right now and it has been a chore that will pay off greatly in the end.

  • Dawn

    I like your idea about using spaces that are you don’t think of. I wouldn’t have thought, necessarily, to put something behind the couch, but that is a great idea!

    Dawn

    • Brandy
      AUTHOR

      In my old house where space was limited I kept my blanket rack behind the couch. Easy access to the blankets for cuddling and a great place to utilize the space. Thank you for stopping by!

  • Tiffany C.

    I’m actually playing around with my living room right now. The way I have it now isn’t working so I’m going to have to continue rearranging.

    • Brandy
      AUTHOR

      Good luck Tiffany. It takes me forever of re-arranging to get things perfect.

  • Jennifer C.

    This post is right on with what I have been working on lately! Thank you!