Today, Kacey Bradley has some tips on how to create more space in your home and how to use that space wisely. Take it away, Kacey!
When you first moved into your home — with empty rooms and untouched walls — it may have seemed huge. Then, all your furniture and belongings followed suit, and you realized there wasn’t much space after all.
Most homeowners face this experience, but you don’t have to feel stuck in a home with no storage. Instead, discover a few tricks to rearrange your space and maximize its potential.
1. Invest in Storage Containers
The right storage containers will make or break your household organization. Get them in all different shapes and sizes to match the space you currently have. Think about tiny boxes for your pantry and large bins for decorations you keep in the basement.
The goal is to use these storage containers for years. Don’t purchase the cheapest ones you can find. Something durable and weatherproof is your best bet.
2. Hide Things Under Furniture
You can find traditional storage in bulky furniture, but you can use the area underneath each piece too.
The best space to hide things away is under your bed. Long, flat storage bins and vacuum-sealed bags will make it easy to store clothes, papers, knick-knacks and more. Use bed skirts to complete the look and hide storage underneath.
3. Use an Ottoman
Ottomans are a piece of furniture that people often use to prop their feet up when they sit on the couch. They come in many different styles and you can use them for secret storage.
Don’t worry about adjusting your future budget if you can’t afford one right now. You can always make one at home in a few hours. You’ll need materials like:
- Fabric
- Batting
- Plywood
- Corner blocks
- Foam Cushion
Once you have everything on the list above, you’re ready to get started. Anyone can build a storage ottoman, even if they don’t have woodshop experience.
4. Convert Your Garage
When you first used your garage, you were excited to have a space for your car. Now, it’s likely home to all your outdoor equipment, tools and materials, such as leaf blowers, weedwhackers, nails, duct tape, wood scraps and more.
But you can convert your garage into a living space. After clearing everything out, install an insulated garage door to keep the interior temperature from fluctuating. Then, move furniture in and convert it to a play area or guest room. Put extra belongings in a backyard shed or under the house.
5. Create Vertical Storage
The main issue with storage is that you need floor space to work with. Instead of building out, learn to build up. Vertical storage space is easy to build on your own. Use shelving in your pantry or wire shelves that can be found at most hardware stores.
Even a bookshelf provides more storage space than a single shelf or chest of drawers. Switching everything over to a taller storage unit means you can remove bulky furniture that takes up too much room.
6. Hang What You Can
It’s time to try the magic of hanging your belongings. Most things can be hung on a wall if you have the right tools. Be sure to check that your supplies can hold the proper amount of weight. Otherwise, you’ll end up ripping a hole in your wall.
Some hanging supplies you can choose from include:
- Drywall anchors
- Toggle hangers
- Mirror clips
- Picture cleats
- Gorilla hooks
These will all leave varying sized holes in your wall and support different amounts of weight. Do your research before purchasing supplies to make sure you’ve got the right tools.
7. Renovate Your Attic
If you’re up for a big project, you can always renovate and repurpose your attic for either additional storage or living space. Talk with a contractor to get the specifics for your home.
You may be able to install flooring that can hold furniture and shelving. Since the project won’t be quick, this is a long-term solution. If you don’t use your attic, it’s something to consider.
Start Small at First
As with any change in life, you’ll want to start small and work your way up. Play around with storage containers before moving onto projects like building an ottoman or converting your garage. With time, you’ll find the right solutions to make space in your home.
Kacey Bradley is the blogger behind The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations and cultures, all while portraying her love for the world around her through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts. Along with writing for her blog, she has written for sites like U.S. News, SUCCESS, Ruffled, and more!
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