Tips for Living in Small Spaces

There is the need for extra space in every home; irrespective of the size of the home, the ability to maximize space is always welcome. Companies are downsizing the scope of their operations, homeowners are also going down the same path. Moving into a small home from a large home can be quite frustrating. Most people are usually at crossroads on what to bring with them and what to dispose off. So whether you have just moved out or you’ve just shifted to a posh neighborhood, adjusting to a small space can be quite hectic. The following are a few tips to help you adjust into a small space:
1. Use dual purpose items
Small living spaces necessitate good planning to maximize on the available room. They dictate that at least every item in the house should serve two or more purposes. It is easy to find couches that transform into beds, kitchens that are set in closets, retractable beds and drawers. Even bookshelves can act as partitions.

2. Frequent cleaning
De-cluttering is a very crucial aspect of cramped living spaces. It is advisable to meticulously go through each and every item you possess to determine the ones you need as well as those you don’t. Each unusable item in the house occupies a very useful space. Items can be disposed of by selling, donating or throwing them away. After that, you’ll be amazed at how much space you have freed up.

3. Look for more storage space
In every house, there are some items that are not used everyday, but are important for their occasional uses. These items include seasonal clothing such as mittens and snow boots. Outdoor decorations like external Christmas lights, outdoor furniture and seasonal gear such as fishing rods, ski boots and surfboards also fall into this category. These items are costly, therefore, buying them annually is not a viable option. For this reason, you should have a creative way of getting them out of the way. The walls can provide more space for building storage shelves. The space found under the bed can also provide good options for storage. If these do not work for you, there are several companies offering off-site storage space for a fee.

4. Avoid buying unnecessary items.
If you live in a home with limited space, think twice before spending money on a desk that will eat up valuable space. Regardless of whether you work from home, such purchases are simply not necessary. Consider setting up you workstation on an existing item such as the dining table or on the kitchen work surface. Whenever you buy a new item, get rid of an old one to create space.

5. Shrink your items.
Items such as fridges do not have to be very big when you live alone. If possible, it is advisable to downsize items such as fridges, couches, beds and tables. Smaller furniture can go a long way in making your abode look neater.

Image: Max Touhey for Curbed

Image: 90 sqft, courtesy of Max Touhey

Dobito‘s living room and home office into one 100-sq-ft space.

This semi-circular Wood Wall-mounted Drop-leaf Table saves space. Also, there are no sharp corners to bump into, an issue sometimes in small spaces.

Spare bedrooms aren’t the only spaces that make great home offices. Now a closet, corner, hallway, or even the kitchen island can become the perfect workspace.

Image: BHG

Super narrow consoles, credenzas or wall mounted storage solutions can be both a way to add extra storage to a small home when placed in the hallway, but can also be areas to add art and vignettes to.

Image: happy interior blog

Love the built-ins around the bed. Definitely makes great use of the small space!

Image: Jeanne Finnerty Interior Design

This small living spaceby INT2Architecture, is only 40 square meters and has everything you need.

A smartly designed 362-square-foot bungalow.

Image: good house keeping 

Image: arts and classy