Ideas For Maximizing Your Space

If you're living in a small space, you may find yourself tripping over things from time to time. That's why it's important to be creative about finding storage.

Let your furniture multi-task for you:

One idea is to choose furniture that also acts as storage space. Bench seats and otomans often feature a hinged lid that opens to reveal a nice amount of storage space. These can hold blankets, toys, books or whatever you need them to.

Choose a bed that has built in drawers underneath it, like a captain's bed. If that's not practical, purchase storage totes that fit under your existing bed. These are great for storing out of season clothes or accessories that you only need for special occasions.

If you're a single person living in a bachelor suite, consider a day-bed. These are designed to masquerade as couches during the day but are big enough for one person to sleep on comfortably. Just be sure to make it neatly and keep your bedding clean.

When it comes to appliances and cookware, think minimalist. Nothing clutters a kitchen counter and cupboards more than fad appliances. However, if there's a tool out there that truly does five jobs, and does them well, it might be worth investing in. But then you need to get rid of the things it replaced. Otherwise, choose one type of blender that works for what you like, and just say no when gift givers try to give you novelty appliances.

Make space where once there was none:

If you are in dire need of a cabinet in your bathroom or bedroom, but having something sticking out from the wall is going to make your already small space feel downright claustrophobic, build one right into the wall. There should be about 6 inches of space inside a wall that can be utilized, especially if it is a wall with plumbing, as these tend to be slightly wider.

If you have stairs in your home, what is under them? Some homes have great storage closets under their staircase, perfect for the vacuum and other cleaning supplies, tools, or even out of season foot-wear. If you are really tight for space, you can even use the staircase itself as a bookshelf. I don't mean the stairs themselves, but the space between and under each one. This works best on open staircases. The shelf is built in behind them and instead of open space between each step you can see the book's spines.

Make what you have disappear when you don't need it:

I'm not talking magic, just a simple drop-leaf table could make all the difference in your dining/living area. Open up the leaves when you have dinner, drop them down and move it to the side to do your daily yoga.

A murphy bed is probably a must-have if you live in a bachelor suite. A built-in one folds right up into the wall, but you can buy them for existing rooms, too. They look like a large cabinet with shelves flanking double doors that open to reveal your folded up bed.

However you decide to maximize your space, remember to think outside, or in this case maybe inside, the box. Be creative and have fun!

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