
Once you've lived in your home for a while, it's easy for things to get a little cluttered. Your home might feel a bit cramped, but there are plenty of ways to maximize the space you have. Follow these four tips to expand your home's living space:
1. Use Storage
If you feel like you're running out of space, it's probably because a lot of your belongings are out in the open where you can see them. This creates the illusion of a smaller space because it is cluttered. One way to easily fix this problem is to buy storage containers and use them effectively. Be sure to label them so you don't forget what's in them.
Storage furniture is a great option, too. A statement chest or ornate bookshelf is a great way to save space and decorate your living room. Storing items under your bed is another great way to keep your room tidy.
2. Take Advantage of the Outdoors
Make use of what outdoor space you have to expand your home's square footage. Whether you have a small garage or a big backyard that isn't being used to its full potential, you can transform your outdoor space to look great and make your home feel larger.
If you have a garage that mostly stores your things, clean it out and convert it into an outdoor room. Add insulation so the temperature stays regulated and bring in adequate lighting. This gives you an extra room in the house for when guests come over.
Do some work on your patio and yard to open it up. Put down paving stones on your patio to make it look luxurious and sophisticated. Invest in new patio furniture that fits your space and has plenty of seating options. Add grass to give it an open and natural feel and plant flowers, bushes, and trees to give your yard some color.
3. Install Shelves
Shelves are great for storing books, knickknacks, pictures and other items. The most wasted space in a home is usually the vertical space, so install shelves to get more things off the floor. Don't be intimidated by the installation process, either. All you need to do is choose the style of the shelf you want, find the studs in your wall and drill the shelf standards where the studs are located.
4. Buy a Coat Rack
Invest in a coat rack to hang all your coats and jackets on. They don't take up much space but do wonders when it comes to organizing your clothes. Don't be worried about it appearing messy because you'll always be putting on and taking clothes off as you walk in and out the door. Place it near the door so it's easy to access right before you go out and right when you get in. This way you don't have the temptation to scatter your clothes on your furniture and throughout the house.
I love use fun storage solutions for small spaces. I try to buy decorative storage so it is s double win.