Is your property getting too small for you? Perhaps you have a growing family or you just need more space to accommodate a home office setup?
The obvious idea may be to move to a larger property, however, the present economic situation with increased mortgage rates means that the prospect of moving home can be very expensive indeed, so a simpler and cheaper alternative is to make the most of your existing home to increase space and make it feel less of a squeeze.
The cheapest way to start is to declutter. Most of us never stop to recognise how much ‘stuff’ we accumulate over the years. Take some time to take an inventory and decide what you can put into a car boot sale and how much can be taken to the tip. Rationalising your belongings will free up a lot of space and make you wonder why you did not do it before.
Here are a few suggestions for where to maximise the space you have:
Use Under Stair Storage
Lots of people have made the move to storing their things under the stairs with built-in cupboards and storage units. Depending on what you plan to put away in there can determine how you build the space. For example, if you are storing blankets, towels and bedsheets, you could consider using pull out shelves for easy access.
Use Multifunctional Furniture
Multifunctional furniture is a great way to create space in smaller rooms. For instance, if you have no room for a permanent table in the kitchen, then consider using a drop down table with space for kitchen utensils. Another multifunctional option to use are Ottoman style storage units, these can come in many formats, including under bed storage.
Use Your Attic Space
Attics can be renovated into extra rooms. A loft conversion can add one to two more bedrooms depending on how large of a space you have. Not only does this leave you with a bigger home, but it adds value to the property. Have it as a storage space to create more room in the rest of the house, use it as an office or even just as a place to watch TV.
Use Outdoor Spaces & Outbuildings
If your property features outdoor spaces such as garden, this can form an ideal location to maximise your storage. For example, a cycle locker could prove a good, secure solution to avoid bikes cluttering up the hallway or and a well-organised shed or garage with storage racks can help you store more items in the same space to reduce clutter.
