With space being the most important factor for quality of life in a home, an interior expert shares 10 ways to enhance space in your home without having to break the bank.
Bigger is almost always better when it comes to the home, according to the data. Last year’s US Census Bureau Report indicated that wanting a “better or larger” home is still the most common reason for moving home, accounting for 14.4% of all home moves in 2022.
However, as not everyone has the ability to move home, it indicates that not having enough space is a significant issue among homeowners in general. One survey from Neighbor indicates that one in four Americans outgrow their home within two years. A further 21% say the same at 2-4 years.
“As time goes on, we need more space,” says storage expert Miles Davison. “In some cases, it’s because we have a growing family that we need to accommodate, or it might because we gather more stuff, or simply that we find we want more space to meet our changing lifestyle needs.”
Miles Davison, a storage expert at self-storage software company Storganise, has put together a host of actionable tips to help people find the additional space that their homes may afford, rather than having to look for new properties. The tips are as follows:
- Use Multifunctional Furniture:
Many types of furniture, such as ottomans or beds with drawers, offer additional storage space while taking up as much space as similar pieces of furniture, and can reduce clutter. - Use Vertical Storage Solutions:
Tall shelving units and wall-mounted storage options maximize storage space without taking up floor space. - Use Wall-Mounted Furniture:
Other wall-mounted (or ‘floating) furniture, like nightstands, desks, and sinks in the bathroom allow room for storage beneath. - Reduce Clutter With Moveable Storage:
Movable storage items such as wicker baskets and storage boxes help keep items out of sight and can be placed wherever is convenient. - Install Sliding Doors:
Sliding doors on storage furniture take up less floor space, allowing rooms to feel less cluttered. - Use Built-In Shelving:
Building in storage to the walls of the home frees floor space and can make use of odd spaces that otherwise go unutilized. - Choose Foldable Furniture:
Compact furniture can be tucked away when not in use. Foldable tables and chairs are especially useful for multipurpose rooms. - Use Light Colors On Walls And Ceilings:
These reflect light and help a space feel much more open and airy. - Place Mirrors Strategically:
Mirrors reflect light and create an illusion of more depth and space in a room. - Keep Your Furniture Low:
For any furniture on the floor, keeping a low profile increases wall space and makes ceilings appear higher.
“In some cases, you may need to move home,” says Davison. “If you really can’t free up some room in the home, it may be your online option. However, most people just decide to move without even trying to make use of the space they have first. I hope these tips help them find more budget-friendly options first.”