Over the years, what seemed like the ideal-size home can eventually feel cramped and small. As your family or lifestyle changes, you might need more space. You may have more kids, relatives moving in, or friends staying over frequently.
Perhaps you now work from home more often and need a dedicated office space. Or maybe you simply want more storage, an oversized kitchen, or a backyard for your dog.
Moving to a bigger home is appealing but not always possible or practical. Maybe you can’t afford a bigger place or love your current neighborhood and don’t want to leave. Whatever the reason, there are ways to make your small home more livable. Here are suggestions.
Expand or Create More Rooms
Increasing the number of rooms in your home, even if small, can make a big difference. It’s an excellent idea when you need more bedrooms, more kitchen space, or a home office.
An easy way to do this is by finishing your basement or attic. If you have an unused closet, you can turn it into a bedroom, office, or playroom for the kids. Contact Cleveland’s top home renovation contractor to help you make informed decisions such as:
- Should you build an addition?
- Can you convert your garage into a living space?
- How much will it cost to finish your basement?
Let the contractor understand your needs, frustrations, preferences, and style. Ask as many questions as you need to. Doing this avoids costly mistakes or redesigns later on.
Increase the Storage
If you don’t have enough storage, it can make your home feel cluttered and small. Get creative with your storage solutions and make the most of your space. Here are some suggestions.
Add Shelves
Install shelving in closets, the garage or even on empty walls. Vertical shelves take up less space than horizontal ones. Get more shelf space by mounting high up on the wall.
Use Baskets and Bins
Use baskets and bins to declutter surfaces and tuck away items. Place them in closets, under the bed, or on shelves. You can also use baskets as impromptu tables. Put a basket between two chairs to create a small side table.
Consider Multifunctional Furniture
Furniture that serves more than one purpose will maximize your space. Look for coffee tables with storage, ottomans that open up, and beds with built-in drawers. More options are becoming available as people downsize and live in smaller homes.
Make the Most of Your Walls
Your walls are an often-untapped resource. Use them to your advantage and free up floor space. Consider hanging items, such as:
- Artwork
- Mirrors
- Shelves
- Hooks
- Curtains
Create A Mudroom
If your home doesn’t have a dedicated entryway, create one with hooks and shelves. It’s a great way to organize outerwear, shoes, and bags. It prevents these items from cluttering up your living space.
Get Creative With Furniture Arrangement
How you arrange your furniture can make a huge difference in how spacious your home feels. Furniture can act as room dividers, even in tiny houses. For example, a couch can delineate the living room from the dining area.
A bookcase can serve as a divider between the kitchen and living room. Don’t block doorways or hallways with furniture. It’ll make your home feel smaller and more cramped.
Utilize the Space Under the Stairs
If you have stairs, use the space underneath them. It’s often wasted but valuable when put to good use. Add shelves, drawers or a small closet. It’s a great place to store things like vacuum cleaners, pet supplies or cleaning supplies.
Create More Open Space
Bring down some walls to create a more open floor plan. It’ll make your home feel bigger and brighter. You can also do this by removing doors to create an open doorway. Replacing a solid door with a sliding door or curtain can also help.
Some options are extending the kitchen into the dining room or living room, or building a more extensive room encompassing the kitchen, dining room and living room. As you do this, you’ll realize your house has more space, and it’s easier to move around and entertain guests.
Lighten and Brighten Your Home
Another way to make your small home feel bigger is by letting in more light.
- Open the curtains and blinds during the day
- Consider adding skylights
- Use lighter colors when painting your walls
- Include more mirrors in your home décor
- Remove items that are blocking windows
Light doesn’t resolve the problem of a small house, but it can make your home feel more spacious and inviting.
Declutter Often
It’s incredible how much stuff you can accumulate over time. Donate, sell, or throw out anything you don’t use regularly. Be ruthless in your decluttering efforts. The more you get rid of, the bigger and more open your home will feel. Plan to carry out the task every few months to keep your home fresh.
If you’ve decluttered but still have many items, rent a storage unit. It’ll give you a place to store seasonal items, holiday decorations and sports equipment. You can easily access these items without taking up valuable space in your home.
Consider a Minimalist Lifestyle
A minimalist lifestyle helps you declutter and simplify your life. It’s a great way to reduce stress and enjoy your life more. When you live minimally, you only own what you need and use regularly.
Everything else is donated, sold or thrown away. You’ll not buy a new item just because you find it on sale or because it’s the latest trend. You will make do with what you have and learn to appreciate the simple things in life.
However, living minimally doesn’t mean living in a bare, sterile home. It means you carefully select each item you own and ensure it has a purpose. You surround yourself with things you love, and that makes you happy. It’s tough letting go of things, but it’s worth it when you see how much better you feel.
You Might Not Need a Bigger Space After All
Knowing that there’s a lot you can do to make your home more comfortable and functional is fulfilling. You’ll not have to start budgeting for a move you’re not ready for. Work with experts, consider your current and future space needs, and make the most of your home. You’ll soon realize you don’t need a bigger house; you just need a more innovative way of living.