Making the Most of a Smaller Space: Tips for Downsizers

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With the price of energy, food and fuel starting to pinch, many are looking at ways to make their money go further. One common way to do this is to downsize your home, but this can cause a few problems if you’re not prepared to deal with having less space. When you downsize your home, it’s important to make the most of the smaller space you have, so with a little bit of effort, you can turn a cramped and cluttered house into a cosy and inviting home. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your smaller space.

Get clever with space-saving furniture

A smaller home may not be suitable for larger items of furniture, so it’s important to invest in space-saving furniture instead. Look for pieces that serve multiple purposes, like a sofa that doubles as a guest bed or a coffee table with a shelf underneath. Folding dinner tables can also be handy – they fold out when you want a big family meal, but fold away when you’re not using them. If you’re short on storage, look for furniture with hidden storage, like ottomans with hinged lids or beds with drawers underneath. With a little bit of effort, you can make your small home work for you in all the best ways.

Use self-storage facilities

If you’re downsizing your home, you may not have enough space for your furniture, let alone to store all of your things. This doesn’t mean you have to get rid of everything you love, however. Downsizing often means going without a dining room, for example, but if your dinner table is a family heirloom, you probably don’t want to get rid of it. Instead of throwing out the prized possessions you can no longer fit in your downsized home, use a self storage facility to store large pieces of furniture or seasonal items, like Christmas decorations or winter clothing. This will free up space in your home and give you peace of mind knowing your things are safe and sound.


Declutter

Once you’ve placed everything you can into a Hooksett storage facility, it’s important to get rid of anything that you don’t absolutely need. This will help declutter your home and make it feel more spacious. So, go through your things and decide on what you can live without. Many things are likely to gather dust, and in a smaller home, this can get overwhelming. If you haven’t used it in the past year, chances are, you don’t need it. Get your kids to go through their stuff too – you’ll be surprised at the number of toys they no longer want or play with. This should help to keep the house tidy, which will be harder when there are fewer places to shove things out of the way.

Choose the right paint

Paint colours can have a big impact on the feeling of a room, so when you’re downsizing your home, it’s important to choose the right shades. If you want a small space to feel bigger, go for light and airy colours like white or cream. For a cosier feel, try warm colours like red or yellow, and if you want a more inviting atmosphere, go for bolder hues like green or blue. Dark colours can make a room feel smaller, so save these shades for the bedroom where dark colours can aid sleep. Ceilings, unless you’re feeling brave, should also always be painted white to give rooms more height. With a little bit of effort, you can use paint to transform the feeling of your smaller home, so you’ll hardly even notice the size difference.

Plan room arrangements carefully

In a smaller home, you’ll need to get creative with your furniture arrangements. Look for ways to maximise the space you have, and if possible, try to keep the flow of your space open and unobstructed. Don’t block doors or thoroughfares and be aware that furniture legs can pose as trip hazards if placed in the wrong place. You can also create the illusion of more space by using furniture with sleek lines and light colours, so stay away from ornately carved, dark wood.

Conclusion

Downsizing your home can be a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity to declutter your life and make the most of your smaller space. By following these tips, you can make your small home feel like your own personal oasis, even if each room is on the small side.