When relocating to another place, homeowners usually want their new house to be larger than the previous one and spacious enough to store their belongings. Unfortunately, 33% of homeowners [GW1] end up moving to a smaller residence with less space for their valuables (unless they’ve decluttered before relocating).
However, this shouldn’t discourage you from switching homes; with some ingenuity and creative skills, it is possible to create more functional space in your new home. Instead of renting expensive storage units in your new home (paying extra for secure and climate-controlled facilities), realize your house’s hidden storage potential.
Average US homeowners only use 30% of their homes’ functional space[GW2] . It’s time you figure out how to make your new home more functional and storage-friendly. Can’t come up with nifty design ideas? Here are a few ways you can make use of limited space for your peace of mind:
Get Rid of Clutter
Whenever a newly acquired house feels less spacious and congested to homeowners, their clutter is often the most obvious culprit. For instance, not all Texan houses are of the same size – dwellings in Dallas happen to be 200 feet smaller [GW3] than the ones in Austin. So, the size difference prevents you from using all of your new home’s functional space. Let’s say you’re relocating from Dallas, TX, to Austin, TX, or the other way around. In that case, you should plan your move by:
- Creating an inventory of everything that you own – separating them into different categories as per their perceived importance
- Hire a reliable, BBB-accredited residential moving company in Dallas to help you pack everything up and transport your luggage.
- Declutter your house by donating the non-valuables, selling them, or simply discarding them.
Side Tables Become Seating
Side tables shouldn’t be ornamental pieces just taking up all that precious table without serving any real, practical purpose. Consider purchasing side tables that also double as seating arrangements.
- They can provide extra space when guests come over to attend your housewarming party (and you don’t have enough sofa sets or chairs to accommodate them all)
- Side tables that are designed like stools are much recommended since you can pull them out and use them as additional seating.
Consider Convertible Bedrooms
It’s a no-brainer that bedrooms stay vacant during the daytime. They can be converted into functional spaces easily by using Murphy beds—these fold-up beds free up space for other activities when you hide them from view after sunrise. In the morning, they save you much-needed space in the bedroom area.
Another idea is to choose bedroom designs that blend into cabinetry or wall units for a sleek façade. You may also incorporate built-in storage to organize your bedding and personal items.
Combine Living Room and Kitchen
A typical family spends 68% of its time in the kitchen and the living room. You can easily combine these two spaces after moving into your new home. Design your living and dining room with an open-concept layout in mind. It’ll create a seamless flow between the kitchen and living areas; this method encourages socialization, especially when you have guests visiting. Parents can keep up with the conversation when they’re busy cooking. Also, extendable dining tables and stackable chairs should be used as extra design elements.
Use Modular Loungers
Worried about your furniture taking up too much space in the new home? Here’s what you can do:
- Use modular sofas that can be rearranged into various configurations based on your needs, such as the number of guests visiting currently
- Use furniture pieces with detachable parts; this way, you can separate these loungers easily into smaller pieces when not in use.
- Consider sofas that turn into guest beds or include storage compartments to make them a lot more functional.
Make Use of Vertical Spaces
1 in 2 Americans think that at least one room in their home is so full of clutter that it’s not salvageable. It is, however, possible to salvage such a room with some simple ideas. You can vertically create functional spaces in your new house. Install high shelves on your walls where books usually go or decorative items that would’ve claimed a lot of precious space on your floor otherwise. Use ceiling hooks to hang plants from the ceiling, adding a touch of green to your place without clutter.
Create Indoor Play Areas for Kids
For homeowners (or tenants) with children (or pet animals), creating a “safe zone” for your little ones is yet another smart idea. How about creating designated zones right in the house where kids can play and are miles away from safety hazards? You can create this “playtime area” with lofts or nooks filled with toys and games. Use soft flooring options like foam mats to ensure safety during playtime. Also, put stylish and functional storage bins/shelves so you can tidy up their mess once they doze off.
Integrate a Small Home Office
If you’re working online, this tip is perfect for you. You can easily create a home office in your newly acquired property to work from home in peace.
- Use desks that double as console tables or dining surfaces (this way, they stay usable after work hours)
- Put ergonomic furniture in your designated workspace so you can be productive comfortably.
- Define office areas within larger rooms with rugs or partitions, so you have a workspace to focus on your task assignments.
You Need an Emotional Escape Room
Do you think that your house was perfectly spaciously but somehow shrunk over time? No, you’re not losing your mind if you thought so; that’s how 7 in 10 Americans feel. It’s pretty simple to explain what’s happening here; most people outgrow their living space after a few years. That’s why you should create this very important and functional space in your house, i.e., an emotional escape room. It’ll be:
- A personal retreat for yoga, meditation, reading, or simply quality “me time.”
- You can use a spare room or closet to create this emotional escape room
- Decorate it with soothing stuff like aromatherapy diffusers or plants
To sum it up, turning your new home into a functional, inviting, calming, and clutter-free space is not a hard, impossible goal; it’s perfectly achievable. All it takes is a pinch of creativity and thoughtful yet space-saving planning. A well-organized and multifunctional home not only enhances your daily living but also creates a welcoming atmosphere for guests and relatives.