It’s not always the case, but when one wants to create more space in their home, moving isn’t an option. As reported in a recent article in the Telegraph, most Brits can’t afford to move on and up. In fact, spending a lot of money on space-saving ideas is generally not an option, because if you’re looking for space, you most likely can’t afford much.
But in this tech-savvy age of the Internet, there are blogs and websites that offer new ways to get more out of your space. When you own your home, you can install shelving and wardrobes and all the clever ideas explored in the design blog dedicated to saving space, Apartment Therapy. But for renters, it’s hard to find a solution that you can bring with you and won’t damage the property, in this case a blog is like the campus can help, as the suggestions are designed for students in hostels on a budget.
There are some innovative designs out there that are made precisely for the purpose of saving space, but they can be very expensive. It’s nice to dream about those smooth lines, curves, and glossy surfaces, but for most of us, it’s hard enough to find enough money in your bank account to spend on second-hand bookshelves, let alone invest in designer furniture. .
So where to go from here? It’s a tough economic climate out there and most of us are struggling to stay afloat, but there are solutions to the financial and spatial challenges. It’s all about thinking outside the box, to fit as much as you can into the box.
The space in between
Tenants can’t paint walls, add hooks, install shelving, or do the simple things some homeowners take for granted. It’s not as easy to find space-saving advice for renters as it is for homeowners who can add shelving here and under-stairs storage there and voila, all their problems are solved.
For renters, it’s all about making use of spaces you didn’t even know were there, like under beds, wasted corners, and learning better closet arrangements.
In the bedroom
Flat plastic boxes that fit under the bed are ideal storage areas for renters. With the lid on you will keep dust out and you can store things like bed linen, shoes, papers and documents, even things like clothes you have stored away for the season. Removing these everyday items from sites can open up space by simply removing unwanted clutter.
For kids, cabin beds that they can play with and even store things like books, clothes and toys are the best solution for tiny bedrooms. Brand new, these beds are very expensive, but buy used Gumtree or eBay can save up to 80 percent.
For those who don’t have a closet, clothes racks are a great way to hang clothes and save space. Cheaper brands will buckle under the weight of even a modest wardrobe, so buy something sturdy. If you have the space, hang up a canvas shoe rack and get some sneakers on that floor.
Kitchen and laundry
Kitchen cabinets and even stools can hold twice the amount of space simply by purchasing freestanding shelving from a number of home and hardware stores. These storage solutions are usually very cost-effective and allow you to store more items in your cupboards, whether it’s cans and jars, or plates and cups.
Instead of cluttering a small bedroom with clothes baskets, invest in hanging cloth sacks that will sit on the wall or on hooks and restore your floor space.
Online you can buy racks specially designed to hang irons and even boards. This shelf can be mounted on the wall, or hung above the door.
Below and above
The corner can be filled with shelving units you can get from places like Ikea or Muji. A simple stack of hollow cubes can work wonders and store anything from winter accessories, office stationery, china and dishes for special occasions or simple household items that don’t have a home. If they are obvious, buy some sliding boxes to keep your pieces looking neat.
Under the stairs can be used with some smart shelving steps that match the angle of the stairs. Under the bathroom sink can be utilized with shelves that encircle the base.
Above the door is an underutilized area in most homes. On the back of the door you can buy kits that hang shirts, shoes, towels, and laundry baskets, or even caddy that holds everything from jewelry to spices.
With a few simple and cost-effective purchases, you can transform your home from a cluttered mess into a sprawling paradise. By making effective use of the empty space around your home and your furniture, you can create a more spacious and organized home.
Jessica Bourne has established herself as an in-demand journalist on personal finance, budgeting and money-saving topics. Among other things, he often wrote for budgeting category of the eccount money blog. Follow him GooglePlus and stay up to date with his latest posts.
