 This month JAM Organizing presents another informative article from a guest blogger. Enjoy! As populations rise, living costs can skyrocket, leaving many of us looking for ways to afford a decent lifestyle with a budget that doesn't stretch as far as it may have stretched previously. One of the most common solutions is downsizing and moving into a smaller, less expensive home. (Read more about downsizing here.) Living in a small home may leave you feeling a bit claustrophobic, and finding places for your belongings in a smaller space can be challenging. Try these ideas to help you feel at home despite the limited space! 1. Get Small & Foldable Furniture PiecesThe first thing to do to maximize space in your home is to make sure the size of your furniture works in the new space. Smaller, lighter pieces are a great option if you want a more airy and spacious atmosphere. Smaller couches that take up less room, smaller kitchen tables and chairs (or opting for stools you can pull up to the counter), and even smaller frames for pictures and artwork can help open up the space. The most important thing is to focus on the size of the space you're in now. What you perceive as "small" may still be too big for your home. Comfort is also important. If it's too small to use comfortably, it doesn't matter whether it "fits" the space. Take measurements of your furniture pieces and the available space in your home before you shop, and if you're really stuck, speak with a designer who can help find the right sized pieces for your new home. Aside from smaller pieces, foldable or collapsible furniture is worth considering. Folding furniture is perfect for when you need to accommodate more guests or move things around your home while still having adequate space to store them.  2. Multipurpose Items are Your FriendsMultipurpose furniture pieces are versatile and will generally reduce the number of items you'll need in your home. One option is a coffee table that doubles as an ottoman, end tables for the living room, and can be used to display decorations. Instead of a traditional coffee table, consider a larger storage ottoman with a couple of trays. Add a sofa bed or a couple of chairs that convert to beds, and you'll have several potential configurations and functions in just one room.  3. Use Your Walls And CeilingsAside from your home's floor area, look up. Using vertical space will truly maximise the available space in your home. Use walls and ceilings to display artwork, hang shelves for decorations, cabinets and wall racks for extra storage, and much more. Instead of massive entertainment centres and TV stands, consider mounting your entertainment system against a wall in the living room, above your fireplace, or on the ceiling using the appropriate mounts and brackets.  4. Store Your Non-Essential Items In Self StorageSelf storage offers another solution to your limited living space. They're designed to store items that would otherwise be taking up valuable real estate in your home. Storing seasonal clothing and decorations, furniture, sports equipment, and more in a storage unit gives you more space to live and move while providing peace of mind knowing your items are safe and secure. To best protect your belongings, make sure the storage company you choose offers:
Self storage facilities are plentiful, and you should have no problem finding one close to where you live, work and play. So you'll always have access to your items whenever you need them. If you are considering self storage, always remember to compare at least three storage companies in your area. WhatStorage, a marketplace for self storage in Leicester, London, Glasgow, Bournemouth, and many other cities in the UK, advises its customers: "Aside from the storage costs, you must also compare unit sizes, location, amenities, proximity to your home, and even its insurance and liability policies to get the best deals possible." 5. Declutter Your Belongings RegularlyThe secret to organization and making the best use of limited space is decluttering. Decluttering will let you see which items are essential and which can be discarded without regret, helping you keep your home tidy and clear. Decluttering is an important habit to help keep your home tidy and free of unnecessary items. If you are having a hard time letting go of your belongings, learn more about the Declutter Struggle and why you can’t seem to let go.  6. Make Your Home Visually SpaciousSimply put, an open space looks more spacious than a cluttered one, and furniture placement can make a huge difference. Furniture with exposed legs, reflective surfaces, and light colour schemes help create the illusion of more space. So, are you ready to get started on your plan for designing a space-saving home? It's easy to do and will save you time and money in the process! You will also want to check out these tips on How to Make Your New House a Home. AUTHOR BIO This article was written by Michaela Pinga of WhatStorage. Michaela, who has since rediscovered her love for writing, has a degree and went to school for digital filmmaking. In her free time, Michaela enjoys consuming an alarmingly large amount of pop content in the form of books, TV shows, films, music, and many others. Happy Organizing!  
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AuthorI'm Jen, a professional organizer ready to help you take charge of your space, free up your time, and lead a more organized life! (Read more about me here) Archives
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