The house I grew up in and shared with my parents, sister and grandmother was a modest, 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath home that was probably no more than 1500 sq. ft. My sister and I shared a room, and it wasn’t until I was in my early teens that my parents finished off the basement, giving us much needed breathing room. I remember my father spent most weekends doing the work himself, and he did a fabulous job! He added a small kitchen and powder room, as well as space for a full size pool table, family room and dining area. In most ranches, the basements are the same size as the main living area, so converting this space was money and time well spent.
Fast forward to when I moved into my first apartment. I was 22 and it was $175.00 a month, located on the second floor of a cape cod style home. It had one very tiny bedroom that was just big enough for a twin size bed, a living room that was probably no more than 10×12, a kitchen and one bath. The kitchen was by far the largest room in the apartment. It spanned the full length of the house and was probably around 20×12. It was in my first apartment that I cut my teeth on learning how to make the most of what space you have, and I’d like to share some of what I’ve learned with you.
Tip #1
Forget about what something is called and think instead how else it may be utilized. Why not use a bookcase as a room divider, an armoire as a bar, entertainment center or craft center. And how about a baker’s rack as an open pantry?
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With the addition of casters, drawers from an old dresser can be used for under-the-bed storage (I suggest covering them with a towel or plastic to avoid getting dust on your clothes). If you have a small bookcase, put it on its side and use it the same way. Instant dividers!
One of the most useful piece of furniture I’ve ever purchased was a captain’s bed. It utilizes the real estate under the bed brilliantly, providing enough storage in most cases to store a full season’s worth of clothing and more.
Tip #2
If a piece of furniture doesn’t quite work in one room, try it someplace else. A small dresser, with a few easy tweaks, can become a kitchen work station. A storage ottoman or chest at the foot of the bed can serve you well as bench type seating in your entry way, or even a coffee table in your family room.
Tip #3
Consider multi-functional pieces. Modular sectionals can be arranged in many different ways to suit your living space. If you don’t have enough room for all the pieces, maybe they can be used in your bedroom or den as an ottoman or chair.
Have you seen the sleeper chairs or sleeper ottomans? They are fabulous for providing a place for guests if you don’t have a dedicated guest room.
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One of my favorite space savers are nesting tables. They can function as nightstands, a place for snacks or a quick game of checkers.
Tip #4
Utilize all available closet space. Just say ‘no’ to sliding or bi-fold doors and use the back of your closet door in your bedroom for storing accessories or shoes. In the pantry, use the back of the door by purchasing a clear shoe holder and store small items such as snacks, tea/coffee, baking items, spices. The list is endless. I would be lost without mine!
Tip #5
Look up! Install a shelf on top of your bathroom door and you instantly have a place for extra toiletries or towels. Areas that are not as easy to reach are also perfect for storing out of season items. Here’s a great example of utilizing vertical space wisely. If your toilet is near a wall, the narrow space between it and the wall can be used for convenient shelving as well.
It’s no coincidence that there’s a ton of information now about small space living. Many people are tired of the McMansions of the 90’s and the extra maintenance and costs they entail and are looking to downsize and live more frugally. How about you? Do you prefer larger or smaller homes?
For more ideas on organizing and ideas for small spaces, go here, here or here.
Want a look at some small space furniture innovations? Click here.
Cheryl @ The Creative Me and My McG says
great post with some really good ideas…we are looking to downsize (very soon I hope) and these are all good suggestions no matter what size your house is!
Brenda Callis says
I enjoyed reading these ideas. It is so easy to think that there is no solution but there often is. I loved your nesting tables picture. They’re so pretty and probably expensive, but would get so much use around our house.
Cindy Eikenberg says
Doreen, these are all great suggestions and ideas! I love the idea of installing a shelf above the bathroom door. It seems like no matter how much space I have, it’s never enough (caused, I’m sure, by the fact that I am a pack rat of epic proportions and have too much craft stuff!) Thanks for the great post! Have a happy Sunday!
Jane says
These are fantastic tips, Doreen. Even if you have a big home (which I don’t!!), isn’t it nice to have things nearby, like the captain’s bed and making good use of doors?! Love this post!
XO,
Jane
Cecilia says
Great suggestions and tips Doreen! I am looking forward to downsizing in about three years. The farmhouse is a modest 1200 sq ft. It’s going to be interesting. I will have to do a lot of purging but I think it will be so liberating!
Cecilia
Angela says
Great tips that can be utilized in large and small spaces! Thanks for the ideas!~~Angela
Vashti Quiroz-Vega says
You are brilliant Doreen! You have just given me so many ideas! I’m between homes right now. My husband and I are staying with his parents until our new home is built. We sold our old home, which was much larger. Now that we’re moving into a smaller house it’s going to be a bit of a challenge finding space for all our things, but you’ve given me some great tips here. That’s why I LOVE visiting your blog whenever I get a chance. <3
Doreen@househoneys says
You are so sweet Vashti, and I always look forward to your visits :).
We also sold our home last December which was twice as large as our rental, so some of the ideas I write about I have actually implemented. We ended up bringing some furniture pieces (the captains bed, a large cocktail table, a recliner and our outdoor furniture) to the cabin, but this is a short term lease and no matter what we have to be out by March at which time we may also have some purging to do. I’m ready to move on and get rid of most of what is left, although there are a few things I may put into storage. We also have the added challenge of storing some of our daughter’s things because she lives in Singapore.
By far, if you do nothing else, use the space beneath your bed!
Vashti Quiroz-Vega says
Thank you Doreen. Yes! Using the space beneath the beds is a great idea. 🙂
Evelyn@Self Storage says
Fabulous source of information. I liked those nesting tables and I think that will look perfect in my living room. Doreen you have done such a great job. Thanks for sharing such wonderful suggestions.