How to Create More Space in a Small Home?

You often don’t realise how many items you have until you have to move homes.

And once you take them all out of the boxes, you are left wondering how on earth are you going to fit them into your new home? Especially, if it’s small and you are not very keen on clutter. Exactly this has recently happened to our Customer Service Manager Ariane who had to come up with clever ways to store things and maximise the small space she has. Ariane shared a few tips from her recent experience and we hope they will help you get those overwhelming feelings into action.

First, let’s get your mind on the right track.

Do you remember that story about the sand, different sized rocks and jar? In short, imagine you had an empty jar, big rocks, small rocks and sand. What would you put in the jar first?

If you fill it up with sand first, you may not fit all the rocks. If you fill it with small rocks first, you may not fit the big rocks and sand. But if you put the big rocks in first, then small rocks, shake it around and then add the sand and shake again, you will find yourself being able to fit everything in.

The same theory applies to fitting your furniture items in a small space.

What are the staple items that need to go in for living?

Most people would say these include bed, couch, bedside tables, TV, storage cabinets, dining table, chairs and so on. So, put these items first! If you find they don’t fit well in your new home, you can always try to sell them on Facebook Market or Gum Tree and get items that work much better with your new small space. Ariane told us she has bought from Facebook Market and found it super easy to use and quick to buy and sell. The items she bought were priced really well and in very good condition so she highly recommends giving it a shot.

Buy smart furniture.

Consider getting furniture that won’t take up as much space. For example instead of buying a bed frame (which can be quite bulky), try an ensemble with a bed head or even a sofa-bed. For rubbish bins, try under-the-sink bins or bins stuck to the inside of a cupboard door. Also, look for furniture with additional storage solutions, for example, slimline bedside tables with drawers, TV cabinet with cupboards or an ensemble bed with a storage compartment. This way you will be able to fit more of your items in to a seemingly small space. Ariane found IKEA had some great storage solutions that are slimline and fit into tricky spots.

A compact measuring tape and command tools.

You will find that having these tools on you until your move has been finalised will be a huge benefit. The measuring tape is super helpful and you can just carry it in your bag. When looking to buy new furniture for her new home, Ariane measured parts of the house she was looking to put new furniture in and wrote the measurements on a piece of paper. She then carried the measuring tape and paper around with her to make sure that the items she liked would fit or be a close enough match.

And there are SO many things you can do with command hooks and strips without damaging the walls. Check out some cool projects here.

What next?

Once you have all important items arranged in your house, you can then go through smaller items and see what can fit (and whether you REALLY need it in the first place). If not, try to sell it and make a few dollars on the side.

Don’t give up on your small space, maximise it!

Want to get more helpful tips and insights?

Check out our blog for more great articles.

Best Regards,
The EYEON Property Inspections Team

At EYEON Property Inspections, we help you buy and sell with more confidence.