How to Maximize the Space in Your Home By Angela Stephens At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Who wouldn’t like just a little more space? Not all of us can pack up and move or add an addition to our home, but we can use what we have a little more efficiently. We can go treasure hunting for extra inches of unused space. Maximizing space is all about seeing what you have and making the most out of it.

Pare Down
Do you really need two toasters or the ugly vase that was a gift? A more important question to ask is can you afford to waste space on them? When you purge items that are unused, broken, or unneeded, it just feels good. I am not saying it is easy. On the contrary, sometimes letting go can be a very emotional experience. But when it is all over and you can open a cabinet not ducking for fear of being crushed, it will all be worth it.

Take Inventory
This may not seem like a very important step, but knowing what you actually have (versus what you think you have) can be very helpful in choosing the rest of the pieces for your home. For instance, if you discovered that you have a collection of great pottery, you will know what kind of furniture to buy or have built. It may even give you direction for a color scheme or style. Be realistic about how much space you will need to store those items properly (one small shelf is not enough space to store 47 sets of sheets!)

Built- in Storage
Customized exactly to the space, built in cabinetry allows every inch to be used. It can be a little pricey, but the end product is often worth the investment. Cabinets are common in built ins because they allow hidden storage for unsightly clutter. Shelving can add room for display pieces. Another clever built in storage piece is the bench with storage underneath. It does double duty providing a place to sit as well as hidden storage. To ensure a perfect fit take inventory of the items you plan to store and measure them before having custom pieces made.

Budget Storage

If custom built in cabinetry is not in the budget, don’t despair! There are a lot of off the shelf items that can work too. A standard size bookcase can work in any room of your home. In the kitchen, it can store every thing from dishes to cookbooks. With the addition of baskets, it can store unsightly items like food and pans while still offering a clean look. In the bedroom it can hold the obvious books, but it can look really crisp with neatly folded linens or clothing. Other problem solving furniture pieces are dressers and armoires. We think of them only for holding clothing or televisions, but they would work equally well for kitchen or bathroom items. You can also find ready made benches with storage underneath that can work everywhere from a dining room, bedroom, or entry hall. Coffee tables, end tables, and nightstands with drawers or shelves can be surprisingly helpful at taming clutter.

Life can be chaotic so simplifying and maximizing your living space is a breathe of fresh air. It is more than finding a place to put your stuff, it allows you to focus on important things in life.

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