Home sizes are shrinking worldwide. In the US, for example, the average size of an apartment was 916 square feet in 2023. That’s 12 square feet downsized in just a decade. But while less is now really more, when it comes to smaller homes, you have to make certain adjustments.
From adopting simpler living to embracing minimalism in every aspect, compact living is all about thinking space-efficiently. Here are seven expert tips for making the most of your smaller homes:
7 Compact Living Hacks
Whether you are living in a compact apartment, a tiny house, a park model, or a mobile home, maximizing every inch of your small living area is essential. And with these seven compact living hacks, you can transform your home into an organized and spacious haven:
1. Go Vertical
When you have limited space, think vertical. Shelves, wall-mounted storage, pegboards, tall cabinets, clothing racks and hooks, and over-the-door organizers will free up valuable floor space for other uses.
And not just storage; go vertical even when decorating the room.
Opt for an arrangement that elongates the room–vertically hung paintings, pictures, or frames. Install a narrow floor-to-ceiling bookcase to add height. Even better, choose vertical striped wallpapers to add character and an illusion of a higher ceiling.
2. Control the Clutter
With limited real estate, clutter can be the real space hog. Plus, it adds visual weights, making the small space feel even smaller. Even belongings like magazines and books can make the room look messy.
Keep it away and declutter your home by removing or hiding away everything that doesn’t belong in the room (or is not used often). To control it better:
- Use baskets or bins for organization
- Straighten up the space every time before leaving
- Assign a designated place for everything in your home–electronics, extra blankets, seasonal clothing, etc.
3. Incorporate Sneaky and Smart Storage Solution
Even though you love being minimalist, there’s only so much you can give up. Especially in a household with children, you’ll need more and more storage space. Fortunately, many clever and space-efficient storage solutions exist.
- Add a variety of hooks and open shelves for personalized dropzones
- Opt for ladder-style shelves since boxy ones can overpower your space, making it feel smaller than it is
- Combine cabinet types in heavy traffic areas like bathrooms to maximize every inch
- Use open storage solution for frequently used objects like plates and glasses
- Invest in smart organizers for electronics, kitchen equipment, and also in your wardrobe.
4. Add Foldable Tables and Bed
Dining and study tables often sit unused for the majority of the time. Similarly, beds are a complete waste of space during waking hours–you can’t afford to waste such space in smaller homes,
The smarter solution is using foldable tables and beds (aka Murphy beds). These wall-mounted furniture pieces are perfect for small dining areas and workspaces. Plus, with a wide variety of foldable table and bed options, they’ll free up space for other activities while maximizing the utility of your rooms without compromising on style.
5. Embrace Multi-Functional Furniture
For furniture that can’t be folded into the walls, make sure it is on double-duty. Look for furnishing that can serve multiple purposes.
Some great options include:
- A sofa bed that provides seating space during the day transforms into a bed at night (or for guests)
- Ottoman for seating or footrest that also offers a hidden storage area for blankets, books, or toys
- Loft bed with desk or storage for utilizing vertical space and creating a dedicated study or work area underneath the bed
- A set of bunk beds with an additional pull-out trundle bed is an excellent option for children’s rooms.
6. Cornered in Style
Compact living is about using every nook and corner. And yes, it includes working with slanted ceilings or odd-angled walls. Think of how this corner can be utilized–maybe as a beautiful breakfast nook or a reading area with an accent chair. Or can you squeeze up a desk in the empty corner to transform it into your home office?
The corner can also add a decorative element to your small space. Install floating shelves or pegboards to keep everything organized or showcase your style. Add a plant and light up the space to give the corner area life.
7. Leave Out Negative Space
The biggest mistake people often commit in compact living is going overboard by trying to utilize every single area in the home–not leaving even a square foot empty.
However, ensuring the rooms also have some negative space to make a small room look and feel more lively. These empty pockets of space help make the area look more spacious. Plus, it is easier to move around.
In your home, this could mean adding many windows and bigger openings, not encapsulating every space with four walls, and instead dividing regions with rugs and carpets. The essence lies in furnishing minimally and low-profile and leaving plenty of breaking room.
Get Creative
Every house is unique and requires custom organization, tips, and hacks. So, with the above tips as your guide, get creative with your compact living space and design your small home with a big personality.
All Around Moving specializes in arranging professional and reliable local and long-distance moving services for residential and commercial customers. Ask us for advice and help when organizing your new home.
We hope you found this blog post Compact Living: 7 Tips For Making The Most Of A Smaller Home useful. Be sure to check out our post Décor Inspo: Sprucing Up a Small Apartment Living Room for more great tips!
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