A year spent mostly indoors can really change how one looks at their home. Spaces that used to be charming and whimsical now seem cluttered and messy after so much time spent in the same space. This is especially true for families that have grown (whether by adding a fur child or human child, or both!) during the pandemic. As what you need changes, your space needs to change, too. Create more space in your home can give you greater flexibility when it comes to using your home to meet your family’s unique needs. Here are four tips on how to make that space, allowing your house to be all that it can be.
Be intentional about what you keep…and what you let go of
Every article about how to better use your space will include advice like this, and for good reason. It’s great advice! As a mom, I know how easy it is to accumulate stuff. While it always seems like a good idea to buy something new, oftentimes, these items end up sitting around our house, not being used. Do yourself a favor, and allow yourself to get rid of what you don’t need. This can be harder than it sounds for some. If you’re feeling overwhelmed at the prospect of paring down, start small! Pick one closet or cabinet and do a thorough inventory. If you haven’t used an item in over a year, consider recycling or donating it. Soon, your home will feel more organized and spacious.
Use your unders and overs
What does this mean exactly? Let me translate for you: Remember to use easy-to-forget spaces in your home, such as up in the rafters, on top of larger items, or under the beds. These spaces, which often get ignored, are great for storing items that you need to keep but only occasionally use, such as winter clothing or holiday decorations. When not in use, these items can stay out of sight and out of mind, freeing up more space in your home for items that you use more regularly.
Outside-the-home storage, at home
Perhaps the most obvious solution to a home that lacks storage opportunities is to pay for a place to store your things. Storage units are ubiquitous in most cities, and they come in a variety of sizes, allowing you to pick depending on your needs. However, despite the apparent benefits, self-storage often presents an entirely new set of logistical problems. You now have to factor in operating hours, as well as transportation, when you want access to your things. Luckily, there’s also the option for on-site storage containers which can offer you all of the convenience without any of the annoying logistical details. Think of it as expanding your garage; your items are out of the house, but safe and sound on your property.
Give every item a home
A messy house feels cluttered and full in the worst way. By contrast, a clean and organized home usually feels open and spacious, but if you have kids, you know how hard it can be to keep a tidy home. As soon as you finish cleaning, the other end of the home is already in disarray! So how can you take steps to ensure that you avoid disorganization? One easy and kid-friendly tactic is to give every item a “home”, or a specific place to put it. Invest in some cute storage or shelving for your little one’s room, and then help them learn which items go where. Be consistent, and pretty soon, you’ll have a bunch of little helpers organizing your space alongside you!
With these tips in mind you can create a plan for clearing out space in your home. Don’t forget to get creative when it comes to making the most of storage opportunities.