There is nothing like an old home. The lovely character, the rich history, the ample space.
Oh wait. Character? Yes. History? Yes.
Space? Uh. For most people opting to live in an older home, space is one area on which you often have to compromise.
Most older homes do not have the wide open spaces of new-builds, but the small nooks and crannies shouldn’t be overlooked. So before you throw in the towel and put your charming (and likely small) home on the market, here are a few resourceful tips to help maximise your space.
- Take a step back. When you’re in something every day, it can be difficult to notice things. (Surely you’ve had a friend peak in the fridge for a drink, to your absolute horror as you notice thejelly spill and milk leakage for the first time.) So look at your home from a new perspective. Take mental notes and even write a quick list of space options
- Find the nooks and crannies. They may be small, and seemingly impractical, but every inch counts. Check for space below the stairs, small drawers or cabinets in a hallway, even crawl spaces work for the storage of some things.
- Don’t be restricted by room type. True, you may not be holding the baby’s first birthday party in the laundry room, but if you have extra cupboard space there, it’s the perfect place to put streamers. And plates. And party hats for that matter. Be creative with possibilities.
- Purchase furniture that acts as storage. Bag the lovely glass coffee table in favor of a similarly sized trunk where you can store blankets. The side table by the couch should be exchanged for a dresser that can hold your old school papers. Think: drawers are good; empty space, bad.
- There are no monsters under the bed. So don’t be afraid to store your stuff there. A lot of stuff for that matter. Beds are prime storage. Things that you don’t need every day can be well stored under a bed. Consider putting free weights, food storage, serving dishes from your wedding, even small children. Okay, maybe not the children, but pretty much anything else.
- Be wise about the space you have. As you “map” out your home, consider the best furniture and storage spaces to maintain aesthetics and flow. If something just doesn’t fit, it may be time to say goodbye.
- Vertical space counts. If one of your “crannies” is tall and slender, don’t put a hammer and a few nails in it. Stack toilet paper, or tissue boxes, or the baby’s diapers. Use the vertical space in your home wisely.
- Attics. Dark? Yes. Creepy? Maybe. Useful? Enormously. If space is an issue, figure what things can be stored in the attic, namely items that are not climate-sensitive. Holiday decorations, camping gear, old school work, even your winter wardrobe. Be careful to purchase water resistant containers if you live in a humid area.
- Know what you use. Be realistic about the things you use and don’t use. If you don’t use it, store it out of the way. There’s no need for the crepe-maker that you use for the annual block party to be stored in the kitchen. Put it somewhere you have more space.
- Find furniture that counts. If you’re living in a small space, look for storage furniture (cabinets, bookshelves, etc.) that go to the ceiling. Decorating space above kitchen cabinets can be attractive, but you can’t afford it. Cupboards that go to the ceiling are best.
Remember, in a world that praises openness, be creative with the space you have. And, if all else fails, there are always storage units.
