We usually don't spend a lot of time in the small spaces of our home. Hallways and closets, for example, are used more for function. As a result, they tend to get overlooked when it comes to sprucing up the place. Worse, they're often the homes of our junk drawers, dirty shoes and piles of laundry, and everything else without a proper place.
But with all your hallways, closets, and other nooks and crannies, it's likely you have a lot more space than you realize! The trick is getting organized, so here are a few tips to help you make the most of your home's small spaces.
The first step to saving space is to purge like crazy. Then, declutter your spaces often. Don't be afraid to be ruthless either. First, take inventory, then throw out or recycle anything that's broken, worn out, or unable to be used by someone else.
Come across something you haven't used in years? Get rid of it. Got clothes you haven't worn in months? Or years?! Donate 'em. Bottom line: the best way to keep a small space organized is to declutter and only keep what's really important.
Chances are, you're not utilizing your closet space to its full advantage. Thankfully, all it takes is a little reorganizing to maximize your closet space! For instance, in a smaller bedroom - like the kids' room - you can make use of wasted closet space by sliding the dresser inside. Or, if you have a closet-style pantry, simple shelving and reusable containers can be used to better organize your space and cut down on clutter.
When you're constrained by small spaces and can't go "out," go up! Vertical shelving units are great for storage or even creating a vertical arts and crafts corner. You can also outfit your home office or nook with bookcases and mount a pegboard to add style and function to your limited space.
This one may seem a little out there, but go with us for a second: skylights allow you to free up space along your wall where you might put traditional windows. Skylights also allow you to bring daylight into smaller areas, so you don't have to waste space on lamps or other forms of artificial lighting. Even in small spaces like a hallway, closet, or your laundry room, sun tunnel skylights can be utilized to add natural light for a brighter, more vibrant appearance.