Living in a small flat has lots of advantages: a lower rent or purchase price, greater energy efficiency, and less maintenance and cleaning. A small home can also be a cosy, comfortable home, provided it is properly organised and storage is carefully considered to minimise clutter.
To make the most of the space in your small flat, you may have to think creatively. In your kitchen, for example, you could make use of the wallspace by installing magnetic strips to store utensils, or hang pans from the ceiling above head height to leave more space in cupboards and on work surfaces.
It’s also a good idea to choose space-saving furniture. For instance, your dining table could fold up against the wall when not in use; or you could choose a sofa bed to free up space during the day. There are even office desks that can be transformed into beds!
Many small flats don’t have enough space for fitted wardrobes - if you lack space for your clothes, invest in a Ottoman storage bed that will lift up to reveal storage beneath, or a standard bed underneath which you can store clothing in drawers or under-bed storage boxes. For clothes that need to be hung up, a clothing rail on wheels might be the best solution for a small bedroom.
If you need to work from home (as many of us now do), you can help to separate your work from your homelife by using folding screens to quickly and easily separate your rooms into separate spaces.
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If you have bulky or seasonal items that you just can’t find space for without making your small flat seem cramped, you could consider putting them into a self storage unit. Things like Christmas decorations, sporting equipment, camping gear and bulky winter clothing can be easily stored in an indoor, secure unit until you need it again. The cost would be considerably less than buying or renting a larger property, and you can easily access your items whenever you need them.