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Best space saving ideas


The 13 best space-saving ideas

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(Image credit: Future / David Cleveland)

Large or small, every home could benefit from creating more space. From clearing the clutter using some well-thought-through storage that meets your household’s needs to applying some clever tricks that create the illusion of more space, you can make your home feel far more ordered and spacious than ever before.

Start with a good sort out, and be ruthless, sending things you don’t use to the charity shop, eBay, or yard sales, and the broken and worn out to your local household waste recycling centre. 

In living rooms, storage can be tricky. The key to getting your living room storage spot on is choosing pieces that offer as much multipurpose storage potential as possible.  

Marie Kondo’s hit book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up suggests grouping remaining belongings by type, and designating one place for each – so all books together, stationery, shoes etc – it helps with organization and will reveal the type of storage needed.

See below for 13 clever space-saving ideas, from the interior experts at Heal's.

1. Choose a corner sofa

Matera full corner sofa in Nobilis Velvet Rust, from £5,499, Heal's

(Image credit: Heal's)

Small sitting room? Make the most of the little space you have by opting for a corner, chaise or L-shaped sofa. Offering ample space for family and friends on which to perch, a sofa like this can also act as a room divider, breaking up open plan spaces without crowding the room with too much furniture. 

Avoid sofas where the entire seat is built to touch the floor, instead choosing a design with narrow, tall legs - the more floor you can see underneath, the more spacious the room will feel.

Sabrina Miller, Head of Buying at Heal's says: 'L-shaped sofas are known for their functional and space-saving properties. They can double your seating options without occupying a lot of extra space compared to a regular sofa.' 

2. Keep your home office space light and bright

Glide desk in Oak by Says Who, £699; Ch34 Wishbone chair in Soaped Beech by Carl Hansen & Søn, £443; Bolt pendant, £39; Tala Gaia Bulb 6W E27 LED, £35, all Heal's 

(Image credit: Heal's)

Chances are, working from home has been raised to a whole new level in your home this year. When once you may have perched your laptop on your kitchen or dining table, now homes across the country have had to adapt, doubling as comfortable and efficient office spaces, from Monday to Friday each week.

It's important in a multipurpose space like this to ensure the office doesn't spill over into your home life so investing in comfortable, elegant home office furniture is a must.  Look for a desk and matching storage that will blend into your existing decor. Choose pale woods and soft rounded edges to keep the look cohesive.

Sabrina suggests to keep the walls pale in colour: 'If the walls in your make-shift office space are dark, it might be best to revamp your walls to a lighter colour that will allow for natural light to reflect off the walls and make your space appear bigger and brighter.'  

This will also provide a light, bright background for any video calls you may have to make to clients or colleagues.

3. Create the illusion of space

(Image credit: Future/Mel Yates)

One of the easiest tricks to add space to a room is to introduce mirrors. It obviously doesn't actually create space, merely the illusion of it. Adding a reflective surface to wall will act like a window into an adjoining room, giving a more spacious feel while bouncing light around a room. 

Try using an oversized mirror to cover an entire wall, or a cluster of small mirrors together that double as wall art.   

As Sabina suggests: 'If you're looking for more storage in a bedroom, but don’t have the space for another wardrobe, mirrors that can store clothes behind them a great way to add valuable storage space and create a feature. '

4. Invest in a clever console

(Image credit: Future/Polly Wreford)

An elegant console table gives you plenty of extra storage space but also an elegant display to brighten up your living room. 

Built-in drawers are a perfect place to store letters and extra linens can be neatly folded in a basket underneath. A cabinet dresser is also a functional yet attractive way to add storage space to your living room.   

'Sometimes it’s a shame to hide our favorite pieces away, but you can display them while keeping them dust-free with a dresser cabinet,' says Elena Paparozzi, Buyer at Heal's. 'A console table also allows you to display accessories to add color to your room while storing away less show-worthy items.'

5. Use strong vertical lines

(Image credit: Future/Chris Everard)

Use strong vertical lines to draw the eye upwards in a small space. 

Try using a ladder shelf as an attractive way to add vertical lines to your living space while also giving you a creative way to add storage space. You can use the ladder to store books or letters while accessorising with a few plants and ornaments. This will give the illusion of more space.   

According to Elena: 'A tall shelving unit will also work for adding vertical lines to your living area. The industrial trend is still going strong so consider adding an industrial unit which will give the illusion of height and the metal frames are ideal for coping with the weight of numerous books and vases.'

(Image credit: Future/Davide Lovatti)

Coffee tables are an essential feature of our living area and they are also excellent storage solutions. 

Opt for a coffee table with deep drawers and a shelf so that you can optimise the amount of storage.   

'More often than not, your coffee table is covered (think magazines, remotes, coasters, and books), it only makes sense to get a coffee table that doubles as a place to stow away your personal items,' explains Elena. 'For added durability go for a coffee table made from reclaimed wood and a toughened glass top. '

7. Incorporate a sideboard into your scheme

(Image credit: Future/Polly Wreford)

Every living room should have a sideboard, they’re great for hiding away items that you don’t want to be seen. Sideboards with wide tops can also be used to add elegant touches such as lamps, candles and your favourite mementos.  

'Sideboards are a great piece of furniture for any living or dining area, a sideboard will offer plenty of storage space and is the perfect place to display flowers and picture frames,' advises Elena. 

'For a timeless look go for a good-quality oak design as it will stand the test of time and is incredibly stylish too.'

8. Declutter with storage baskets

(Image credit: Future/Jake Curtis)

Baskets are one of the best living room storage ideas. Endlessly useful baskets come in all shapes and sizes – they have a fabulous tactile quality that adds character to a scheme. They are ideal for a pretty way to declutter your living area.   

According to Elena: 'Belly baskets are very on trend and the numerous patterns and shapes available make them ideal for incorporating into any layout. They can be used for storing blankets, magazines and plants.'

9. Save space with wall shelves

Cane sofa bed in Boucle Raven, from £1,999, Heal’s

(Image credit: Heal's)

If space is an issue, getting as much furniture as possible up off the floor gives the illusion of a bigger room. Wall shelves are ideal for this and deep shelves can be used to display and store a range of items such as books, pictures and plants.   

'Stay organized in style,' says Elena. 'A compact shelf design will give you the opportunity to decorate without taking up too much space. Wall shelves turn bare walls into functional storage areas, and, if the shelves themselves are attractive and their display areas are styled well, they can become pieces of wall art in their own right.'

10. Store belongings under the stairs

Massa Bronze ceramic sideboard, £1,899; Solid Shapes print 03 30x40cm by Paper Collective, £45; Solid Shapes print 02 50x70cm by Paper Collective, £25, all Heal's

(Image credit: Heal's)

Nooks and crannies are perfect for storage. You can easily transform the empty or untidy space underneath your staircase into an organised haven using a range of pretty boxes and baskets.   

'Unlocking the potential of this pocket of space can help you find a new home for books, toys or shoes. Without a door to conceal them, it also gives you the opportunity to get creative in how you display your storage. Stack your boxes and baskets into streamlined piles to tidy unsightly clutter.'

11. Maximise space with nesting tables

(Image credit: Future/Paul Raeside)

Nesting tables are ideal for smaller spaces, they can be used around the room for drinks when you need them and then once they are not in use they can be fitted under each other and stored neatly away. You can also add some elegant touches such as house plants and lamps.   

'Nesting tables are great space-saving solutions for small spaces. They allow you to save space without having to compromise on practicality. By opting for nesting tables you save a lot of floor space. '

12. Include bespoke shelving

(Image credit: Future/Brent Darby)

Purpose built shelving is the perfect option for living room storage solutions to make the most out of your space. Tricky alcoves and sloping roofs can naturally lend themselves to built-in storage solutions.   

'There are no limitations with built in shelving units, you can get them designed to fit the space perfectly and they can even be designed to incorporate televisions, books, photos and ornaments. Making the area handy for storage and also a key feature of the room. '

13. Set up a stylish ottoman

(Image credit: Future/Jan Baldwin)

Space is at a premium in small living rooms so furniture that can double up as storage is always a bonus. Storage ottomans are perfect for adding style and storage to your living room.  Whether it’s towels, blankets, bedding or shoes you’re wanting to store away, ottomans make a lovely addition to any room not just your living area.

'Storage ottomans come in all shapes and sizes which makes them so versatile for any size room. You can opt for a beautiful upholstered version in a bold jewel hue for a style statement that works double duty as a secret storage spot.'

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.

75 Space Saving and Cleaning Tips to Make Life Easier

If your place is a mess, check out some space saving and cleaning tips to make life easier.

Put those presents away and clean that tinsel.

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Family Handyman

Bathroom Shelving Unit

In a small bathroom, every single square inch counts. These space-saving shelves make the most of wall space by going vertical. The version shown here, made of cherry, cost about $100. But you can build one for $50 or less if you choose a more economical wood like oak or pine. All you need is a 6-ft. 1x4, a 6-ft. 1x6 and a 6-ft. 1x8. Find out how to build it.

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Family Handyman

Spice Shelf Inside Cabinet

This in-cabinet spice shelf puts small containers at eye level and still leaves room in the cabinet for tall items. The materials will cost you less than $10. See how to build a spice shelf inside a cabinet.

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Family Handyman

Cabinet Door Message Board

A sheet of metal and a dry-erase board can turn any cabinet door into a convenient message center. Learn how to make a message board inside a cabinet.

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Family Handyman

Cutting Board Rack

You can make this nifty, inexpensive rack and mount it inside a cabinet door to stash your cutting board out of sight. It goes together in a snap. Check out how to get it done.

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Family Handyman

Magnetic Office Supplies Holder

Organize your small office supplies in this great-looking holder. Here's a perfect way to organize all those paper clips, rubber bands and pushpins. All it takes is a magnetic knife/tool holder strip, small jars with lids and a few fender washers. Check out the complete plans for a magnetic office supplies holder.

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Family Handyman

Tie, Scarf and Belt Organizer

Customize this organizer to suit your accessories.  Clean up a messy closet by hanging your ties, belts and scarves on our 3-in-1 closet organizer! Find out how to clean up your closet with this organizer.

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Family Handyman

Skinny Laundry Room Cart

A lot of laundry rooms have a narrow wasted space either next to or between the washing machine and dryer, and it's usually a hideout for socks and lint. To take advantage of this space and organize your laundry room, build a simple plywood laundry room cart on fixed casters to hold detergents and other laundry supplies.

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Family Handyman

Above Door Shelf

The space above a doorway is an overlooked storage bonanza! It's the perfect spot for towels, blankets or a small suitcase. Consider adding a shelf or cubby over the doorway, as long as it's okay with your dorm's management.

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Family Handyman

Turn-of-the-century office supply holder

It's easy to find stuff stored in jars. Screw hose clamps to a board and mount it on the wall in your home office. Secure mason jars in the hose clamps to create clever storage for office supplies such as stamps, paper clips and string. The clear jars let you immediately see where everything is. This is also a great idea for bathrooms and workshops.

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Family Handyman

Hang Spray Bottles Under the Sink

Hang spray bottles from a rod to keep them upright. It can be hard to keep spray bottles from falling over and making a mess under your bathroom and kitchen sink. To keep them upright, hang them from a short tension rod (about $12 at discount stores) in your cabinet.

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Family Handyman

Put a Lazy Susan in Your Fridge

A lazy Susan in your fridge keeps small items close at hand. If your refrigerator door shelves are filled with salad dressing and mustard and the rest of the condiments get lost behind leftovers on the top shelf. Keep everything in plain view by storing overflow condiments on a lazy Susan on one of your fridge shelves. One spin and that small jar of capers will be a cinch to spot. See why you should put a lazy Susan in the workshop, too.

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Family Handyman

Single Folding Hanger Rod

Folding hanger rods collapse against the wall when they're not in use, saving valuable space in tiny rooms. They're great for wet clothes and hunting gear. The Arrow Hanger single and double-hanger versions shown (about $15 and $39) are available at amazon.com.

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Use a Bookshelf

Here's a clever IKEA hack that uses an IKEA bookshelf in the closet for extra storage. Try using multiple bookcases if you have the space to store items such as bags, shoes and folded clothing. Photo: Courtesy of Ikeahackers

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Family Handyman

Add-On Clothes Rod

Here's an easy way to add space for hanging clothes (or at least clothes that don't require a tall space). Hang a second clothes rod from the upper rod with lightweight chain. Attach the chain to screw eyes directly or use S-hooks or carabiners. Carabiners make adjusting the height of the extra rod a snap.

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Family Handyman

Wine Dividers

Don't throw those cardboard wine dividers in the recycling bin just yet! If you struggle to keep shoes organized in your child's closet, try inserting those dividers into a basket or tub and use it as a clever DIY shoe storage solution.

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Family Handyman

Clothing Storage Solutions: Turn Your Hangers

Once you're gone through your closet and weeded out the unused items, turn all hanging clothing with the hanger facing outward. After wearing an item, return it to the hanging rod with the hanger facing the back of the closet. After one year, all articles of clothing still facing outwards were not worn, and you can consider getting rid of them. Find out how to get rid of anything.

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Family Handyman

Tight-Space Shelves

Wire pantry shelves aren't just for pantries. They're perfect for any wall where full-depth shelves won't fit: garages, laundry rooms, utility rooms, etc. The perfect space-saving shelves solution. Need more room for your stuff in general? Here are simple storage solutions for small spaces.

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Courtesy of Instructables

Couch Caddy

Keep everything you need within arm's reach. This clever IKEA hack couch caddy can hold your remote, a beverage and a magazine or newspaper. Find instructions at instructables.com.

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Jodie Johnson/Shutterstock

Nesting Tables

Nesting tables work great for small spaces and cutting clutter. Use them as an end table and set a lamp on top, then pull out the shorter tables when you need more tables for guests.

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Alena Ozerova/Shutterstock

Baskets and Ottomans

Some well-placed baskets and ottomans will help organize your living room. Store blankets, toys, crafting supplies, movies and even books inside.

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S_Photo/Shutterstock

Use a Tablecloth

Hide items you don't want out all the time with a tablecloth. Just place the cloth over an end table and store items in storage bins or baskets underneath. This is a great storage space for craft items you work on while watching television.

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Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

Stacked Crates

You know those old fruit crates you see at resale and vintage shops? Use them to your advantage! Organize your living room by painting or staining them and then stack them up and use them to store books and pillows, and place a lamp or two on top.

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Courtesy of Remodelaholic

DIY Sofa Arm Table

Looking for a simple woodworking project? Try this DIY sofa arm table. You'll need some pine boards, wood glue, pocket screws and some stain or paint.

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DGArt3D/Shutterstock

Big Bookcases

Try creating a floor-to-ceiling bookcase, then place furniture in front of the bookcase. This will help organize your living room and give you more room to store books, movies, and lots of other small items. You can use bins to store toys on the lower shelves.

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Little House Design

Couch Shelf

Try making a shelf that runs between your couch and the wall. That space can be used as a spot to place a lamp or plants and store the remotes, books and candles.

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Dorm Room Spinning Storage Unit

Reader Michael Kirby created this spinning storage unit out of necessity for his daughter, who is a dorm-dwelling college student. Space is at a premium for his daughter, so this storage unit features four hardworking sides - cubbies with bins, small shelves, a full-length mirror and a magnetic board for hanging photos. Plus, the unit spins on a turntable, which is genius!

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New Use for Old Cabinets

Reader Janet Johnson turned two secondhand kitchen cabinets into one tall and trendy bathroom cabinet.

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JARwoodcraft/Etsy

Pallet Wine Rack

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Photo: Courtesy of Small Town DIY

Drawer Bookshelf

Turn those old dresser or nightstand drawers into a bookshelf. This DIY repurposed bookshelf is made from two drawers hung on the wall.

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Photo: Courtesy of DIY Inspired

Stuffed Animal Storage

All those stuffed animals can be difficult to keep corralled. Try cleaning up an old plant hanger, painting it and hanging it in your child's room to keep the animals off the floor.

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Photo: Courtesy of mampics

Trunk Coffee Table

Grandma's old storage trunk may make a nice coffee table with added storage for your living room. Try adding some short legs or wheels for a little height. Photo: Courtesy of mampics

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My Repurposed Life

Window Shutter

Next time you see old window shutters at the resale shop, pick one up. Screw on some small baskets and use it as a seasonal decoration or to store items such as garlic, onions and potatoes in your pantry.

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Photo: Courtesy of Old House Crazy

Ladder Pot Rack

Storing pots and pans can be a challenge because they are bulky and take up a lot of space. Use an old ladder or even a wheel to hang pots from your kitchen ceiling.

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Photo: Courtesy of My Repurposed Life

Dresser to Bench

This tired, old dresser was turned into a sleek bench complete with plenty of storage by a clever DIYer. This bench would work well in an entryway or mudroom. See the transformation at myrepurposedlife.com.

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Photo: Courtesy of Ana White

Window Shelf

Repurpose an old window and attach a board to the bottom to create a one-of-a-kind display shelf. This project cost about $30 for the materials and took less than two hours.

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Family Handyman

Light-Duty Extension Cord Storage

To keep light-duty extension cords organized, slide them into toilet paper or paper towel tubes. Write the length of the cord on the tubes before you put them in a drawer or bin. You'll be able to find the right cord easily with this extension cord storage hack, plus you've made good use of the tubes. Check out these other cardboard tube hacks.

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Family Handyman

Storage Tips for Bulky Items

Extra-large Ziploc bags (about $2 each at home centers and online) are great for storing camping gear, patio cushions and out-of-season clothes. Here's a slick trick for getting all the air out of the bag before you seal it. Put your items inside and push out all the air you can by hand. Then seal the bag but leave an opening large enough to fit a drinking straw. Use the straw to suck out the remaining air and then finish sealing the bag.

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Family Handyman

Belt and Other Hang-Ups

Where do you store your belts? How about on this inexpensive and easy-to-make belt holder? All you need is a wooden hanger and some cup hooks. If some of your belts have unusually thick buckles, just widen the cup hook slightly with a needle-nose pliers. This is a great way to hang small handbags, too. We also have tons of storage ideas for the kitchen.

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Family Handyman

Musical Instrument Storage

If you occasionally put your hammer down to strum a guitar or banjo, you know how tricky it can be to store them. Floor stands are pricey and they leave your instrument accessible to curious children, rambunctious pets and people who can't carry a tune. It's a better idea to hang your instruments on the wall, but instrument wall hangers cost $20 a pop. Instead of hitting the music store, hit the home center. Plastic-coated utility hooks will hold most instruments at a fraction of the cost ($2 to $4), and they're just as tough. A musical instrument is never something you want to store in your car, find out the other eight things you need to keep out of the car.

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Family Handyman

Behind the Door Storage: Closet Glove Rack

If you don't have radiators, finding a good spot to dry wet hats and mittens can be tough. Tossing them into a plastic bin gets them out of the way, but they never dry and it's no fun putting on damp mittens in the morning. This simple back-of-the-door glove and cap rack allows wet things to dry and keeps easily misplaced items organized. Just string clothespins on aluminum wire (it won't rust) and stretch it between screw eyes on the back of a closet door. This also works great out in the garage for drying garden and work gloves. Make your own mitten drying rack with these inspirational ideas.

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Family Handyman

Basement Junk Storage

OK, maybe junk is too harsh a word. We're talking about luggage, camping gear, the ugly vase Aunt Martha gave you for your wedding—stuff you need to keep but don't use all the time. If your house has a set of stairs with a sloped closet underneath, you have a huge amount of space that's mostly wasted. Here's how to get the most out of that black hole. Build a custom rolling cart that fits perfectly in the closet. This one is built like a shelf unit and rides on fixed casters so it slides straight out to keep things organized and accessible. When Aunt Martha comes to visit, just roll it out, grab the vase and you're golden. Take a look around and see what you can throw out before tossing it in storage.

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Family Handyman

Clean the Exhaust Fan

If the grille on your bathroom exhaust fan is clogged with dust, try a trick that's faster and more effective than vacuuming. Here's how to clean a bathroom fan: Turn on the fan and blast out the dust with "canned air." The fan will blow the dust outside. This works on the return air grilles of your central heating/cooling system too. Run the system so that the return airflow will carry the dust to the filter. You'll find canned air at home centers and hardware stores, usually in the electrical supplies aisle. Caution: The cans contain chemical propellants, not just air. Don't let children play with them.

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Family Handyman

Ditch Your Carpeting

In most homes, carpet is by far the biggest dust reservoir. It's a huge source of fibers and absorbs dust like a giant sponge. Even the padding underneath holds dust, which goes airborne with each footstep. Although ripping out your wall-to-wall carpet may sound radical, it's the best thing you can do if you suffer from serious allergies. For how to remove dust from air the best thing you can do is to replace carpeting with hard floorings like laminate, wood or tile, and wet mop it regularly (with a microfiber cloth) instead of sweeping. Sweeping is more likely to stir up dust than to remove it. Keeping it? Here are some carpet cleaning tips for long-lasting carpet.

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Family Handyman

Dust with Your Dryer

Blankets, pillows, slipcovers, drapes and other textiles not only trap household dust, but they create it as they shed and disintegrate. Curtains and drapes, in particular, get dusty because they absorb moisture and dirt from the outside and act as a landing pad for dust from ceiling fans and air vents. The best idea for how to clean dust is to buy machine-washable items and launder them twice a year (OK, at least once). For non-machine-washable textiles, throw them in the dryer on the air-fluff setting (no heat) for 20 minutes with a damp towel. The damp towel will attract pet hair, and the tumbling movement and airflow will remove the smaller particles for you.

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Synthetic Soap Simplifies Bathroom Cleaning

In terms of chemistry, some soaps aren't really true soap. Any soap in a liquid or gel form and some bar soaps, such as Zest and Ivory, are synthetic soap. These non-soap soaps are much less likely to form that dreaded layer of tough scum on your sink or tub and will allow you to clean house fast. Learn more about the best cleaning supplies for your home.

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Family Handyman

Buff Off Heavy Grime

If you have glass shower doors in your bathroom and don't keep on top of the cleaning, you can end up with soap scum so tough that it's nearly impossible to remove. Here's how to clean your bathroom better — bring out the heavy equipment. Pick up some polishing compound at a home center or an auto parts store and use an auto buffer to polish off the offending scum. If you don't own a buffer, you can buy one for as little as $20 or borrow one from a gearhead friend. If possible, remove the doors and take them out to the garage to avoid messing up the bathroom. Find out why brass polish is the surefire method to cleaning glass scratches. 

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Duster for the Vertically Challenged

Unless you play in the NBA, dusting ceiling fans and other high, out-of-reach objects is a real chore. Wrap a dryer sheet around a clean painting roller and secure the ends with rubber bands. Attach an extension handle to the roller and dust away for the fastest way to clean your home.

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Family Handyman

Clean Grout with a Bleach Pen

Associate editor Elisa Bernick recommends using a bleach pen to transform your grout from grungy to great. This method is tedious, but the payoff is crisp, clean grout lines. Use the pen to 'draw' bleach across the grout lines. The pen allows you to target the grout without getting bleach all over the tile. Wait 10 minutes and then rinse. For really mildewed grout, you may need a second application, and it can help to gently scrub the bleach into the grout with a toothbrush before allowing it to work for 10 minutes. Make sure to run the fan in the bathroom and to avoid skin contact. This method is best for light or white grout. If you have colored grout, test a small area first. It might fade. Instead of trying to find a bleach pen at the store, the cleaning solution to grout might already be in the bathroom.

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Family Handyman

Clean with Microfiber Products

Microfiber products attract and hold dust with an electrostatic charge which make them one of the best tools for how to clean dust. Microfiber cloths are unlike dry rags and feather dusters, which just spread dust around. Machine washable microfiber products can save you money over disposable brands because you can use them over and over. Just make sure to let them air dry (so they'll stay soft), and don't use bleach or fabric softener, which degrades the fibers and reduces their ability to attract and hold dust. Microfiber dusting tools for blinds, ceiling fans, floors and general cleaning are available online and at many stores. Buy your microfiber cloths in the automotive section. 'Cleaning' and 'detailing' towels are the same as 'dusting' cloths, and they're often a lot cheaper. Get Microfiber Cloths on Amazon.

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Family Handyman

Make Your Own Greener Cleaning Solution

Professional housecleaner Maggie Orth likes to make her own cleaning products. Here's her recipe for an all-purpose cleaning solution, modified from a recipe she found in the book Clean House, Clean Planet by Karen Logan. In a 5-quart bucket, mix: 1 cup of distilled vinegar, 3 tablespoons of borax, 1 gallon of hot water and 1/2 cup of soap (Maggie uses Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds). Maggie likes to add 10 or 15 drops of tea tree, lavender or lemon oil for a nice fragrance. Mix the ingredients and then pour some of the mixture into a spray bottle. Save the rest in a gallon jug. This is enough all-purpose cleaner to last for years! Use this mixture to clean tile, countertops and painted woodwork. It's a good all-purpose cleaner, but it's not the best for cleaning glass. Maggie uses club soda to clean glass. Sometimes home remedies are great at keeping pests out of the garden as well.

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Nylon Scrubber

Put your car-washing sponge inside a pair of old pantyhose for a great nonabrasive, paint-friendly scrubber. The threads act like thousands of little scrapers that rub off insects and gunk with every swipe. Get more car cleaning tips and tricks to speed up the whole process.

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Family Handyman

Clean a Sluggish Toilet

If your toilet flushes slowly, the rinse holes under the rim may be clogged with mineral deposits. (Get a refresher on the parts of a toilet.) Use a hand mirror to see the holes under the rim of the toilet. Bend a coat hanger flat and probe the tip into the holes to poke out any deposits. You can clean out those clogged holes without ever getting your hands dirty.

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Easier Bottle Cleaning

Clean those narrow-necked jars and vases with small gravel (aquarium gravel works the best). Fill one-third of the jar with water. Add a handful of gravel, and then stir and shake the jar. The gravel will scour the inside of the jar clean. Dump the gravel into a strainer, give it a quick rinse (so it doesn't stink!) and save it for next time. You'll wonder why you didn't think of that yourself!

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Family Handyman

Vacuum First, Then Scrub

Do you ever find yourself chasing strands of wet hair or running into dust balls in the corners with your sponge or cleaning rag? You can learn how to clean your bathroom better and eliminate this nuisance by vacuuming the bathroom before you get out your cleaning solutions. For a really thorough cleaning, start at the top, vacuuming the dust from light fixtures and the top of window casings. Then work your way down. And finally, vacuum the floor methodically so you cover every inch. You don't want to leave any stray hair or dust bunnies to muck up your cleaning water. A soft-bristle upholstery brush works best for this type of vacuuming. Figure out what vacuum to use here.

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Family Handyman

Protect Your Shower Doors from Mineral Buildup

When the beads of water left on your glass shower door dry out, they leave minerals behind that are at best unsightly, and at worst can be tough as nails to remove if you let them build up. You can avoid beading water altogether by coating the glass with an auto-glass treatment. Two brands are Aquapel and Rain-X. Follow the instructions on the package to apply the treatment to your shower door glass. You can buy Aquapel or find a local dealer online. You'll find Rain-X at any auto parts store. Let a showerhead amaze you with the comfort it can provide and check out 10 showerheads for a better shower experience.

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Trash Can Cleanup

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Family Handyman

Clean Your Bagless Vacuum Filter

'Bagless vacuums are good for business,' according to one vacuum repairman. The problem isn't design or manufacturing but user negligence. Vacuum owners empty the dirt canister but often don't clean the filters. Plugged filters lead to an overworked motor. And sooner or later, the motor burns out. Motor replacement costs at least $100. People avoid cleaning filters because it's a messy job. The typical method is to tap the filter against the inside of a trash can until most of the dust falls off. But this raises a thick cloud of dust and doesn't get the filter completely clean. Here's a faster, neater, more thorough approach: Take the vacuum out to the garage and clean the pleated filter with a shop vacuum. Some pleated filters have a special coating that you can damage, so be gentle with the shop vacuum nozzle. Clean prefilter screens and post-filters the same way. Learn what the experts say on how often to change filters on bagless vacuums. 

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Citrus Peels and Ice Cubes for a Stinky Disposer

If your disposer has developed an odor, it may contain bits of rotted food. Here's how to clean them out:

  1. With the water running at about half throttle, drop in orange or lemon peels. Run the disposer for five seconds. Citric acid from the peels softens crusty waste and attacks smelly bacteria. Give the acid about 15 minutes to do its work.
  2. Turn on the water and the disposer and drop in a few ice cubes. Flying shards of ice work like a sandblaster inside the disposer.
  3. Run the water until the bowl is about half full. Then pull the stopper and turn on the disposer to flush it out.

Plus: Bad Smell in the House?

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Garbage Bag Holder-Upper

Tired of the garbage bag slipping down into the trash can? Cut out the middle of the lid with a utility knife and just snap the outer rim over the bag to keep it in place. This works great for recycling, not so great for stinky stuff!

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Family Handyman

Flashlight Glass Finder

Cleaning up broken glass is a real pain, but it's nothing compared with a glass shard in the foot. Get a flashlight and turn off the overhead lights. Scan the floor with the flashlight from a low angle and the shards will glisten, making even the littlest piece stand out. Besides being an all-time great Parliament song, a glow-in-the-dark flashlight might be a light saver in a blackout.

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Family Handyman

Long-Reach Vacuum

A PVC pipe connected to a vacuum hose lets you reach up to high spots or into narrow crannies, so you can suck up those cobwebs around skylights or exterminate dust bunnies behind radiators. A 10-ft. piece of PVC pipe is inexpensive. Here's another vacuum attachment hack. In the plumbing aisle, you'll also find PVC and rubber 'reducer' couplings that let you connect your vacuum hose to a different-size pipe.

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Family Handyman

Beat the Dust out of Cushions

Upholstery absorbs lots of dust?and then sends it airborne every time you sit down. Routine vacuuming reduces the problem, but can't suck out the deep-down dust. So take cushions outside a couple times each year, preferably on a windy day, and spank the dust out of them. An old tennis racket makes a great upholstery beater (and improves your swing)

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Family Handyman

Renew Wood with Mineral Spirits

If the finish on your furniture or woodwork is dull and murky, it may need refinishing. But before you take on that project, take a tip from furniture restorers and clean it with mineral spirits. Mineral spirits—sometimes labeled "paint thinner"—is a gentle solvent that dissolves years of grime and residue from cleaners or polishes without harming wood finishes. Get it at a home center or paint store. Just soak a soft cloth and keep rubbing until the cloth no longer picks up grime. Work in a well-ventilated area and remember that the fumes are flammable. Hang the cloth outdoors to dry before throwing it in the trash.

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Family Handyman

Remove Pet Hair with Duct Tape

That's right. We've found another use for duct tape—cleaning. The stickiness of duct tape makes it perfect for a makeshift pet hair remover and this method is faster than vacuuming. It also works on seats in vehicles. A sponge or cloth wrapped with duct tape works great for getting into corners. Wrap duct tape around a paint roller cover, sticky side out. Roll the paint cover over furniture or carpet to pick up the pet hair. Add more tape as the surface gets full of hair. Once you're done removing hair, learn how to clean a microfiber couch here. Plus: Kitchen Cleaning Checklist: 11 Tips for a Clean Kitchen

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Family Handyman

Microwave Cleaner

It's easy to clean baked-on food and spills from your microwave Here's how: Partially fill a measuring or coffee cup with water and add a slice of lemon. Boil the water for a minute, and then leave the door closed and let the steam loosen the mess. After 10 minutes, open the door and wipe away the grime. Plus: Best Household Cleaning Supplies & Products

Originally Published: May 14, 2019

7 ideas for saving space in a small apartment

With rising real estate prices, more and more people are buying studios or small one-bedroom apartments. There are many articles on the Internet on visually increasing the space in a small apartment: light shades, transparent furniture, an abundance of light, open layouts. But today we will talk about functional techniques for saving space in a small apartment. 7 simple tricks that will increase the footage of the apartment not only visually, but also from a practical point of view.

Hanging storage areas

One of the biggest problems in a small apartment is nowhere to store things. As a rule, there is simply no space left for a full-fledged closet. Hanging storage areas become salvation. For greater convenience, closed shelves and corner hanging consoles are selected. Hanging shelves are installed above the work area, above the sofa or TV. Also, designers are advised to give preference to closed modular furniture in the hallway area in order to avoid the feeling of clutter.

Hidden storage areas

Hidden storage areas are another way to deal with the mess in an already small space. Wherever you can organize additional storage for household items or out-of-season items, you should place an inconspicuous cavity: under a sofa or bed, in an armchair, on the upper tiers of cabinets or even a kitchen set. At the time of interior design planning, it may seem that you don’t have a lot of things, but over time you will become overgrown with household items that require their own place in the apartment.

Furniture-transformer

When there is not much space in the apartment, then transforming furniture will come in handy. A sofa bed, a folding table, a retractable bar counter - all multifunctional things can save room space. Everything that is folded, moved apart and transformed can participate in the interior in several roles of a domestic scenario, which means that it will help to adapt the apartment mobilely to any situation.

Matryoshka furniture

These design tricks also include pieces of furniture that can be folded according to the principle of nesting dolls. Several tables and chairs, folding pouffes and coffee tables - all this can, if necessary, turn your apartment into a comfortable living room, without taking up space in everyday life.

Room within a room

Often in the studio there is no space for organizing a comfortable separate bedroom. Here the reception of textile zoning of a berth comes to the rescue. At night, the sofa bed, with the help of curtains like a canopy, turns into a full-fledged bedroom, and during the day the sofa meets the requirements of the living room. Similarly, you can organize a separate bedroom with the help of sliding glass partitions or screens.

Children's house

Sometimes it happens that there is no way to organize a full-fledged children's room for a child. Designers often advise a bunk bed, where one floor is a sleeping place, and the second is a play or work area. Bed-houses also meet the principles of comfortable zoning of a children's bed.

Window sill

In small apartments, the window sill is not left unused, often the dining or working area is moved there. It is worth mentioning that standard plastic window sills are not suitable for these needs. It is worth expanding the window sill with the help of a countertop, which can be made of wood or artificial stone. It is important to calculate all the differences in humidity and temperature, install high-quality windows, and, of course, process all joints and slopes.

You can find even more life hacks for organizing an apartment in the interior showrooms of the Lanskoy shopping complex.

#Lifehacks

Ideas for saving space in a small apartment - 50+ photos and videos

Author Maria To read 10 min Views 19.9k. Posted on

Contents of the article

  1. Ideas for saving space in a small apartment
  2. Use hard-to-reach places
  3. Eliminate the mess
  4. Try minimalist design
  5. Choose half -open furniture
  6. Use mirrors to expand the room
  7. Invest in storage
  8. Use angles and install the integrated elements
  9. shelves or storage spaces
  10. Save space with furniture
  11. Multipurpose items
  12. Nothing superfluous
  13. Ideas for saving space in a small apartment: photo
  14. 28 videos of ideas for saving space
  15. Expert advice

The smaller the size of the room, the more difficult it is to place all the necessary interior items and things in it. Of course, the owners of small apartments are constantly wondering: how to save space in a small apartment? We have collected ideas for saving space in a small apartment.

Creating a comfortable atmosphere without sacrificing functionality is very difficult. But this task can be done without even resorting to the help of an experienced designer. You only need to carefully look at your own apartment, determine its features, disadvantages and advantages.

Space Saving Ideas in a Small Apartment

Try to look at all rooms (including the bathroom and hallway) with a fresh eye, identifying the space that remains unused. Turning a small apartment into a functional and stylish living space can be done with a few clever tricks.

Use hard-to-reach places

You just have to look up to see the wasted space. Of course, residents of apartments with high ceilings can make a second floor where a sleeping place or a small wardrobe can fit.

But what about the owners of apartments with ordinary ceilings? They can also use the usable area. For example, a shelf for towels can be made above the front door in the bathroom. Thus, you can unload the closet and free up space in it for clothes and shoes.

If your apartment has a staircase, then it must be used not only for its intended purpose. The ideal option is to turn the entire lower part of the structure into a deep closet. A lot of shelves and drawers will be an excellent storage for all the important (and not so) things.

Another way to save space is to place shelves and furniture in the corner. Very often, apartment owners leave the corners free, not paying attention to them. But in fact, it is these places that can significantly “unload” the space.

Corner shelves are much more spacious than regular ones. You can use them both to create the right atmosphere and present souvenirs and decorative items, as well as to store things. In the latter case, it is recommended to use special boxes for things or put wicker baskets on the shelves.

Another place that many apartment owners forget about is the empty space under the bathroom. Here you can store buckets and rags, a broom, a dustpan, a mop and detergents. Carefully covered with a special screen, these items will not be "striking". And the bathroom cabinet can be occupied with tubes and jars that are more important to you.

Clean up the mess

Spring cleaning isn't just for spring! The simplest idea for saving space in small apartments is to tidy often. The less stuff you have, the bigger your apartment will look! Before you dive into the layout and design of your apartment, start by removing unwanted items.

Try minimalist design

Clear lines and no clutter are the main elements of a minimalist apartment. Over-decorating will downsize your already small living spaces, so integrate this contemporary apartment design to make the most of your space.

Choose semi-open furniture

Don't let heavy, bulky furniture block natural light or movement! Bookshelves, chests of drawers, nightstands, and other partially open items create a spacious feel in your studio while leaving room for empty space.

Use mirrors to make your room look bigger

Reflective surfaces create the illusion of a taller and wider apartment. Whether it's adding spaciousness to your bedroom or opening up a cramped living room, mirrors will expand your small apartment.

Invest in storage furniture

The best furniture for small apartments is versatile. From bed frames with built-in drawers to opening pews and ottomans, choose versatile pieces that do double duty.

Use corners and install built-ins

Corners can seem like a waste of space if not used properly. Whether it's an L-shaped sofa, a TV cabinet, or a shelf, these "corner" designs can fit neatly into a room and save space.

If you have awkward wall niches, install built-in shelves for books or favorite items. Built-in wardrobes or vertical cabinets can give you extra storage space without exposing a massive piece of furniture to the room.

Paint ceilings and walls white

Another popular technique is to use neutral colors on walls, floors, ceilings, baseboards and upholstery. Tones such as off-white or beige create the illusion of expanding space and can also brighten up a room by reflecting light. Dark colors in a small space absorb light, making the room look smaller. However, you can always add splashes of vibrant color with upholstered furniture or wall art to keep it from looking too bland and bland.

Install floating shelves or storage space

Furniture doesn't always have to be on the floor. Depending on how strong your walls are, you can wall-mount hanging shelves, cabinets, TVs, or set-top boxes to free up valuable floor space.

For home offices, it can be convenient to hang small items on wall rails as you have more space on your desk, making it less cluttered. Just remember to check what's behind the wall before you start drilling holes everywhere. For example, pay attention to the wires and measure them correctly so as not to create an eyesore.

Save space with furniture

Avoid a lot of interior items. The fact is that a small area does not allow you to install them all, while maintaining the comfort and stylish look of the apartment. It is better to limit yourself to a few necessary pieces of furniture, but not to "overload" the space.

How to do it? The easiest way is to give up all the extra . Do you need a coffee table, chest of drawers, sofa and bed? If you know that you cannot do without certain items, then look for transformer models. So, for example, a sofa bed will immediately replace 2 massive pieces of furniture. By installing it, you can receive guests on a stylish sofa during the day, and enjoy sleeping on a comfortable and spacious bed at night.

If you prefer to hide the bed during the day, then pay attention to interesting models where the bed is removed in the closet. They guarantee space and freedom of movement during the day and are ideal for very small rooms.

The convertible table looks like a small object because it is close to the floor. On such a coffee table you can put a vase with fruits and sweets, a cup of coffee, newspapers and books. But you will want to dine at a full and high table. Lifting mechanisms turn a coffee table into a dining table in a couple of seconds. We found very interesting and ergonomic models in the online store rai-mebel.ru.

Multifunctional things

Transformers are not the only way to use things for several purposes at once. The easiest way is to combine the main function with a decorative or storage function. Beds and sofas can be equipped with built-in drawers for storing linens. In them you can hide pillows and blankets, freeing cabinets and cabinets.

In addition to these, manufacturers often provide space for important little things in the window sills. You will no longer need a bedside table, which will increase the useful area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room.

Books can be stored, for example, not only on shelves and racks. You can hide books in special compartments inside coffee tables, armchairs and even poufs. Designers even offer very bold furniture options, where magazines and books act as the main material.

Do not forget that multifunctional appliances take up much less space than all their simpler counterparts. Get a climate station instead of an air purifier, ionizer and humidifier. You can save free space.

Install a food processor in the kitchen instead of hiding the mixer, juicer and meat grinder. You will notice how much free space will appear in your kitchen cabinet.

Nothing superfluous

Give up unnecessary things once and for all. The more incomprehensible little things will be located in your apartment, the smaller it will seem. Empty closets of clothes you don't wear, remove old unnecessary magazines - overloaded space visually reduces the room.

And, of course, a small apartment should be in perfect order. If things always lie in their places, then optically the room will look more spacious. Little things forgotten on the table or sofa can be put away in a special basket or box. So you can always keep order, and you will also know exactly where to look for forgotten items.

Ideas for saving space in a small apartment: photo

28 video ideas for saving space

See also: Interesting Solutions for a Small Apartment

Expert Tips

Morgan Ovens

Decluttering before a move will be critical to making it easier for you to downsize.

Stacey Murray