Condos, like houses, come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes, they can be massive and make you feel like you are truly king (or queen) of your domain. Other times, however, they can leave you feeling like you are living in nothing more than a coat closet, particularly if you are used to much larger digs. If you find yourself in cramped quarters, the following tips may come in handy in your efforts to make the most of the space you have.

Furnishings and Décor with Hidden Compartments Provide Additional Storage

Small spaces often leave you lacking adequate storage. While most needs can be met with (sometimes excessive) shelving, other needs require something a bit more inconspicuous. Benches and other furnishings with hidden compartments can provide extra hidden storage in which to store family photographs, mad money, and other personal belongings.

Multi-functional Furnishings Give You More Function in Less Space

Couches with pull-out sofas are obvious pieces that serve multiple functions. However, these sofas have received modern upgrades with the ability to transform into full-blown beds and even bunk or loft beds.

In addition to serving as great guest beds, they also make excellent additions to bedrooms, providing all the benefits of both a bedroom and an office in one singular space. During the day, the sofa allows for comfortable seating in case of guests or meetings, and work can be completed at a nearby desk that also converts into a dining table. In a studio condo, the main area can serve as a living room, office, bedroom, and dining room with the introduction of only a few pieces of furniture.

Open Shelves versus Closed Cabinets

Give the illusion of a much larger space by using open shelves for dishes and décor, rather than closing everything up in cabinets, making the place seem even more cramped. This is especially helpful in the kitchen, and it keeps everything all in one place so that you can access everything you need more quickly if necessary. Rather than spreading out pots, pans, plate, etc. in cabinets throughout your kitchen, they can all be place on a single shelf above your counter. This also frees up those lower cabinets for additional storage, where you can keep cleaning supplies, shopping bags, and heavier items that cannot easily be stored on a shelf.

Share a Room with Lofts and Bunkbeds

Bunkbeds are the easiest way to provide sleeping arrangements for multiple people within one space. Lofts make it easier to convert your space into both a bedroom and an office. Students, siblings, or roommates sharing a room can provide ample sleeping and working room by having their own loft bed with a desk underneath.

Additional options for housing multiple siblings in one room include trundle beds, which pull out from under larger beds. These can also be beneficial for sleepovers and other overnight guests. When not in use, the mattress could be replaced with a board, converting the trundle into extra storage. Then the mattress could be placed on the main bed for extra comfort.

Organizing Your Closet

You might be surprised at the extent to which your closet can be utilized with a little ingenuity and organization. Begin by cleaning everything out. Go through everything and eliminate unnecessary clutter. Donate clothing that no longer fits and anything else that you do not use.

Invest in closet organizers to help divide everything neatly and create additional storage and hanging space for all your needs. Many closet organizers come with multiple racks and shelves. These can be divided for multiple roommates or be used to separate types of clothing (business, casual, athletic, etc.).

Make use of all available space. Store winter clothing and other items on the shelf at the top of the closet and hang a shoe rack on the inside of the door. Alternately, shoe boxes could be stacked in the corner of the closet to keep your shoes neat and tidy without having to take up additional space that could be used for clothing and other personal items. Add ample lighting as well in order to make it easier to find what you need in a packed closet.

Pantry and Refrigerator Organization

Organize your refrigerator, freezer, and pantry to make everything neat and tidy, while also making excellent use of your space. Use containers and dividers to stack and organize cans, jars, etc. Place a shoe rack on the inside of your pantry door to hold snacks, Ziploc bags, and other small items while freeing up space on shelves for other food and items. Attach small shelves on the wall of your pantry or cabinet to hold sauce packets, seasonings, juice mixes, etc. Small display shelves can also be attached to the walls of your kitchen to hold fruit without taking up counter space.

Tips for Maximizing Your Condo Space by Condo.ca