This is how you can give yourself more space without finding a new place

Aug 2 2018, 1:29 am

If you live in Vancouver, you probably know what it’s like to live in a small space

Sky-high rent (and mortgage payments) means we’re stuck in studios, one-bedrooms, and basement suites. But less square footage is okay when we get to crush on mountain views every single day, right?

That’s why you need to get creative. It’s possible to make your place feel bigger without having to move. Here are four ways you can do exactly that.

Make use of every inch

Apartment interior/Shutterstock

It’s easy to fall into the trap of viewing your home only in terms of floor space. But the key is to maximize vertical space and walls to essentially double your options for workable space.

Wall hangings, shelves, whatever you have — use them. When you attach shelves to the wall or a storage unit to the back of a door, you’re instantly taking items off the ground and giving yourself a little more room.

Light and dark decor combinations

Home interior/Shutterstock

You can make a space feel bigger by getting in touch with your pale side. Light (both natural and artificial) bounces off light colours, and is absorbed by dark ones. So if your bedroom has the vibe of a vampire’s coffin, maybe it’s time to re-evaluate the colour of your sheets and bed frame.

It doesn’t stop there. Painting the walls a lighter colour will give you the illusion of a bigger space. Light coloured carpet or flooring can help as well. If you can’t make a big change, you can always add a brightly-coloured rug or cushions. A variety of colours that are lighter on the spectrum will maximize the illusion of space. Plus, it just looks nice.

Got hidden storage? Use it

Storage/Shutterstock

If your eyes get overwhelmed just looking around your apartment, that’s a bad sign. Minimize visual clutter while still having access to the things you need, when you need them.

Storage baskets are perfect for sliding under your bed or closet if you have space. If they don’t fit, you can pick up four furniture risers (or concrete blocks, if that’s your jam) to lift the bed a few more inches.

You have unused surfaces above your cabinets. Get up on a ladder if need be because it’s better to use the space for seldom-used things than for dust! Storage ottomans are also a good choice as well. Plus, it can be a pop of colour on top of your light coloured carpet or flooring.

Store some of your belongings offsite

5′ x 5′ unit/Maple Leaf Storage

But what about your seasonal clothing and sporting equipment? You can take the stress out of trying to live with these items crammed into your home by using self-storage with Maple Leaf Storage.

A storage unit like this can’t be treated like the center console in your car; this isn’t a black hole for you to throw all of your extra stuff and forget about it. It’s an extension of your home, and should be organized to be easily taken from and added to.

It’s a great way to make sure your home is full of the things you need right now, while ensuring the safety and organization of the things you’ll need later on. So if you’re ready to store that winter coat where the sun don’t shine, you can find units in your area while choosing from a selection of locker sizes to suit your needs. Creating space couldn’t be easier.

Visit Maple Leaf Storage to get a quote and find a location near you.

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