With the cost of living steadily on the rise in the U.S., many of us have gradually learned to make do with less. In addition to being mindful of the products we purchase, this principle extends to the types of living spaces we inhabit. As a growing number of Americans are discovering, needlessly large residences are uneconomical and, in some cases, downright inconvenient. Of course, for those of us who have grown accustomed to larger homes, downsizing can represent a considerable adjustment. If you’ve recently downsized and are looking to make the most of your new living space, the following tips are sure to prove useful.
Invest in Smart Shelving
As anyone who’s occupied a small living space can confirm, storage can present a plethora of challenges, particularly if you own a lot of things. When shopping around for the right storage solutions, keep an eye out for floor-to-ceiling shelving. Shelving that emphasizes height over width can prove incredibly helpful to people who don’t have a lot of space to work with. Many tall shelves offer the same amount of storage space as their wider counterparts – the space is simply distributed differently. Whether you’re looking to store books, movies, videogames or any other type of shelf-friendly item, floor-to-ceiling shelving won’t let you down.
Embrace Digital Media
Living with limited storage space often means being extra-selective about the items you acquire. Every time you’re tempted to make a purchase, you’ll need to ask yourself if the item in question is something you have room for. Luckily, the rise of digital media has helped relieve many of us of this burden. These days, virtually any form of media can be purchased and preserved digitally. If you have a passion for the written word, you can store thousands of books on a good e-reader, thereby freeing up copious shelving space. Additionally, avid gamers can purchase almost any title digitally and store their collections on hard drives.
Purchase a Good Home Warranty
Although homes are generally the largest purchases most of us make, big-ticket appliances are a close second. That being the case, it behooves cost-conscious homeowners to protect these investments. Large-scale appliance repairs don’t come cheap, and an unexpected breakdown can be a tremendous financial burden for people living paycheck-to-paycheck. Fortunately, a comprehensive home warranty can help alleviate the fiduciary strain associated with repairing and replacing essential appliances. The right warranty will ensure that you’re completely covered the next time your fridge, oven, dishwasher or washing machine starts acting up. To learn more about the benefits of a solid home warranty, pay a visit to https://www.roohome.com.
In addition to providing peace of mind, home warranties can prove useful in helping home maintain their value. Since large appliances are typically included in home sales, you’d be wise to keep these devices in prime condition. If your appliances are faulty and/or noticeably out-of-date, prospective buyers are liable to request a reduction in the asking price.
Look for Furniture with Multiple Uses
Most compact living spaces contain very little room for furniture, requiring residents to get creative when furnishing their homes. This is where multi-use furniture comes into play. For example, if your residence doesn’t have a guest room, a sofa that doubles as a bed is a worthwhile investment. Furthermore, if you lack the space for a dedicated work area, look for a kitchen table that doubles as a comfortable desk. People whose entertainment centers have a sizable number of components should keep an eye out for television cabinets that feature ample shelving.
In the U.S., many of us grew up adhering to the notion that bigger equals better. However, as we’ve gradually come to discover, there are many areas in which this mindset isn’t applicable. When it comes to living spaces, it’s easy to see why people often opt for the roomiest possible option. After all, large residences are generally viewed as status symbols, and people with spacious homes are typically perceived as doing well in life. While the benefits of large living spaces are hard to deny, there’s a lot to be said for smaller residences. Provided you know how to make the most of limited space, you’re liable to be very happy in a compact home.
