Bigger is better, or is it?
We all have heard this societal narrative about the need to own bigger homes in coffee shop conversations. However, the pandemic has forced many homeowners in Singapore to rethink their current living conditions. While some are motivated to upgrade to a larger space, there are a handful who are looking to downsize to a smaller apartment for different reasons. We have listed out some of the potential advantages and disadvantages of downsizing your home to assist you in your home-moving decision:
Whether you are downsizing to a small apartment, or moving out of your parents’ house for the very first time, it is important to plan out the areas of storage utilisation in your new home. If you happen to be on a shoestring budget, here are some practical storage hacks that will not break the bank.
With small spaces, vertical spaces are your best bet. Not only does it allow you to maximise your storage space, it creates the illusion of a bigger room by drawing attention to the ceiling. Use wall-mounted hooks or hanging organisers for coats, bags, and hats near the entranceway. Or you can install sky-high floating shelves on walls to display books, plants and decorative pieces. Let your creativity run wild.
Investing in multi-functional furniture is a game-changer for small apartment living. Look for furniture such as sofa beds, bed frames with built-in storage, ottomans with storage, and coffee tables that double as workstations. These pieces not only save space but also add versatility to your living area.
Install heavy-weight ceiling rails over your windowsill or an affordable automated laundry rack to hang your clothes. With a seamless indoor drying rack system, it not only gets the job done, but also tucks away nicely when not in use.
In a small apartment kitchen, organisation is key. Install magnetic racks on the side of your refrigerator to store spices or metal utensils. Use stackable containers and drawer organisers to maximise cabinet space, or hang some hooks on the inside of your cabinet doors to store coffee mugs and commonly-used utensils. You can also mount an aesthetic-looking rack from the ceiling to hang your pots and pans in order to reduce visual clutter.
As the saying goes, “out of sight, out of mind”. It is little wonder acrylic storage containers are all the rage now among homeowners looking for organisational hacks. These nifty labelled containers are the perfect solution to keeping everything visible and accessible, while serving as a smart organisational system to prevent unnecessary clutter.
Think outside the box and repurpose everyday items for storage purposes. For example, use a ladder as a bookshelf or towel rack, repurpose old suitcases as stylish storage containers, or transform an old wooden crate into a unique side table with built-in storage. The possibilities are endless.
Closets are often underutilised in small spaces. Invest in closet organisers such as hanging shoe racks, stackable bins, or cascading hangers to maximise vertical space and keep clothing and accessories organised. Consider adding additional shelves or installing a wardrobe system if needed.
These handy accessories are an absolute lifesaver. They ensure each item has its designated spot, and keep your drawers neat and tidy. Use them in your bedroom, bathroom, closet, office supplies or kitchen drawers. For larger drawers, consider getting a set of extendable adjustable drawer dividers for a more versatile configuration.
Keep frequently used items within reach with pegboards. Not only can you customise the arrangement of hooks and accessories to suit your needs, it also allows you to showcase your personal style. Hang them over your work desk or by the entryway for quick access to your daily essentials.
Say goodbye to shoe clutter with a hanging shoe organiser. Hang it on the back of a door or inside your closet to keep your footwear collection organised and visible. This solution is perfect for those with a passion for shoes but limited floor space.
Roll up a tiny pushcart for your booze, snack stash or linen storage. These practical mini trolleys are specifically designed to fit in the smallest of spaces and can be moved to wherever you need it.
If you are a bike enthusiast, a wall-mounted bike rack is an excellent space-saving solution. Mount your bicycle on the wall to free up valuable floor space and showcase your beloved ride as a stylish décor piece.
Instead of letting this overlooked area collect dust, consider investing in storage containers or drawers specifically designed to fit under beds. This is a great solution for storing off-season clothing, extra bedding, or bulky items that do not need to be accessed frequently.
If you can stack storage containers, you definitely can stack your kids. Get space-saving bunk beds that you can easily flush against the wall to free up your floor space for fun play activities that your kids would enjoy.
Traditional nightstands often consist of a shelf and drawer. However, if your home is following the japandi design theme, you can consider repurposing an affordable wooden stool as your bedside table for that minimalist zen vibe.
One solution is to make use of vertical space by installing shelves or hanging organisers. Another idea is to utilise under-bed storage containers or ottomans with concealed compartments. To maximise closet space, employ organisers and add extra shelving if possible.
Additionally, explore creative storage solutions such as wall hooks, over-the-door organisers, or modular furniture that can be customised based on your requirements.
Start by sorting out and giving away or selling things you no longer require. Make the most of vertical space by building shelves or setting up wall-mounted organisers. Take advantage of storage containers that fit under your bed or ottomans with concealed compartments. Consider using furniture that serves multiple purposes, such as bookshelves with built-in drawers. Increase hanging storage in closets with the help of door hangers.
Alternatively, you might wish to consider renting a self-storage unit near your new home for quick accessibility to your belongings.
Carve out specific areas for different activities to maintain organisation. Develop good daily tidying habits by putting things back in their designated places.
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