Use the room’s height

Many people don’t take full advantage of a room’s height. A book shelf tower going up to the ceiling might require you to use a step ladder to get to the top, but it could also use up less floor space in the process. There may even be ways of storing item vertically in ways that you hadn’t considered. Using racks you can store a bicycle vertically against a wall using up less floor space. There are also fold-away dining tables out there that can be stored upright in a cupboard like an ironing board.

Use the space under the stairs

Many of us with staircases tend to neglect the space underneath. By knocking through the wall on the other side, this space may have the potential to be turned into a walk-in wardrobe. Alternatively, you could turn the space into drawers.

Use alcoves and small spaces

Cubby holes and alcoves in oddly shaped rooms are perfect places to fit shelves or a cupboard. If you’ve got an armchair in the corner of a room, you may even have space behind for a storage tower.

Store loose items in mason jars

Many of us store coffee, teabags and sugar in jars for easy access, but there are many other loose household items that can be stored this way. Separate mason jars could be used in the bathroom for storing toothbrushes, razors, cosmetics and brushes. They can alternatively be used for storing pasta and cereal in a rustic way. You could even use one in the living room for storing remotes.

Hang items on a pegboard

Pegboards are another stylish storage solution. These can look great in the garage for hanging DIY tools in an organised manner. However, a pegboard could also be used by the front door for hanging keys and car chargers and last minute items you need. It could even be a creative place for hanging stationary above a desk or somewhere for displaying jewellery. 

Hang metal utensils using magnets

Magnetic strips can also be hung on a wall to creatively hang certain items. Magnets are popular in kitchens for hanging knives, freeing up countertop space by not requiring a knife block. However, magnets could also be used to store metal DIY tools and even metal bathroom utensils like tweezers and nail clippers.

Extension

If you do have the money, then why not look into having an extension on the house- over the garage or a two floor extension to the side or rear? A home extension isn't a small job, and one that you will need outside help with. Use a design company, like Guy Phoenix, who have good recommendations, and a construction company who have the same. Often you will find that basic extensions can be designed and created by the same team. Set a budget and let the team know it, so that they can work within those parameters. 

Lighting 

Rather than sticking to traditional, central lights that cut the corners of any room, look into spotlights for maximum lighting. Cutting out the corners of the room makes it feel a lot smaller than it really is - so by introducing spot lighting, you open up the whole space. You can also create this illusion with lamps rather than whole new lighting.  

Rug 

To create the illusion of a bigger room, use a rug instead of carpets. You can use the rug trick over a neutral coloured carpets if you prefer too. Choose a large area rug that fills the space. But ensure that the rug ends about half a meter away from the walls. This glimpse of floorboards or contrasting carpet is what creates the illusion by drawing the eye and tricking it into thinking there space has grown a little.

Clearout

Your first choice for gaining a little more room should be a good old-fashioned clearout. You may have only been in your home for a year or two, but you would be surprised at how quickly you can build up a huge supply of things you don’t really need, especially when you have children. Be a little bit ruthless, and you will be astounded at the amount of rubbish you were storing in your home. If it hasn’t been used in six months, you probably won’t miss it. You will likely have to do a few clearouts, as coming across forgotten possessions can turn you sentimental. You can even get yourself a little extra money by selling the things that you no longer need if they are in good condition. That’s a double win in anyone’s books.

Extend

If having a clearout hasn’t freed up enough space, it’s time to start thinking about extending. This may seem like a drastic measure, but the cost of extending is typically cheaper than the cost of buying a similarly sized property, plus you would also have to pay solicitor’s fees and cover the cost of moving. You will have to make enquiries about planning permission and restrictions, but the chances are that you could quite easily gain permission for a two-storey extension which would add a huge amount of extra living space to your home as well as increasing the property value. If you are on a tight budget, you may be tempted to do a one-storey extension only. However, if you do decide to do this, you should ensure that the foundations are dug deep enough to allow for a second storey to be built at a later date if you wished. It never hurts to be prepared.

Convert

Along the same lines as an extension, however, a conversion is usually much easier to gain planning permission for. You may have a basement that is used only for storage or is a little on the small side. You could have a specialist help to extend or refurbish your basement to make it a usable space in your home. You could also look at converting your attic which could then be put to use as an extra bedroom. Perfect for a growing family.

Hopefully, these tips have helped you to make your current situation a bit more habitable for your family. However, sometimes there is no choice but to move to a bigger property or relocate to a different area. Luckily companies like Flyinghomes can help to make that process a little easier. So whichever decision you have to make, you know that it will be an easy one to see through.

Money To Be Made

We might as well start with the most important part to a lot of people, how is there more money to be made? Well, it isn’t actually as hard as you would think. You don’t even need to look further than the job you’re in right now, but we’ll explore other options later. If you’ve worked in the same job for years, you’ll have come accustomed to the way things work. How many hours you work, how much time off you can have etc. But what happens when you need time off due to being ill? Well, a lot of companies can actually be funny with you about this. Some companies are really accommodating, and will actually pay you for weeks, if you’re off for a long time that is, before drawing the line. The more generous they are, the more likely you’re going to stay long term, so it is understandable why some companies do it. But there are some out there that downright refuse to pay holiday pay, or if they do, it is the bare minimum. But these companies actually could be breaking the law. Everyone needs to go off sick every now and again, we’re all human. So if you ever find yourself in a situation where sick pay is being refused to you, check your rights as an employee. Peninsulas statutory sick pay guide will help you to understand fully what you’re owed. If you ever do find yourself in a situation where an employer isn’t paying out what they’re meant to, don’t be at all afraid to go down a legal route. It’ll leave you with more money in the long run, and it’ll stop other employees falling subject to what you did. You won’t get fired, and if you do the company can get in even more trouble for unfair dismissal. Aside from owed money, you can always try and ask for a pay rise if you’re in need of a bit of extra cash. A lot of employees simply don’t have the guts to do this. But what do you have to lose? If you’ve been on the same wage for years, it is only reasonable that you have a pay review!

As well as money you can make from your regular day job, there's also money that can be made on the side too. Blogging is one example of an excellent way of making money in your spare time and from home that really doesn’t require too much effort once you’ve got things going. Actually setting up the blog is the hardest part. You have to think of a name, what you’d actually like to blog about, and what the theme is going to be. There’s so many blogs out there that can help to give you some inspiration. Once you’ve got all that nailed, you just need to think of the content. What you write about is completely up to you. For this to work it has to interest you in the first place. Popular categories include home, fashion, beauty, lifestyle etc. One of the main things you need to be doing to gain exposure is being really active on social media. It is the only way to gain the followers you need to eventually monetise your blog. A lot of companies that might offer you paid opportunities like to see a certain level of social presence, as well as a well established blog. Twitter and Instagram are the main two you need to be focusing on. Make sure you share every post that you write to Twitter, and tweet photos related to the article. With Twitter, it is important that you’re following plenty of bloggers that you actually have an interest in. You also need to make sure you’re getting involved in Twitter chats etc. to gain more exposure. Once you’ve got a good following, begin to contact companies you’d like to collaborate with, or keep your eyes peeled for opportunities on social media.

Money To Be Saved

When you’ve got the money you’d like, you need to be searching for ways in which you can keep it. One is keeping daily living costs to a minimum. Things like household bills really can take a massive chunk out of your paycheck each month, but chances are the amount you’re paying can be reduced. All you need to do is be more conscious of things like how long you’re in the shower for, and how much electricity you’re using. For example, if it is a nice sunny day outside, don’t just pile the clothes into the tumble dryer for ease. Tumble dryers use up so much energy it is crazy! You should also be looking at putting your money away securely in a bank. Some ISA’s allow you to only withdraw money a few times a year. This could really help if you know you’re a serial spender.

Offloading Elsewhere

If you simply have a case of too much stuff and not enough space, and you're not able to declutter enough for everything to fit, you may need to store things elsewhere. Instead of filling the spare bedroom, why not move items to a shed, garage or the attic? You could always opt to use a self-storage service such as https://www.nowstorage.co.uk/, or even ask a kind family member or friend if they can hold items for you. If perhaps you've moved to a smaller home and don't want to throw away items, furniture or appliances but think you will use them again in future then this is a good option. At least that way you don't need to re- buy everything again later down the line. 

Don’t Add To It!

 Increase The Security 

A safe home is a happy home, which is why it’s imperative that your security is to a standard where the property is protected even if you’re on holiday. This includes advanced CCTV systems, secured door openings, and adopting positive habits. On a separate note, keeping the home clean and free from potential hazards are equally important factors for the overall safety. Frankly, there’s nothing quite as comforting as knowing you’ve got these elements right. 

Encourage Time Together 

Human interaction is the key to leading a happy lifestyle, and your home is the place to embrace it. Therefore, you must ensure that all communal spaces are bright and bold. When the physical dimensions are tight, opting for a minimalist approach can rescue the positive atmosphere. Additions like kitchen island lighting allow rooms to take on a brighter vibe. This should instantly transform mealtimes and family activities for the better. Ensure that seating is arranged in a way that encourages communication too, and you won’t go far wrong. 

Make It Yours 

It’s great to get ideas and inspiration from various stores and sources. However, it’s important to remember that you’re creating a home rather than a showroom. As such, adding a few items that are unique to your lives and passions is essential. Aside from using family photos and holiday souvenirs to brighten up the home, you could look at film memorabilia and other features. Those decorative features that provide a personal touch will keep you smiling. 

 Invest In Better Bedding 

If you truly wish to lead a happy life, starting and ending each day in the right fashion is vital. Therefore, it makes sense that you should pay special attention to the bedroom, not least when it comes to bedding. A more comfortable mattress can actively aid your quality and quantity of sleep, as well as support your posture. In truth, though, the easiest way to evoke a few extra smiles is to keep the bedding clean. Of course, it helps when the duvet and pillows are made from quality materials. Nonetheless, the importance of those fresh smells should not be ignored. 

Think About Practicality 

Let’s face it; there simply aren’t enough hours in the day for most people. Placing an increased focus on time management at home can make a huge difference to your life. Appliances like dishwashers and other time-saving assets will enable you to do more of the things you enjoy. Similarly, you should think about eco-friendly additions that will save you money in the long run. After all, the combination of having more time and cash can only have a positive impact on your life.