VOLUME VIIMaximizing Storage In a Small SpaceBy Rebecca ElenaWhen designing a small space, just one wrong move can take a room from cozy to claustrophobic. Tenants don’t want to move into a property with limited room to store their belongings. Luckily, there are plenty of changes that landlords can do to maximize storage in even the smallest units. 

Quick Tips to Maximize Space
  • Install built-in bookcases into any wall. 
  • Frame a doorway or window with two tall, narrow shelves. 
  • Add nooks in corners too small to have another practical use. 
Read on to find out best practices for the tips above.

Staircase Is Key Storage SpaceDepending on the type of staircase, installing built-in shelves, cabinets or pull-out drawers underneath may all work for extra storage space. Property owners could transition each staircase step into a hidden drawer.

Do-it-yourself enthusiasts can also mount floating shelves along the sides of most staircases. Or, if the space along the side of the staircase is big enough, transform it into an office space. The easiest way to achieve this is by investing in a floating desk or a bench that doubles as a credenza.

Make the Best Use of Floor and Wall SpaceIf the rental does not have a mudroom or foyer, install a coat rack on the wall next to the front door. Or, replace a standard trim with a peg rail to give prospective tenants a place to hang jackets and bags.

Then, enter the kitchen. Cabinet space can extend all the way to the ceiling, including door frames or window frames. If that feels cluttered, kitchen islands with cabinets or cubbies underneath may be a less obtrusive alternative. Or, build a shallow drawer beneath cabinets in lieu of a baseboard.

Drawers and cabinets are a hit in bathrooms too. Smaller bathrooms may benefit from a toilet storage unit. Tenants can store their toiletries in easy-to-reach places and still have reasonable space to move around in the shower and sink areas. Mounting a floating shelf also achieves the same results. Medicine cabinets with mirrors are common in many households, whether small or large.

But in a smaller bathroom, making sure the mirror has a medicine cabinet avoids taking up too much wall space for both—and a secure area to place smaller items. Additionally, instead of a freestanding sink, opt for a sink that has a cabinet as a base.

Moving from the bathroom to the bedroom, fashionista tenants will certainly care about closet space. A spacious closet is a huge selling point. Even if a closet lacks square footage, simply installing two or more bars will give them additional places to hang clothing. Shelving can also be placed at the top of the closet above the hanger area. Cubby spaces underneath can be used to stow away shoes, bags and other accessories.

Regardless of how much (or how little) room a property has, any space can feel like home if it is designed properly. With small spaces, that may require a bit more creativity. But tenants may find they don’t need a massive-sized rental to be happy, as long as each square foot serves a purpose.
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