Don’t worry too much if you can’t afford a large home. Rather than paying more than you can afford, there are a few things you can do make the most of this small space.

Making Your Space Look Larger

First, your home can look a lot larger using a few tricks. So, even though a room (or your entire home) might be tiny, it doesn’t have to feel claustrophobic. Here are some tips to keep small spaces looking large:

• Let the natural light flow in. Using heavy drapery will only make a room feel more enclosed, while light curtains allows the room to be an extension of the outside space.
• Keep the clutter to a minimum. Use one or two large pieces rather than tons of knick-knacks. When surfaces are clear, the room will seem bigger.
• Paint the ceiling a lighter color. You don’t have to keep the walls white, but whatever color you choose, make sure you paint the ceiling a slightly lighter shade to “lift” it.
• Don’t be afraid of large furniture. Too much large furniture can make a room look smaller, but one or two large pieces is okay as long as you don’t overcrowd with too much furniture.
•  Use mirrors instead of painting or other wall art. The reflection will make a room seem bigger.

Finding Space for your Stuff

In a small home, organization is key. In order to keep all of your favorite items out of storage and easily accessible, here are some tips to fit everything into your small space.

• Use multi-functional items. Look for a coffee table with a lid that opens for storage. Buy a sofa bed if you don’t have space for a guest room. Choose a dining room table that can be extended when necessary, but easily folded into a smaller surface to save space when you aren’t eating.
• Purchase clothing you can wear year-round so you don’t have to store tons of seasonal items. Layers are your friend! This will cut down on the amount of closet space you need for clothing so you can store other items as well.
• Install shelves and use pretty storage containers to get things off the floor and out of the way and make use of space that typically isn’t used.
• Make use of the space under your bed. This is a great place to store extra blankets and pillows, and you can also purchase under-the-bed storage containers for shoes, clothing, and other items.

No matter how small your home, make sure you have adequate renters or home insurance to protect you financially. When a disaster happens, you want to know that you’re covered!

This is a guest post by Allison. She writes for InsuranceQuotes.org, where you can purchase a great renters or home insurance to fit your needs.

image credit – ptstaging.com