Many desirable benefits can be associated with tiny home living, such as a lower carbon footprint, less time cleaning, and fewer living expenses. Though the benefits are many, a lack of space can be one significant disadvantage.
While many people solve this problem by decluttering before moving into a tiny home, downsizing from a much larger property can still be a significant adjustment. Fortunately, you might feel more comfortable with your arrangement when you maximize your tiny home living space in the following ways.
Build a Deck
A crowded living space can be one of the main problems many tiny home community members face. However, a new deck can sometimes be the solution you’re looking for. Depending on the deck design you opt for, a deck can open up the available living space while providing much-needed indoor-outdoor flow.
Rather than having your family and friends cramped inside your home, you can place comfortable furniture or camping chairs outside and use the deck as an extension of your home. The most skilled deck builders can also craft decks on trailers, allowing you to tow them away from your home to a different location if you relocate to a new lot later. A deck can also serve as a versatile space for hobbies and creative pursuits, such as displaying fine art or enjoying outdoor painting sessions. This added functionality can make a deck not just a practical extension of your home but also a personal retreat for relaxation and inspiration.
Use Multi-Purpose Furniture
In a home of a standard size, multi-functional furniture isn’t important. For example, you can have a washing machine and a dryer without worrying about finding space for both. However, with room in short supply in a tiny home, multi-purpose furniture can be crucial for keeping it as spacious as possible.
Build or buy furniture that can serve multiple purposes, such as a sofa that folds out to a bed for guests, a washer-dryer combo, and a bed that lifts to reveal storage space. The more multi-functional your furniture, the less cluttered your tiny home might be.
Install Shelving
Walls don’t just have to be spare space for your paintings and home décor. Instead, they can be fully functional storage solutions. Don’t be afraid to install shelving on walls you might have previously marked for prized artwork. You can also install corner shelves in corners that would otherwise sit bare. The more shelves you have, the more space you have for books, trinkets, and everyday items.
Get Creative With Stairs
Nearly all tiny homes have stairs leading to a loft or mezzanine floor. While their primary purpose is to provide access to that floor, they can also be a form of storage. Ask your local joiner to build stairs with drawers and cabinets to keep clutter out of your living spaces. When stairs are located next to a kitchen, they can also be helpful for the storage of bulky appliances like blenders, dehydrators, and bread makers.
Hang Items
In a traditional home, you wouldn’t need to worry about hanging pots, pans, and utensils. You could store them away in cupboards and drawers without a second thought. However, with far less space to work with, hanging items can be an excellent way to ensure every item has its place. Install hooks in your kitchen for pots, pans, and utensils, and consider wall-mounted hat and coat racks for your entrance or bedroom.