Your Apartment - Making The Most Of The Space

Few people move into an apartment and start complaining that they have too much room. Often, the exact opposite is true. When you live with roommates or just a significant other, the space issue can become more important than ever. If you're on a budget, however, you may not be able to afford a larger place. No worries! With some creative maneuvering, you'll find that you can create space where there was none before. Here are some of the best ways to make the most of the space you have. Put these tips into action, and those days of feeling cramped and unhappy will be in the past.

Lighten Up

No, you don't need to change your mood. Rather, use both natural and artificial light to create an illusion of space. A dark room is always going to seem much more cramped than a well lit one. Unfortunately, many apartment models are fitted with nearly no lights of their own. You'll find them in the bathroom and the kitchen, but you probably won't find them in any of the other rooms. Many tenants won't do enough to fix this on their own. They'll put up a lamp here and there but won't really aim for brightness. Try again. Head to the store, get some really bright lamps or overhead lighting and go wild. You'll notice the positive difference immediately.

Bright Colors

Along the same lines, bright colors will contribute to the illusion of more space in a small apartment. That dark red sofa and black coffee table might look like the essence of modern design, but those colors have a tendency to add claustrophobia to an already small setting. If you want to open up the design, get rid of those colors and let in some pastels, some whites, and other shades that feel nice and cool. If you're allowed to paint the walls, consider doing so. You probably won't be able to change the carpeting, but you can do quite a lot with your furnishings.

Keep it Clean

If you really look around, you may find that clutter is causing more of your problems than an actual lack of space. Don't let clutter gain a foothold in your small apartment. Take any packages you receive out of their boxes and dispose of the cardboard immediately. Don't let shopping bags sit around for days on your kitchen table. Go around your apartment with a pen and a notepad. Write down anything that you can bear to part with, even if it only means putting it into a self-storage facility. If possible, get rid of it altogether, and you won't have to worry about adding another bill to your responsibilities.