According to a recent report from the Royal Institute of British Architects, the country’s newest homes are the smallest in Western Europe. The average total area for old and new properties in the UK is 85m², while that of new ones alone is closer to 76m². That’s a stark contrast to the Netherlands, where new homes are 115.5m² on average.

Whether you’re a large family looking to maximise your real estate or a cramped couple who simply want some room to breathe, you’ll be glad to know that there are plenty of solutions. Below are some space-saving techniques you can use to store more stuff and move more freely.

Clever Shelving

Shelves can be placed just about anywhere, which often leads to missed opportunities.

While hanging curtains as high as possible can add visual space to a room, there’s usually still a gap of some sort left up top. This can likely be used for shelving. The same is true for the tops of cupboards, as well as unused corner space. Simply take a brief look around your home. Chances are that you’ll find at least one spot to stick a shelf onto.

Vertical Radiator

Cold winter ahead? A vertical radiator can help to keep things cosy while taking up virtually no space.

In fact, most modern units are slim enough that you can compare them to a wall-mounted mirror. They’re also stylish, efficient, and easy to install. You can find a wide range of vertical radiators on websites such as justradiators.co.uk. They currently offer hundreds of different styles and competitive prices, with free delivery in the UK.

Ottoman Coffee Table

Used right, an ottoman or similar-featured furniture can save a great deal of space in the lounge.

For instance, one with storage inside can reduce clutter and give you a space to discreetly store the possessions you don’t often use. Put a tray on top and you have a makeshift coffee table. Chuck a throw over it and your ottoman is now a comfortable seating spot. If yours is elevated high enough off the ground, you can use the space underneath as well.

Outdoor Furniture

If the ottoman method is to no avail, it’s worth looking into moving your lounge outside.

This can free up a vast amount of space, especially if your lounge is usually occupied by a few sofas. Perhaps your patio or balcony can serve as a space for guests to congregate instead? All you’ll need is two or more suitable chairs and a small table. Come sunny days, it’s as simple as taking a few pillows out and you have yourself a comfy outdoor lounge.

Foldable Tables

Tables that can fold up and be stacked inside a cupboard are especially useful if you have kids.

Whether you need to get a round of remote work done or your little ones have their own work to do, using a folding table (and even a chair) can help you create a makeshift office without permanently occupying any amount of room. Then when you’re done, you can simply fold it up and use that space for something else.

Tablecloth

You likely have some stuff that can be hidden underneath a table. However, it can make a room look messy. A simple solution is to drape a tablecloth over to conceal everything underneath.

Declutter

This is undoubtedly one of the best ways to save space in any home.

Most people own a few things that they don’t actually need, some more than others. But getting rid of them – no matter how useless they might be – is difficult.Some prefer to secure these belongings to a self storage in London. Aside from saving space, decluttering also gives you less to clean, less to organise and less to stress about. So, if the item isn’t adding value to your life or making you happy, consider letting go.

Sofa Caddy

Whether bought or DIY’d, a sofa caddy can keep all your lounge equipment organised and out of sight.

There are many ways to go about this. Some people simply stick their slippers onto the side of their armrest and slide their television remote, magazine, and whatever else fits as needed. Of course, there are more elegant solutions as well. It’s not going to turn your apartment into a stadium, but every saving counts.

Sink Carefully

Sometimes, a bit of imaginative thinking can reveal some surprising opportunities.

Take your sink, for example. They usually take up a sizable amount of space in the kitchen, so it would make sense to find ways to leverage it more effectively. This can include getting a cutting board shaped in-line with the sink for additional preparation space when you’re not washing dishes.

No matter how small, there’s bound to be more room for improvement in your home. You simply need to get creative.