Not everyone has the luxury of space when it comes to their living situation. Maybe you’re just at the beginning of your career, or perhaps you’re saving money by choosing to live somewhere small. Whatever the case may be, small spaces can be made to feel huge with a few tricks. Just because you don’t have an abundance of rooms or floor space doesn’t mean you can’t spread yourself out and maximize every single nook of your home. Here are a few simple tips on how to make the most of your small home.

Creative Storage

One of the most irritating problems about smaller houses or apartments is the lack of space to store belongings. It can be nearly impossible to squeeze your possessions into particularly small places, and that makes life more stressful. Being able to stash away certain items when you aren’t using them is a good way to make your home feel more organized and therefore more relaxing. There are a few ways you can manage your storage without buying bulky wardrobes and cabinets. Here’s some to get you started:

• High, open shelving leaves the floor free for other furniture and doesn’t obstruct light as much as standing shelving units would.
• Opt for furniture that doubles as storage, such as a sofa or bed that has drawers underneath.
• Use a clothing rail instead of a wardrobe to see your outfits more clearly and to avoid losing light to an overwhelming piece of furniture.

Clever Furniture

Choosing the right shapes, textures, and colors for your space can make a surprising difference in how large it feels. Playing with depth, tone and layout will give you a better understanding of how to arrange your furniture in such a way that the space flows naturally, which can be tricky with limited square feet at your disposal. Find unique and interesting pieces at quality furniture stores to ensure that every inch of your home is occupied by something worthy of the space it uses.

Own Less

One effective way to make a small space feel bigger is to simply have fewer possessions. Even the biggest homes can feel cramped and small if every room is crammed with objects. It can be difficult at first to unlearn certain spending habits or the impulse to desire more belongings, but with practice and mindfulness, you can achieve a level of minimalism that suits you. Only keep what you need and love so that your small space isn’t crowded with unnecessary clutter.

Decorate Wisely

Decorating can make a room feel twice as big as it truly is. Optimizing the light source by using large mirrors at clever angles can trick the mind into believing there is more space to enjoy. Pale walls and floors are great for reflecting light and creating the illusion of more room, as are smooth surfaces and clean lines. Deep colors can make a space feel close and oppressive. By finding light, bright colors, and complementary textures, you can make your small home feel like a massive palace.