Top 6 space-saving tips for renters

When you’re living with limited space, clutter can pile up fast. You don’t always need to move or sacrifice everything you own - with a little creative thinking, you can store a surprising amount. Here are some renter-friendly tips to help you reclaim your space and your sanity, too!

1. Think vertically

When floor space is limited, think vertically. If your lease allows, you can put your DIY skills to the test and install floating shelves or a ladder bookshelf, as long as you remember to fill the holes when it comes to moving out. For a more renter-friendly alternative, consider using adhesive strips or hooks. Doing this will help free up floor space and maximize storage.

2. Mirror, mirror

In small spaces, having a mirror will reflect light and create the illusion of a larger space. If you can, hang a mirror opposite a window to enhance the natural light, but placing one near a lamp or overhead light will work just as well.

3. Multipurpose furniture

No room for a full-size dinner table? No worries. Folding tables can be great for saving space day-to-day, but are perfect for extending when friends come over for dinner. You can also buy foldaway chairs for extra seating that can be tucked away when not in use. Remember to double-up furniture wherever you can, like using bedside tables as extra storage, or windowsills as bookshelves - get inventive!

4. Underbed storage

A bed takes up a large portion of a room, so don’t let it go to waste. If you have space beneath your bed, invest in storage baskets or bags to store out-of-season clothes, extra bedding or shoes. If under bed storage is limited, consider an ottoman bed to serve the same purpose.

5. Declutter regularly

Clutter becomes more obvious in smaller spaces, so try to declutter regularly. If something doesn't have an obvious place in your home, ask yourself if it’s worth holding on to. Try to adopt a minimalist mindset and donate clothes you no longer wear, or sell them online, and do the same with unused furniture and books to free up valuable space.

6. Maximize your wardrobe space

If you have a small wardrobe or limited storage space, the key is to work with what you already have! Use collapsible or slimline hangers to free up extra hanging room. And if your wardrobe doesn’t have many built-in shelves, cube storage can be a simple but effective solution - assign each cube a category, such as work shirts, dresses, trousers, etc so everything has a clear place. This not only helps you fit more in, but also makes it much easier to find what you need.