Are you planning to move soon? You might have mixed feelings about the situation, especially if it’s your first time relocating to a new home. It’s an occasion filled with excitement about unknown adventures, but the mounting workload can make the process overwhelming at times.

Besides handling important phone calls and packing up boxes, there are many other things you need to take care of. For instance, it’s important to figure out how to optimize the space in your new home. If you don’t make the most of your space, your new home can quickly become disorganized and cluttered.

Moving homes can be an even greater challenge when you’re in a happening and vibrant city like Chicago. Whether you are moving within or from Chicago, the move represents a significant change in your life. So, why not make the most of it?

It’s an excellent opportunity to create that clutter-free, convenient home environment you’ve always dreamed of. Ready to start planning your new lifestyle? Read on for some awesome ideas on maximizing space and making the most of your new home: 

1. Hire a Storage & Warehousing Service Provider

Relocating with all your belongings can be challenging. This is especially true if you reside in a busy city like Chicago.

As one of the largest cities in the United States, Chicago has a high population density and limited space in urban areas, which can add to the hassle of moving. This is where reputable companies like Blackhawk Moving & Storage come in handy. In addition to handling the moving process, these service providers can offer valuable assistance in storage and warehousing.

Many of us often find ourselves in need of extra storage space, either to stow away belongings for later use or due to space constraints in our new home. When moving into a new home and looking for a fresh start, you want a clear, organized space that’s also functional.

Use a reliable warehousing service to hold most of your unwanted items. It’ll be a quick and safe fix until you decide to use, sell, donate, or repurpose these belongings. 

2. Choose Multipurpose Furniture

If you have the luxury of buying new furniture, choose wisely. There are now many furniture pieces on the market that can serve more than one purpose.

For example, instead of a proper space-consuming bed in the guest room, consider a daybed or folding bed. You can fold the bed back to serve as a settee or couch. This way, the room can be an extra sitting room or study when you don’t have guests over. 

Here are a few more multipurpose furniture ideas to consider: 

  • Tables with adjustable heights. They can serve as work areas, coffee tables, etc.
  • Ottomans with hollow insides for storage purposes.
  • Bunk beds with inbuilt drawers, shelves, etc.
  • Modular or sectional sofas that you can rearrange according to your requirements.
  • Extendable dining tables for accommodating more people when required.
  • Closed shoe racks with a padded top for a seat.

3. Use Mirrors

If you can’t clear more space, how about creating the impression of it? You may have noticed some tiny cafes and restaurants having mirror walls. If used properly, mirrors can take away that claustrophobic, cramped feeling in small spaces. 

You don’t need to invest in mirrors that cover the entire wall. A large, circular mirror in the living room or a well-placed full-length mirror in the bedroom are great options. These will enhance your interior design. Moreover, adding a large mirror is one of the best ways to make a small bathroom seem bigger. 

4. Make Use of Vertical Space

When moving into a new place, don’t limit your thinking to just the square foot area. Here are some storage options you can use to utilize some of the vertical space:

  • Floating shelves on empty spaces on the walls.
  • Over-the-door storage racks or hooks.
  • A magnetic strip on the kitchen wall or inside a cabinet to hold metallic items.
  • Hanging pocket organizers on closet doors.
  • Vertical bookcases and cabinets that don’t take up much floor space.
  • Pegboards in the craft room, kitchen, garage, or workshop for storing tools, supplies, and utensils.
  • Hanging baskets for storing everyday essentials such as vegetables and herbs.
  • Mounted racks in the garage for hanging bicycles, skis, and other equipment.
  • Wall-mounted shoe racks on the wall or doors.

5. Digitize What You Can

We live in a digital age now, so toss or store the paper-based things you don’t need anymore. Old documents, childhood pictures, CDs, VHS tapes, and similar items can take up a lot of space. The same goes for all those planners, calendars, and recipe cards you might have lying around. 

Take some time and think about how and when you use these items. Most likely, you won’t even remember when you last used a real calendar. It might be time to clear the table of that collection of pages that no one seems to turn.  

If you have CDs and VHS tapes, consider converting them into digital files. This way, you can give away, store, or even discard that entertainment collection without too much regret. With an endless stream of content at our fingertips, many of us probably won’t give the old tapes a second thought. They are precious memories, however, so save them in the most efficient manner possible. 

Conclusion

When your living space is free of clutter, you can truly enjoy it to the fullest. Feeling claustrophobic in your own home can significantly decrease your quality of life and overall satisfaction. If you’ve been experiencing this sentiment, moving time presents the perfect opportunity to take action!

The first step is to reduce your belongings before the move. Once you’ve closed the deal on a new home, apply some of the tips above to maximize the available space. A clean and organized living environment promotes a positive mood, productivity, and an overall feeling of contentment.