People change a lot over time. What might have been perfect for them when they were younger might not be enough for them anymore. Their home might be too small or not fit their current needs. A study by the AARP showed that 90% of people want to stay in their homes as they age. However, 66% of those same people feel like they need to change their homes to do so.
If you need more space and considering a move, there are a few things you should consider before making your decision. Your current location, the housing market, and future needs are all essential factors.
For some people, leaving home might not be a feasible option yet. They might not have the money, or the location is too convenient for their current lifestyle. If this is the case, making strategic changes to their homes can give them the extra space they need without selling the home. Fortunately, these options are ideal for the plan.
Outdoor Area
Making structural changes in your home interior can be challenging, especially when every area has an existing assignment already. As a result, the first option should be to focus on the outdoor area. Creating more space in your backyard can be a great way to get an extra room without disrupting your home’s current layout.
For example, you can install a deck or build an extension off the back of your home. Consider putting in a shed or garage if you have a lot of lands. These structures can provide valuable storage space and protect your belongings from the elements. You can find companies that offer 8×12 outdoor shed plans to help you initiate the project.
Another excellent option for utilizing your outdoor area is to create an outdoor living space. This can be anything from a simple patio to a full-blown kitchen and entertainment area. Outdoor living spaces are becoming increasingly popular as people look for ways to enjoy their yards more. They provide a great place to entertain guests or relax after a long day.
Bedroom
If people are living in your home who don’t use all of the bedrooms, consider repurposing one of them. An unused guest room can quickly become a cluttered catch-all for everything that doesn’t have a place elsewhere. Converting it into something more valuable will free up space and allow you to get more use out of your home.
Your bedroom acts as a private space where you can rest and relax. However, it can also become a cluttered catch-all for everything that doesn’t have a place elsewhere. This can quickly lead to feeling overwhelmed and stressed in your own space. Creating a more organized bedroom will help you feel calmer and provide a better environment for sleep. Also, organizing your bedroom items can allow you to dedicate the space for extra stuff.
A home office is an excellent option if you work from home or frequently need a quiet space to focus. It’s essential to have a dedicated area where you can store all of your materials and equipment. Having everything in one place will make it easier to get work done and avoid distractions. If you don’t have an extra room to spare, consider setting up a small office in your bedroom.
Service Areas
People dedicate a lot of time and energy to their yards, but they often forget about other service areas around the house. These include places like the laundry room, mudroom, and garage. Keep these spaces clean and organized, and they can free up a significant amount of space in your home.
The laundry room is one of the essential service areas in your house. It’s where you wash and store all of your clothes and linens. However, it can quickly become cluttered with clothes that need to be ironed or folded. Creating a more organized system will help you stay on top of the laundry and keep the space tidy.
Another critical service area is the mudroom. This is usually located near the entrance of your home and acts as a storage space for outdoor gear. Keeping this area clean and organized is essential to avoid tracking dirt and mud into the house.
Finally, the garage is another service area that people often neglect. This space can quickly become a catch-all for everything that doesn’t fit inside the house. However, keeping it tidy can create extra storage space and protect your belongings from the elements.
Final Thoughts
You can create more space by making strategic changes to your home’s layout without selling your house. These options are ideal for people who need extra room but don’t want to move. Making use of your outdoor area, repurposing unused bedrooms, and keeping service areas tidy are all great ways to create more space in your home.
