If you are in the market to buy a new home, you might think that you need a whole lot of space to fit your life into. However, did you know that with a few easy tricks, you can maximize the space in a smaller, more affordable home that might be easier on your finances? Check out our storage solutions for small homes to make sure that you can live comfortably in your lifestyle and in your budget.
Ditch the Clutter
First things first, buying a new home is the perfect excuse to declutter your space before you move. After all, fewer things in your house means fewer things that you must pack up and load into the moving truck! If you are purchasing a new home, take this opportunity to get rid of unwanted or unneeded items in your home that can either go in the trash, be recycled or even be donated. Keeping the clutter in your new home to a minimum will ensure that you can feel comfortable in your house without having to commit to a huge amount of space—or a huge mortgage!
Make Your Décor Do Double Duty
Living in a small space doesn’t have to be boring—you can still have the décor of your dreams. However, choosing décor that can also double as storage or displays for your things can help make your small space look even bigger. Choose a coffee table or ottoman with storage inside to hide away blankets, pillows and other knickknacks so they are always easy to get to when you need them but hidden away when you don’t. Incorporate decorative baskets under buffets or tables to hide items out of site while looking beautiful at the same time. By making the most out of your furniture and décor, you can end up feeling like your home is a lot more spacious than it really is!
Go Vertical
An often-overlooked storage solution is the use of vertical space—utilizing it can help you maximize the space you have without making your home feel cluttered. Add hooks to the backs of doors for jackets and sweaters, and use slim wire baskets inside your kitchen cabinets to hold spices, cleaning supplies and other small items. Utilizing vertical space can help keep things off the floor and give you new storage in unexpected ways.
With these storage solutions for small homes, you may be able to live well in a home that is smaller and more affordable than you previously thought. The NC Housing Finance Agency has resources for buyers that can help make home ownership even more affordable, such as the NC Home Advantage Mortgage™ with down payment assistance, including the NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment for eligible first-time buyers and military veterans. The NC Home Advantage Tax Credit is also targeted to eligible first-time buyers and military veterans and can save up to $2,000 annually on their federal taxes. With all these options, home ownership may be more affordable than you ever thought possible.
For more information, visit www.nchfa.com/home-buyers.
