Preparing for Summer

If your home or apartment lacks square footage, it can create certain design challenges. When you lack floor space, your only option is to get creative in order to save space and live comfortably. In other words, bulky appliances and furniture should not be your first choice. Fortunately, there are plenty of creative ways to create space in even the smallest of dwellings.

Opt for Smaller Appliances

Smaller appliances can work wonders in a small space. To begin with, apartment-sized appliances offer the same functions and features as full-sized appliances in a smaller package. Some options for smaller appliances include:

• Cooktop Range: If your kitchen space is minimal, opt for a cooktop range rather than an apartment-sized stove. A cooktop range allows you to have cabinet space beneath the range for additional storage of pots, pans, and other kitchen items. When paired with a wall-mounted oven, a cooktop range is a great choice for small living spaces.
• Countertop Dishwasher: It is not uncommon for people to prefer convenience in their lives, which includes having appliances that save them time at the end of a long day. In fact, between 60 and 70 percent of people throughout the world, aside from Japan, prefer having a dishwasher. Unfortunately, a dishwasher can take up space in an already small dwelling. The good news is, countertop dishwashers provide you with convenience and save space.
• Tankless Water Heaters: A standard water heater with a storage capacity of 40 to 60 gallons is typically 60 inches tall and 24 inches wide. If you are attempting to save space, such a bulky appliance can eat up valuable living space. Your best bet is to opt for a tankless water heater. Although the tankless setup does not provide you with as much hot water, it can save space and energy since you won't have hot water sitting in a tank waiting to be used. For more information on tankless water heaters, check out a website like http://www.smedleyservice.com.

Small appliances are not necessarily the best choice for large families. However, if you are single or living with your significant other, smaller appliances can work wonders. In fact, you will quickly find that there really is no need for full-sized appliances if you are cooking food, washing dishes, and needing hot water for only one to two people.

Opt for Space-Saving Furniture

When it comes to maximizing your small living space, you need to let your creativity flow so that you can choose the right furniture for your tiny dwelling. For instance, rather than buying a traditional bed to sleep on, consider purchasing a couch with a fold-out bed. You can pull out the bed when you are ready to sleep and fold it up again to save space and create additional seating. Some other space-saving furniture ideas include:

• Beds with built-in drawers: If your bedroom is small, you may not have enough room for a bed and a dresser. If sleeping on a foldout couch is not your idea of comfort, you can opt for a bed that has built-in drawers. The drawers allow you to store your clothing without having to worry about eating up too much space with a dresser.
• Fold-down tables: Fold-down tables are ideal for small spaces. The table folds up into the wall during the day, therefore freeing up space when you need it most. When you are ready to eat, you can pull the table down from the wall and use it as a workstation or even a small dining room table.
• Folding Chairs: Rather than purchasing standard chairs, opt for folding chairs. When not in use, folding chairs can be stored in a closet or other area to help save space in your home. As an additional tip, you can purchase cushions to tie onto the back and seat of the chair in order to make them more comfortable.

For more information on how to maximize your living space with the right appliances and furniture, talk to a specialist. Once you manage to track down the pieces you need, you may have to have a specialist come in and help you. For instance, if you opt to buy a tankless water heater, you may want a specialist to assist you in installing it. Furthermore, specialists can offer more tips and recommendations about what items can help you save space.