I say tiny because it’s all referential.  In Toronto, space is everywhere.  In Hong Kong, space is no where.  And with a growing family, the house remains the same, but the contents are growing.  When I first moved here and gutted the house, I didn’t realize how important it was to truly save space.  I bought off the shelf furniture (which is still OK in Hong Kong, but you’re not optimizing the space) and found that there were a few key concepts I just wasn’t aware of.  To make matters worse, when you have children, space planning is so critical because they seem to take up more and more space and have more things than myself.  So how do you save space in tiny homes?

Below are a few space saving tips that I’ve come to realize when it comes to space planning.  Of course, having a designer and custom furniture built is the way to go, but I am not privvy to that kind of luxury.

1.  Use the space under the bed

With limited storage space, the space under your bed is most ideal.  There are a few options that I’ve seen - built-in drawers or the whole bed lifts up to reveal space, or the space is wide enough to fit large boxes and such.  I didn’t realize how efficient that space was until moving to Hong Kong.  It’s great for storing luggage, extra blankets, boxes and things of infrequent usage.

2.  Use the space from floor to ceiling

By using your maximum vertical space available, you’re able to store more.  Although some argue that it’ll make your room look even smaller (especially in spaces such as living rooms and such), it’s definitely practical.

3.  Use mirrors with built-in cabinets

There’s practical and then there’s fashionable.  I err on the side of practicality because mirrors with built-in cabinets  are children friendly (high enough to keep the kids out) and ideal for storing medicines and the likes.  Only if I had more bathrooms, I would consider fancy mirrors rather than practical.

4.  Use the space above the door

Buy simple one-piece wall shelving to manage the space above the door.  I find this space is great for tissue boxes, toilet paper, paper towels and such.  It’s probably more practical to store empty boxes or minimally used items, but because they are wall units, they can’t sustain great weights.

 

5.  Use ottomans and make sure they have storage space

Ottomans have great usages.  Sitting space, leg space, table space, throw space and storage space all in one.  Plus, they are movable.  You can store magazines, books, toys, dvds - whatever!

 

6.  Try foldaway beds

One of the coolest ideas ever!  Great for guests, the maid, the kids, the snoring husband - whomever.  And these days, there are so many contemporary designs, that they even look great folded away.

 

7.  Install sliding doors where possible

You don’t often find sliding doors in the middle of your home (at least growing up in Toronto, I didn’t see it frequently), however it’s so common in Hong Kong.  It’s a great space saving thing to do and serves a purpose at the same time.  They are perfect for kitchens and if you’re lucky enough, custom a half-height one for the kitchen as a child proof solution.

8.  Make window benches in deep windows

In Hong Kong, many new apartments come with deep windows.  Some people either install a bed right into that section or make it into a bench.  Use that space or else it’s wasted.

9.  Consider bunk beds

Bunk beds either for people to sleep in or an elevated bunk bed with storage space under it.  The space under the bed is a great place for an office, closet or whatever else you can dream of.  IKEA sells such a bunk bed for around $1000 HKD of if you’re lucky enough, get it custom made.

10.  Wall mount as much as you can

This applies not only to the bathroom, but the whole house.  For washrooms, you can have tiered units that store your bathing needs.  Wall mount lights as well to save space from free standing light units.  You can always put shelves and units in the washroom that are higher and away from wee hands - I find this is a great place to put my cleaning and toxic materials.

11.  Use the minimum

Buy furniture you really need.  Probably a couch, table with chairs, bed, closets?  Clutter is something that will eat up space and the more furniture you have, the more it eats.  It’s hard with kids, but I do try to keep their toys to a minimum too.  No big pieces (no house or giant cars), but plenty of books and other fun things.

12.  Use storage boxes for toys and other little items

Boxes are your friends.  They are stackable and keep things confined.  For children, they can easily throw things back into boxes when cleaning up and they can be easily moved (with its content).  I use storage boxes for everything - lego, toys, CDs, wires and cables, tools - whatever fits, there’s a box for it.

13.  Use the hallways

I know people who either put shelving into their hallways or create fake ceilings for additional storage.  If your hallways permit, use them.

14.  Use behind the doors

3M plastic hooks are one of my favourite things to buy.  And behind every door (except the front door), you’ll find these hooks pasted on.  They are cheap, versitile and you can hang whatever you want (towels, clothes, toys, jackets, bags). 

15.  Spring clean every year

Space saving does not mean junk accumulation.  Clean our your stuff every year - books, clothing, shoes, stuff.  If you haven’t worn the clothes in 2 years, you’ll most likely not wear it anymore (so donate it!).  Turn your CDs and DVDs in to soft copies or buy versiosn online rather than the hard copy versions.  Get rid of toys that children no longer play with and stop buying so many canned foods and cereals that you hardly eat.

Just a few space saving tips for your home.  I’ve come to the point where I really am out of space so will probably need to redesign the children’s room and go with custom furniture.  My goal for that room?  To be able to store double what it stores now! LOL - which means another body.  I know, not quite possible, but a step forward in the right direction.  I miss having space, but we all make do with what we have and just hope it’s enough to keep us sane.