Pets & Kids in a small space
Small-space living can be a breeze when you live alone, or even with a roomier or S.O. Add kids and pets to the mix, and things get a bit more complicated. Our favorite little companions come with spatial needs, not to mention lots of stuff. The good news is it can be done, and I’m sharing practical tips on exactly how to do it.
1: Do away with unnecessary furniture
Give away furniture that serves no purpose in your home, and be very intentional with any new furniture purchases. For example, avoid overindulging in kid or pet furniture, and steer clear of pieces that are entirely decorative. Instead, opt for furniture with hidden storage or multiple functionalities.
2: Utilize wall space
Think vertical. A lack of floor space means you should get creative with your wall space. When filling a blank wall, think less about decorating and more about being practical — though you can easily make practicality look pretty. For example, consider a stylish way to loft your cat’s bed.
3: Digitize artwork and mementos
4: Make your entryway practical
5: Embrace baskets
Baskets are tremendous at hiding clutter while still looking chic. You can place them almost anywhere — from the living room to the playroom to the bedroom — on shelves or on the floor. Search for on-trend varieties, and fill them with all your miscellaneous kid or pet things.
6: Invest in pretty kitchen canisters
While you’re on a mission to hide things, head to the kitchen and give your counters a once-over. Corral items that are frequently left out, like dog treats or kids’ snacks, and buy pretty kitchen canisters to store them where they’re easy to reach.
7: Hide pet bowls/the litter box
Consider a pullout drawer or built-in nook that stows pet bowls to free up floor space, and hide your litter box with our crafty DIY solution.
8: Utilize unused space in a creative way
Take a moment to think about every nook and cranny in your home. Is there any unused space you could transform? For instance, the often-unused space under the stairs can serve as a cozy sleeping nook for a pet.
9: Make spaces work double-duty
When you’ve successfully utilized every last space, it’s time to consider multi functional rooms. For example, carve out a small workspace in your kitchen or playroom if you need a home office but don’t have a spare room.
10: Go outside
When all else fails, embrace the great outdoors. It’s important to love your home, but it’s also important to get outside when you can. Your little ones (the humans and animals, alike) will thank you.
hgtve: 10 Tips for Living With Pets + Kids in a Small Space. 21. August 2018. https://www.hgtv.com/shows/room-lab/articles/10-tips-for-living-with-pets-and-kids-in-a-small-space
