Make more of the space around your home

When you need more room at home, moving or building an extension can feel like the obvious answer. But useful space sometimes already exists within your property, and you might just need to rethink how you use it.  

Optimise the space under the stairs 

The area beneath your staircase can easily become a place where shoes, bags and household items accumulate.  

Think about what currently causes clutter nearby before deciding how to use the area. Pull-out drawers can keep shoes accessible in a busy hallway, for example, whereas taller cupboards may suit coats, cleaning equipment or a vacuum cleaner. 

With enough headroom, you could add a compact desk for homework or occasional home working. Built-in shelving can also turn an awkward recess into a useful spot for books and everyday items. 

Consider external spaces 

Rather than filling every available space, focus on places that could solve a particular problem. 

A narrow side return, for instance, could accommodate secure bike storage and free up room in your hallway or garage. If bins dominate the view from your kitchen, a simple screened storage area can make the garden feel tidier while keeping them easy to reach. 

Consider how you use these areas throughout the year too. Good exterior lighting can improve visibility around paths and entrances when winter evenings draw in. 

If you want to enhance the visual aspects of your garden, the RHS has advice on making the most of small outdoor spaces through planting and vertical features. 

Upgrade your garage 

If your garage mainly stores belongings you never really use, work out whether a better layout could give you usable floor space again. Wall-mounted shelving, hooks and overhead storage can move bikes or tools away from walkways and make frequently used items easier to find. 

Modern garage doors can improve the look and everyday usability of the space, particularly if your existing door feels cumbersome or no longer suits how you use the garage. If you regularly take bikes, gardening equipment or larger items in and out, an easier-to-use entrance can make the garage much more practical. 

If you’re considering a full conversion rather than simply reorganising the garage, check the planning rules for garage conversions before you start. 

Rework spare bedrooms 

A spare bedroom doesn’t have to sit largely unused between overnight guests. Furniture that serves more than one purpose can help the room support your family throughout the week. 

A day bed or sofa bed, for example, leaves floor space available for an office, crafting area or children’s play space and still provides somewhere for visitors to sleep. If you work from home, a desk with closed storage lets you put laptops and paperwork away when guests arrive.