Six Ways You Might Be Wasting Space and How to Fix It

Six Ways You Might Be Wasting Space and How to Fix It

Have you ever thought about doing a space audit in your home, evaluating those areas where the layout could be more efficient?

If you’re planning to put your home on the market this spring or gearing up for a summer sale, it’s essential to assess whether you’re making the most of your space.

Buyers dislike cluttered properties, but they are also unimpressed by homes where the space isn’t utilized effectively. When space is poorly arranged, it can make the home—whether it’s a house, apartment, or condo—feel impractical or uncomfortable to live in.

Even if selling isn’t on your radar, many of us wish we had more space in our homes.

With that in mind, our agents have identified six common mistakes homeowners make when it comes to furnishing their homes and wasting space.

1. Dividing Open Spaces: If you’re lucky enough to have an open-plan living area, it can be tempting to place a large cupboard or side table to separate the living space from the dining or kitchen areas. Resist this urge—you’re wasting valuable space. Instead, consider using a two- or three-seater couch to create the division without sacrificing the open feel.

2. Oversized Bedrooms: While large master bedrooms are a feature in many renovations, they’re often unnecessary and costly to build. A bedroom measuring three to four meters can comfortably fit a king-size bed. When renovating, avoid oversized bedrooms; they rarely add value. Instead, consider a slightly smaller bedroom with an en suite, which can significantly increase your property’s appeal.

3. Space-Hogging Kitchen Islands: In smaller homes, a large kitchen island can make the space feel cramped. A more space-efficient option is a peninsula design for your main bench, which frees up movement around the kitchen.

4. Underutilized Corners: Awkward corners or nooks often end up being wasted space. Consider installing corner shelves, built-in seating, or even a compact home office to make the most of these tricky areas.

5. Unused Rooms: Spare bedrooms or formal dining rooms can often sit empty or barely used. Instead of letting these rooms collect dust, repurpose them into a home gym, office, or hobby room.

6. Garage Clutter: Garages can easily become a dumping ground for items without a designated space, quickly turning into a cluttered mess. Solve this issue by installing overhead storage racks, wall-mounted hooks, and shelves to keep things organized and free up valuable floor space.