* This is a collaborative post on the theme of home improvement.

Home Improvement Ideas for Crowded Homes

Earlier this year it was estimated that about a million more young adults are living with their parents than twenty years ago. To put it another way, 3.4 million 20-34 year olds are now living with their parents. It is mind-blowing to think that I’m both in the age bracket affected (though I live alone) but also as a parent that my own children could be in that situation one day.

We can attribute this to a number of factors. Including the economic climate (as result of the 2008 financial crisis) and in the longer-term; the increased need to care from home (more options to support the disabled who are living longer and the increase in autism numbers are examples that spring to mind). Of course, there are many more potential contributors to consider but it should be acknowledged that this increase isn’t solely down to millennials not understanding money or housing being unaffordable (although the latter is very true).

What all this means is that less people are buying homes, this is unsurprising of course but it got me thinking; what can we do to take the existing space and make it work better?

New Doors or Windows

A crowded home will feel more spacious and comfortable with the most possible natural light. If the cash is there, spruce out on some replacement aluminium windows or a stylish new patio door leading to the back garden. It’s not going to make things less crowded but it will make the place feel brighter and more open. This goes a long way to comfort.

Convert that Attic

Most of us use the attic to horde junk, or the kid’s keep-me-sakes, or both.

Don’t!

The determined (or rich) will find other ways to store these things, a new room is more valuable though. It puts space between you all, this is especially vital if your (once) babies are likely to bring a partner home or if you have a special needs young adult who needs more space.

Whether you turn it into a bathroom with good quality cheap toilets and a shower, or a playroom for the kids, you won’t regret the extra room!

 

Make Use of the Garden

If you are fortunate enough to have garden space, this is a fantastic way to make use of space and optimise your home. Invest in outside storage, expand your house, work on creating a floral paradise. All these are options. Why is this such a great improvement? Well, it allows escapism, gives you all more space and it just feels nice to have dedicated outdoor space.

The Sky’s the Limit

Well, actually – the ceiling is. Thinking vertically is an ingenious improvement though. Use shelves effectively and if your house if full of avid readers or movie fans then go for taller bookcases/display units. This will help with all the things the household accumulates.

Concealed Storage

I love the idea of concealed storage. Perhaps because I loved secret spy-stuff as a boy (and an adult) or maybe just because the idea of having a floor that opens to reveal a wardrobe or cupboard beneath my feet that I can fling stuff into… I mean organise my stuff carefully. As a cheaper alternative you can get beds with mass storage options beneath too.

The key to having a comfortable and happy home in these crowded, multi-generational days is to take the space and use it well. This could mean interior developments or it could mean making better use of your furniture. Either way, options are there.