Thousands upon thousands of people are moving into London each year. Hence, England and the UK’s capital city has become one of the most expensive cities in the world. With average rental costs running at £2,520, it is no surprise that people in London find creative ways to minimise their monthly expenses.
One way of doing so is by engaging in a communal living or co-living set-up, where individuals or couples opt to live with others with whom they can split certain expenses like rent, utilities, council taxes, and more.
However, despite its financial advantage, many people are still hesitant to consider this housing arrangement because it would mean having less space for themselves and their belongings. Fortunately, though, there are a few things you can do to make the most out of the limited co-living space you have. Here are some you will want to keep in mind:
4 Things You Can Do To Maximise Your Communal Living Space
Declutter Your Belongings
When you choose a co-living setup, you will not have enough space for every single item you own. This is a reality that no space-saving tip or trick can change. So, it would also be best to sort through your stuff and get rid of the things you no longer want or need. If you are not quite sure where to begin the decluttering process, here’s a quick guide you may refer to:
- If an item hasn’t been used for over six months, you probably wouldn’t need it anymore.
- Dispose of items that are irreparably damaged or broken. Similarly, get rid of items that have vital components missing.
- Get rid of unnecessary duplicate items. Ask yourself, do you really need three heaters in your room?
- Coordinate with your landlord and the other household members regarding communal items like kitchen and living room appliances. For example, if the kitchen already has a microwave oven, do you need to bring in your own?
Once you have gotten rid of these items, you may sell them for profit or donate them to those in need.
Keep Non-Essential Things In A London Storage Space
While decluttering, you will also find things you will want to hold on to for sentimental value and things you do not currently need but might do so in the future (i.e., winter wear, sports equipment, and holiday decorations). For such items, it would be best to find another place where you can safely store them for as long as you need. This is where a London storage unit comes in.
Self-storage units are always the better option when it comes to keeping your stuff safely stored. After all, most storage facilities offer round-the-clock CCTV coverage, make use of a state-of-the-art security system, and employ trustworthy staff and security personnel. Their units are also thoroughly cleaned and regularly maintained, which means you never have to worry about leaks, random debris, or vermin infestations ruining your stuff.
Moreover, you are provided with the option to avail of a climate-controlled unit, which means your fragile items (i.e., antiques, art, electronics, wooden furniture, etc.) are safe from damage due to moisture and extreme temperatures, among many others. There are also various unit sizes to ensure that your unit is not too cramped to the point of possible damage.
If you are considering the possibility of renting out a London self-storage unit to complement your small co-living space, compare multiple storage facilities to make sure you are getting the best storage deals possible. Some things you will want to look into are:
- Availability
- Unit sizes
- Distance from your location
- Amenities
- Cost
Invest In The Right Kind Of Furniture
When you have limited space to yourself, the last thing you want is to occupy it with bulky or chunky furniture and single-purpose items. Instead, you will want to have the following:
Small Furniture
You will be occupying a small space, so it will be best for you to adjust the size of your furniture accordingly.
Smaller furniture, however, can be a bit tricky as you might end up purchasing items that are too small. Hence, it is crucial to find items that fit the small space but still comfortable enough for you to use.
You will also want to consider compact, collapsible, or foldable furniture pieces to maximise your co-living space.
Multipurpose Furniture
You will also want to have furniture pieces that serve more than one purpose. A wall desk that turns into a storage space, perhaps? How about a standing mirror that turns into an ironing board or a good old sofa bed?
Bonus Tip: Add Pieces That Make The Space Visually Spacious
Just because your space is small doesn’t mean it should look small as well. To help keep the eye flowing, you will want sleek furniture pieces with exposed legs (i.e., dresser, bed frame, study desk), neutral-coloured items, and pieces that have reflective surfaces like a full-sized mirror.
Make Use Of Vertical Space
Think you won’t have enough space given your allotted floor area? Why not go up? Install more shelves and racks on your walls instead of making use of cabinets or storage boxes. You will also want to consider hanging decor, plants, and artwork to give your space more life.
To maximise your vertical space, consider using furniture pieces that are closer to the ground.
Ready to check out London co-living spaces? Make sure to check out these tips on how to find a good house share.
Guest post by Shine Madoro, WhatStorage?