Doubling Down on Multi-Taskers

Storage trunk holds extra blankets while doubling as coffee table

When it comes to saving space - and money - nothing beats the power of multi-taskers. Getting in the habit of investing only in items that serve a double-duty function can yield some big dividends when it comes to creating more space in your home.

So what does this look like? Well, consider the many areas of your life where you can get double the usefulness objects:

Kitchen

• Limit the number of time- and effort- saving gadgets clogging up your drawers and cabinets that only perform one task. Garlic presses, avocado slicers, and egg-cookers, just to name a few, don't really earn their keep in the kitchen when you consider that a good knife or your trusty custard cups can perform the same task yet also be used in myriad other ways too.
• Buy plain glassware and dishes in neutral colors that can be used for any holiday or with any color scheme. Your table can always be dressed up or down and color added in keeping with the occasion simply by supplementing your table with a variety of versatile decorative items you probably already have around the house.

Clothes

• Focus your wardrobe around versatile pieces that are easy to mix and match, while adding some flair through smaller, less expensive accessories. Strive for being able to make a lot of combinations out of fewer items.

​Linens

• Resist the urge to buy sheets that match the specific decor of only one bedroom. Use comforters and pillow shams for that while purchasing sheets that could be used on any of the beds of that size. Bonus: if you change your decor, at least you won't have to buy all new sheets. 
• Ditto goes for bathroom towels.
• When considering colors for your table linens, strive for those that will match a variety of occasions. For example, red can be used at Christmas, Valentine's Day, 4th of July, and Autumn; green can be used for Christmas, St. Patrick's Day, Easter and Spring/Summer.

Entertaining

• ​Again, neutral shades work best for plates, cups and plasticware, while using a smaller number of inexpensive napkins and other decorations to zero in on the specific theme or color scheme. That way, you can buy in these paper products in bulk and use them up over time without having to devote space to storing as many theme-specific paper products you have left over and may never use again.
• You don't need to store a gazillion different types of fancy serving dishes. Don't overlook everyday objects you can borrow from around the house like baskets or boxes you can line or cover in fabric as chip bowls, or an empty large picture frame (with patterned paper behind the glass) to serve as a platter or serving tray.
• If your buffet table is short on space, why not let a decorative appetizer or dessert double as the centerpiece? Fruit or veggie "flowers", chocolate truffle "trees", or a large vase filled with colorful skewers of meat, cheese and antipasto will be sure to get more notice than a floral arrangement that merely takes up room.
• Use your imagination and get rid of some excess craft supplies you already have on hand to create the atmosphere you want rather than going out and spending a lot of money on decorations you will then have to store later. Don't overlook nature's beauty. A basket of pinecones or a vase of holly can provide just the right touch for your party before being tossed back in the yard after the guests have departed.

​
Furniture

• If you are tight on space, using furniture that can fulfill more than one function is vital. Every coffee table, ottoman, end table, and nightstand should provide additional storage. 
• Placing a desk, low bookshelf, or dresser next to the bed may eliminate the need for a nightstand.
• Line the side of a bookshelf or inside of office cabinet doors with cork and use as a bulletin board that doesn't require any additional wall space.
• Outfit the office or small den with a daybed or futon that provides seating during the day and a bed for guests at night.
• Create toy storage that doubles as seating in the playroom by turning a bookshelf on its side and placing cushions on top.

The key is to get into the habit of brainstorming how you can use your belongings in more ways than one. Before you buy something new, look around to see if you already have something else that will fulfill your need. You'll be surprised how much space (and money!) you'll save...and trips to the donation dropoff too.

With a little creativity and a few multi-taskers, even creating more space in your home will be easy peasy.

---

---

Don't miss out! Sign up to get each new post from the Easy Peasy Living Blog delivered right to your inbox.