HOW TO CREATE A DIY WORKSPACE IN YOUR SMALL HOME
Living in a small house is wonderful! I love that I am no longer overwhelmed with “stuff”. My daughter and I are in close quarters…which I like. And my house is easy to clean. I also love that I can afford to decorate and remodel it because it’s so small.
There are challenges as well…especially for a DIY’er like me who is always creating lots of projects. A small house only seems smaller with all manner of craft supply strewn everywhere.
My office/craft space measures 10′ X 10′ and I am very happy with the way I was able to use the space. I am sure I have used every inch available to me!
Women struggle with creating a space for themselves in their own homes, as if it is selfish to do so. I am going to encourage you to look closely at the space you have and create a little nook for you to get creative in. You deserve it!
Find yourself a closet:
***Clean out a closet. Yes! A closet! Most houses have a “junk” closet (which is a cousin to the junk drawer) and you can actually get rid of all that stuff that has been sitting there for years. You would be surprised at the amount of space available when a closet is completely empty. A small desk with built-in shelves above can be a perfect craft or sewing space, and the bonus is that you can shut the door when there is a mess or a half-done craft project! Check out this craft closet.
Go crazy with those totes and Ziploc bags:
***Make good use of Rubbermaid totes and Ziploc bags. Take out only what you need and pack it up when you are done. When I quilted a lot I always kept my fabric and quilt pieces in bags. This allowed me to keep everything contained in one spot, and it kept the mess to a minimum. Totes are great for storing all of your supplies such as fabric and craft paint. That way when you travel to the kitchen table to make something, you only have to bring out what you need.
Find yourself a “toy” corner:
***Find a corner and make it your own. Most likely your kids have a “toy spot” somewhere in the living room. Why not find a space like that for yourself? A small desk and some shelves are all you need to create a small, functional area. Take a peek at this adorable crafting corner.
Commandeer the junk room:
***If you are lucky and have an actual “junk” room, clean it out and use it! I know a number of people who have a room full of stuff they never use, but they also avoid clearing it out and making it useful. I know it takes time. You will have to part with things. I know you may actually have to get rid of an older kid’s things. BUT it is a space you will use everyday. Why not clear things out and make it a useful space for someone special…YOU! There is no reason to have a bunch of stuff (read: junk) that you never use. You can give it away or sell it and get out from under that mess!
A small house does not need to limit your ability to create, but you will have to think outside the box to find yourself a space to call your own. I encourage you to start looking. The space is there. Somewhere.
It’s just waiting to be found and used by you!
