Here are 25 space-saving tips to increase room and comfort in your home.

Make the most of small spaces with these design and organization tips

Trick the Eyes

Mirrors can be a decorative piece that makes a room seem wider and doubled in space. Reflecting a scenic area such as a fireplace or a window can be a strategic way to enhance the attractive elements of a room.

Hang your curtains high with airy fabric as opposed to heavy drapery. The high curtains will draw the eye upward and make the walls seem lofty, while airy fabric will keep the room feeling open.

Painting vertical lines can have the same effect as high curtains by drawing the eye upward.

Painting the ceiling will draw attention to the space above and add depth to the room.

Light colored paint works to keep a room from feeling enclosed. Using different shades in a monochromatic color scheme can help create depth by drawing out the details of the trim and moldings on the wall.

Lighting

The use of track lighting along shelves and walls will help save the space used by traditional floor and desk lamps. Also, track lighting in closet spaces will allow you to see and use the entire space, making it seem larger than if it were darkened.

Furniture

Futons can double as a bed and a couch. Kill two birds with the same space.

Loft bedding allows you to create storage under your bed.

Storage headboards save on space required for bookshelves and nightstands.

Chairs without arms in a table area help save space between the chairs and allow easier access in and out.

Folding or stackable chairs are a way to still have plenty of seating when necessary in social times, but storable to open the space when unused.

Ottoman’s with storage space help reduce clutter.

Adjustable tables can be expanded when needed, but save on space when only a small tabletop is required.

Having an ottoman with a serving tray on top can function as a smaller coffee table and open up walkways.

Skirted tables, like a skirted bed, can double as a decorative storage unit

Capitalize on Storage Space

Double rack hangers help to stack clothes vertically and open your closet space up.

Vacuum bags for unused clothing or bulky blankets not only help free up space but can keeps things organized and less cluttered as well.

Hanging shelves and shoe racks are a way to take advantage of a closet’s vertical space.

Hanging Items

Wall shelves utilize vertical space by keeping items from cluttering the floors and opening walkways.

Hanging wire baskets and pot racks can clear counter space in the kitchen.

The top of the refrigerator is a great way to clear a kitchen drawer by putting a basket on top of it for tin foil, plastic wrap and other items.

Technology

Replacing desktop computers with laptops not only saves counter space, but also can eliminate a desk entirely.

Flat screen televisions and televisions with built in DVD players can reduce space used by traditional televisions.

Hanging the television from wall units is another way to reduce floor clutter and open walkway space.

Going wireless when possible, like with phones, keyboards, and mice for instance, is a way to reduce tabletop and desk clutter.

But what if you could make your move work for you?

Also known as a Personally Procured Move (PPM), Do-It-Yourself (DITY) moves have become more popular than ever.  Essentially, the government will pay individuals who organize the move on their own a flat percentage of what they would have paid for the move originally.

Why would you choose to take on the hassle of planning on your own? With advanced planning and a careful use of military discounts and rates, most people can move for less than the reimbursement and actually make a profit.

Steps To Making a Profit on Your Move

DITY moves are a lot more work, but can payoff in the end

Step 1: Get The Green Light

Go to the transition office at your current base and make sure you fill out all of the appropriate paper work. Filing paper work after the fact will result in no reimbursement and all moves, no matter what the size, must be authorized beforehand. This is the time to get a reimbursement estimate.

Step 2: Moving Strategy

Depending on your personal preference and the amount of personal belongings being transported, there are several different options for how to move. Renting a truck, trailer, or hiring a personal moving service may work better for busy lifestyles and large families but most people choose to use a Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) to cut costs further.

Step 3: Better Safe than Sorry

Although most POV’s and rentals will insure the value of any vehicles, it is important to double-check your renters or homeowners insurance to make sure your personal belongings are safe in transit.

Step 4: Weighing-In

When you start the moving process you will have to weigh the truck with and without your belongings. This step is critical because reimbursement will be based on the weight of items transported.

Step 5: Be Smart with Your Money

Although a lot of costs will be out of your control during the move, be sure to utilize military discounts and rates whenever possible to maximize your potential profit. Plan ahead to avoid any unexpected costs.

Step 6: File Your Claim

You have 45 days to file your claim for reimbursement after the move. Organize all of your paperwork before to expedite the process.

Quick Tips:

• Understand the difficulties that go with moving on your own
• If you really want to make a profit, definitely consider a POV
• Look for military discounts on everything
• Remember that any profit will be taxed
• Honesty is the best policy and scamming isn’t recommended

Although DITY moves are a lot of hard work, there are a lot of emerging online resources and communities to help discover the best military deals on the way to your new home.

Photo thanks to Sicarr via Flickr Creative Commons