Make your furniture do double duty
There are tons of furniture pieces out there that double as storage units – ottomans, TV consoles, even couches that open up to store your what-nots. It keeps your things out of the way but easily accessible, rather than sticking them up in hard-to-reach places or basement storage units.

Your walls are your friends
Thought walls were just for hanging pictures or wallpaper? Think again, because hanging your things up will maximize your floorspace, as well as the room available in closets and cabinets. Try hanging baskets or shelves wherever you have space to line up your things – plus, it makes for some cool decoration!

Expandable furniture
The fold-out couch or futon is a classic for a reason – easy seating by day, excellent guest room (or your own room) by night. They’re unobtrusive, and can really come in handy when friends and family come to visit. Also, check out collapsible dining-room tables, or those with extra leaves that can be added for company.

Consolidate everything
This sounds like a no brainer, but it goes beyond donating those clothes you never wear to Goodwill. Several pieces of smaller furniture seem more cluttered than one big piece of statement furniture, so try investing in fewer things that offer more. Plus, it’s always more cozy to stretch out on a plush sofa than a tiny chaise.

Switch out swinging doors
If you have the luxury of doing serious construction on your place, try replacing your swinging doors with pocket or wall-mounted sliding doors. You’ll save a ton of space that would have been unusable, so you can snug that couch right next to the frame, if need be.

Use those nooks and crannies
Have one of those corners that’s completely unusable because of a wide support beam that sticks out? Or a bizarrely shaped room that doesn’t fit things snugly? Stick some shelves or bookcases in those nooks that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to use to house knick knacks, household items, or really anything you have lying around.

Create a more open floor plan
If you have the ability and means to adjust the design of your space, try eliminating hallways or separate rooms. Opening up the space between the kitchen and living room will make everything seem bigger, and reduce claustrophobia if you’re spending time in either one. Plus, you’ll be able to chat with whoever is in the next room over!

Get creative in your bathroom
Not in a weird way! Try sticking magnets on your bathroom items and sticking them to a magnetic board on the door, or putting up some spice racks for your various make-up items, toothbrush, toothpaste, perfume and cologne. You can even install some shelves over the mirror or door, perfect for extra towels that won’t fit in the linen closet.

Say hello to the sky!
If you’ve got a room with little or no room for windows, see if you’re able to stick some skylights in. Not only will the natural light brighten up the space, but it’ll also help reduce claustrophobia as you’re able to look up and out to the great beyond.

Make the room seem bigger, even if it’s not
This can be achieved in a few ways – for one, try painting the walls a lighter hue – darker hues will make a space feel more cramped instead of more open. Also, hang a bunch of mirrors along the walls. The reflections will make your room seem twice as big – well, sort of. But every little bit helps.