• The pandemic has caused serious overcrowding issues in family homes, leading to increased stress levels, and more.
• To create more space, adding shelves, cupboards, or a “loft” is an excellent way to provide more storage while freeing up floor space.
• Utilizing a basement area is another great way to create extra living space, or even an office or playroom for the family.
• Leveraging natural light is also beneficial as it can make the room appear bigger and more inviting.
A home is a place of refuge and solace. It is a place to relax, take a break from the world, and be yourself without judgment. The lack of space in family homes after the pandemic still exists because families still live in the same tight quarters they were before the pandemic began, despite American homes being some of the biggest in the world. As a result, family members may feel overwhelmed and crowded, with no room to spread out and unwind. But when space is at a premium, it can cause physical and mental health issues.
Mental Health Problems Due to the Lack of Space
The lack of space can quickly take its toll on an individual’s mental health. Here are some ways you are affected due to the lack of space.
Increased Stress Levels
When there isn’t enough space for everyone’s needs, it can lead to increased stress levels. When tensions rise between family members due to overcrowding, arguments are more likely to happen. That can create an atmosphere of anxiety and unease, which makes it difficult for anyone in the house to feel safe or relaxed. Furthermore, being stuck inside all day with no respite from the cramped living arrangement can cause mental fatigue and lead to feelings of depression over time.
Decreased Privacy
Privacy is essential for mental well-being because it gives people autonomy over how people spend their time and who they interact with. Unfortunately, living in tight quarters means everyone’s private life is on display – whether they like it or not – which can be incredibly intrusive and uncomfortable for some people. In addition, not having enough privacy can make people feel anxious and stressed out as they constantly worry about being watched or judged by their family members.
Less Room To Exercise
Exercise has been proven repeatedly to positively affect mental health, releasing endorphins that boost mood and reduce stress levels. Unfortunately, many people living in small spaces don’t have enough room to exercise safely or adequately due to limited areas for movement or storage of equipment such as dumbbells or yoga mats. This lack of physical activity, combined with the other effects of close quarters, can lead to feelings of lethargy, sadness, and loneliness that harm mental well-being.
Renovation Ideas For More Space
If you need extra space in your home, several renovation ideas can help create a more comfortable and spacious living environment.
Adding More Storage
Adding more might be the best option if you don’t have enough storage for your belongings. This is especially true if you live in an apartment or small house with limited space.
You can add shelves, cupboards, or even a “loft” in the corner of your living room. Not only does this provide more storage for all of your items, but it also gives you more floor space which can help make the area feel more extensive and less cluttered.
Lastly, you can rent a storage space to store items. The average cost is around $180 a month so make sure not to go above that. You can store items you don’t need in your home but still want to keep. This can free up space in the house and make it easier for everyone to move around without tripping over boxes or piles of clothes.
Use Your Basement
Many American homes have a basement area that can be used for extra storage or even as a room with furniture and decorations. If your existing basement isn’t being used, you may ask a basement remodeling service to remodel it so you can create additional living space. You can also use this area as a playroom for children or an office if you need more space to work from home.
Leverage Natural Light
Natural light can greatly impact how you feel in your home, as it can make the room seem more extensive and inviting. Make sure your windows are not blocked by anything and keep them uncovered whenever possible for maximum sunlight. If that isn’t an option, adding mirrors to your walls can also help reflect the natural light around the room, making it appear brighter and more prominent.
Space is an invaluable commodity during the pandemic, but it doesn’t have to be a problem if you know how to make the most of your home. With a few smart renovations and changes, you can make your living environment bigger and more comfortable for everyone.
