More and more of us are now choosing to downsize and live in a smaller space. Those of us who have chosen to live in portable homes or a renovation of a small space know just how tough it can be to fit everything in.
Clever use of space and storage allows you to have a larger living area. But, what do you do in the kitchen where you would typically have a lot of appliances to help you out? And don't forget all the surface space you need to prepare food.
It's essential to buy the right equipment for the size of your home. Compact appliances can fit in where their bigger cousins can't. We've compiled a list and multiple links to give you the lowdown on everything small to make the most of your living space.
Refrigerators
No one can really live without a fridge these days. Unless you plan on shopping seven days a week and don't need to keep leftovers cold, then it's a must. But, they take up a lot of space, don't they? Well, say hello to compact fridges.
There are a variety of compact fridges out there. They have space to store all the necessities, and even freeze a few items. You need to be more selective about what you're putting in there as you can't fit in too much. They look neat and tidy and will look at home in your small kitchen.
Stoves
Now, to cook up a family meal or a tasty dish for your spouse, you'll need somewhere to make it. Ovens and stoves are other large items that can be difficult to squeeze into a small area. But, smaller and narrower ones now exist.
They fit nicely into little openings between counters and will look just right. There are some out there at the moment that includes a lovely drawer at the bottom to give you more storage when you need it. An excellent addition, we think you'll agree.
If you genuinely have nowhere to put one of these, there are some other options. You could try out a compact cooktop, which is two gas or electric rings that you can place on any surface. This is great for those extra tiny houses out there.
Microwaves
This isn't an item that everyone would say is a must-have. However, a lot of us love them, and they make life so much easier. When you want to heat up those leftovers, it's way faster to zap it in there instead of getting out a pan and heating it. Plus, you save on the washing up.
But, how do you fit it in when you're already short on space? With an over-the-range microwave. With a neat little shelf, it can sit above your oven without taking up any room on a surface. What a great space saver! There is no need for those hefty, big microwaves. So, go for one of these.
Washers and Dryers
Here we go with another two items that are in no way small. Some people even have a whole room only for these and doing their laundry. So, you're likely wondering how on earth you're going to fit them in your home.
Some excellent combos now exist. That's right, a washing machine and tumble dryer in the same machine. One fits conveniently over the other, taking up half the room overall. You've saved a lot of space already, and the dryer means you don't need to worry about where to hang your sheets after washing.
This is one of our favorites as everyone needs to be able to wash their clothes and we know you don't have the room for one of each. The perfect combo!
Dishwashers
Ok, so washing the dishes isn't all that bad. Yet, if you run a busy schedule, it can take up a lot of time. A dishwasher is a very convenient appliance for anyone to have in their kitchen. But do you have space? Probably not if you're reading this.
Well, hear this. Portable dishwashers are now available and can save you even more space. They are beautiful slim machines on wheels that will fit in most small spaces. There are other skinny models out there too, but we like the idea of one we can wheel around to where we see fit.
Other Items
The ones above are the bigger ones that might worry you. So, we wanted to give you as much help as possible. However, there are also a considerable number of small appliances that can easily be squeezed into a cupboard or the corner of any kitchen.
Here's a little summary of some others that we think would make an excellent addition (if you have the space, of course)!
Tiny Toasters
Who doesn't love a bit of toast in the mornings? There are some pretty small options on the market now, so you don't have to miss out on that breakfast essential.
Coffee Machines
If you can't function without your cup of freshly brewed coffee, then you may still want one of these. Just go for a smaller model. Or, if it's your cup of tea, a french press, or something similar to save more space.
Food Processor
Sometimes we need to whizz what we're making. Blenders are great too, but food processors tend to have more functions. Choose one that can do the most to avoid buying other appliances.
Going Small Is Great
So, we hope we've helped you to see that downsizing doesn't mean you have to get rid of all your amenities. You can have them all, just downsize on them too. There are little versions of everything so it can be done.
Once you have shrunk in the housing department, you won't go back. It makes it easier to live clutter-free, meaning that you'll feel better about yourself and less stressed. Anyone can do it, and it's worth it. If our population is going to keep growing, maybe we'll all need to think about tiny living sooner or later.
