How to Make More Space at Home for Christmas
Are you excited about Christmas? Or is there a little corner of your mind that’s quietly dreading it?
For lots of us, Christmas is a mix of eager anticipation and worry. Anyone who’s done it knows it’s a lot of work to be chief host, chef, peacemaker, and Santa Claus.
When it’s your turn to host the family for Christmas day it can get quite fraught, wondering how you’ll fit everyone in.
A couple of these ideas might help.
Have a Clear Out
Things accumulate, so it’s a good idea to have a general stock take at home whether it’s Christmas or not. But with all the extra stuff we bring into the house over the festive period, making some room before you start really helps.
There’s no need to throw anything away, unless you come across broken things that somehow got missed at the time, or stuff you definitely don’t want anymore. It’s more a question of looking for all the items you’re not actually using.
This could be seasonal stuff like clothes or sports kit and equipment, or it might be hobby items and stash you’re not using right now. When you need to make room in cupboards (even if you’re just looking for somewhere to hide presents), clearing out things you don’t need makes space you can use.
Try and avoid moving items from one room to another, otherwise, you’re just shifting the problem elsewhere in the house. You could investigate storage unit prices to find somewhere for packed-up boxes and other items, getting them out of the house completely. Storage costs may be lower than you think if it’s a while since you last investigated.
Look Closer at Furnishings
We often think of getting new furnishings or appliances in time for Christmas. If you’re planning replacing items, factor in how it’ll help you make the house comfortable for more guests.
Ideas include using storage furnishings where possible, or when choosing new sofas and chairs look for ones that include a footstool with the suite. As well as somewhere to rest weary legs, it’s a useful additional seat.
Beds too can help with storage. Choose divans or similar for the extra space under the mattress. Any extra storage you squeeze in all helps with the Christmas goodies, as well as through the rest of the year.
If you’re not planning to get new stuff for Christmas, you can still look twice at your furniture and how you use it. You may only have a house full of people for one day, but it’s an important day and you want everyone to look back with pleasure.
Consider removing some furnishing items if you need to make a bit more floor space.
- You could tackle the TV corner by wall-mounting your television and removing the TV stand or unit.
- Bookcases, while looking nice, take up valuable wall space you could use for an extra chair, side table or the tree.
- Even moving a floor lamp could free up a bit of space to help make the room more comfortable.
Don’t worry about losing the lighting. With so many extra lights in the room, you’ll have just as much twinkling warmth.
If you need additional seating, think about folding chairs so you can stack them out of the way when they’re not needed. Floor cushions too are useful and can look great. Kids love them and help save sofas and armchairs for older folks.
Christmas Dining
There’s nothing like a traditional Christmas lunch with all the trimmings. You don’t actually have to seat everyone around the table, though, if people wouldn’t have enough elbow room for comfort.
Instead, set the food out like a popular carvery and let people help themselves then sit where they like. Have a few lap trays available and set just a couple of places at the table for those who don’t like to eat off their laps. It’s different, but it can work when there’s a crowd in a small space, and many people welcome the informality.
An alternative is to have two smaller tables when it’s hard to make room for a single big one. A separate table for children gives you the opportunity to decorate it just for them, with fun things to do while they’re eating. A festive, colour-in tablecloth, for instance, can help keep them entertained during the meal. Just keep the separate table close to the main table – you want them to feel honoured, not excluded.
Christmas is a special time of year when family, friends, and neighbours renew connections and deepen relationships.
While you’re working for everyone else, don’t forget it’s your Christmas too. With a self storage room, alternative dining, or other space-saving/making strategies, you can plan ahead and keep it fun and comfortable for everyone.