Smart Living
Get practical advice and inspiration on organizing, home décor, lifestyle and personal finance for everyday living.
How Storage Solutions Can Support Cleveland’s Micro-Housing Movement
Cleveland is riding the wave of the micro-housing movement sweeping across the country, mainly fueled by its recent downtown revitalization that has attracted a growing number of residents. This influx has sparked a rising demand for smaller, conveniently located rental units. Caught in a tug-of-war between affordability and urban density, residents find themselves squeezed from both sides, while micro-housing emerges as a crucial advantage to gain the upper hand.
Micro Housing Is Booming in Minneapolis (And Self Storage Helps)
One of the economic and cultural engines of the Midwest, Minneapolis is also carving out a name for itself in the world of small space living. Micro housing is defined as units with a footprint no larger than half the average apartment size in a state and, across Minnesota, that translates to apartments under 433 square feet. In Minneapolis, these compact homes already make up over 10% of the city’s multifamily rental inventory.
Living Large In Small San Diego Homes: Here’s How To Make Every Inch Count
As more people flock to San Diego, the city has been building smaller to make room. In fact, the average single family home has shrunk by 259 square feet since 2010 — one of the steepest drops among the nation’s 20 largest metro areas. And with the average home now priced around $1M, getting ample space without breaking the bank is a tall order.
Small Home Office Ideas: How to Take It From Drab to Fab in no Time
Millions of Americans are still working from home, either full-time or part-time, and chances are that remote work is here to stay. Even with the recent back and forth from companies trying to find the right balance between remote work and office days, many people will probably continue working from their home offices at least a few days per week for the foreseeable future.
Clutter In America: Why We’re Drowning In Stuff And How To Reclaim Our Space
Clutter is taking over American homes. A recent survey found that 44% of Americans feel overwhelmed by clutter either always or often, and another 28% say they sometimes feel the same way. Our tendency toward owning more than we need has long been part of the American cultural fabric, but in recent years, it’s reached new heights. The rise of online shopping, fast fashion, and social media-fueled consumerism have made it easier than ever to accumulate and much harder to let go. Many Americans are literally boxed in by their belongings, struggling to find room for daily living.
Spring Cleaning With Kids? Here’s How Self Storage Can Save The Day
Spring cleaning season is in full swing — and while the fresh start feels great, let’s be honest: tackling clutter is no small task. Add kids into the mix, and things can go from chaotic to complete meltdown in minutes.
Check Out The Best Places For Moving Supplies In Miami, Florida
Looking for the best moving supplies in Miami? With so many people relocating in, out, and around the city, having the right packing materials is essential for a smooth, stress-free move. From sturdy moving boxes and bubble wrap to specialty supplies for fragile items, quality materials can make all the difference.
11 Backyard Water Features To Spruce Up Your Outdoor Space
Water changes a place. It draws in birds, insects, and the kind of quiet that helps you settle. The air feels cooler. Outside noise fades. And even if you’re just having a coffee in your backyard, there’s something to look at that keeps you there a little longer. So, let’s talk backyard water features.
Easter Unwrapped: From Bunny Lore To Smart Storage Hacks For Easter Decorations
Easter has long been a cherished celebration, from cotton tails and bunny ears to eggs overflowing in baskets aplenty. Blending rites and rituals into a mélange of special traditions that endure to this day, this celebration has gathered families throughout centuries. But have you ever paused to wonder where your furry neighborhood friend, the Easter Bunny, truly comes from? Or why did people suddenly decide rolling eggs downhill was a thing?
RV Revamp: Fresh Ideas For A Complete Camper Makeover
RV travel is more popular than ever. More than half of Americans have an RV road trip on their bucket list, dreaming of open roads and unforgettable stops. With RV shipments rising by 9.4% in 2024 compared to the previous year, the RV lifestyle seems to be holding its appeal — especially among millennials craving freedom, flexibility and a deeper connection with nature.
From Ordinary To Extraordinary: How To Create An Enviable Backyard
Your backyard is an extension of your home — a reflection of your personality and your preferences, all woven into pockets of nature. As such, you should approach it with the same care and creativity as you would when transforming the interior of your home, turning it into a personal oasis of your own design. Embracing this mindset will strengthen your bond with the space as you continue to shape it and invest in it.
Expert Organization Tips for Self Storage: How and What to Store
Self storage has become more than just a backup plan for people with too much stuff. Its popularity has grown, largely driven by major life events — what we now call the six Ds: dislocation, divorce, death, downsizing, decluttering and distribution. These days, storage units serve as an extension of living spaces, helping people create room for what truly matters while keeping their homes organized and clutter-free.