With the average cost of moving house estimated at being around £10,000, it’s no wonder many homeowners today are choosing to extend their homes rather than relocate. If you feel that you’ve run out of space, but can’t afford extensive building work, here are some top tips for creating more space within your home:

Look into self storage

The industrial outskirts of practically every city and town in the UK are dotted with self-storage units. These purpose-built facilities provide secure, temperature controlled environments, with many also offering 24/7 access and free parking. In terms of costs, companies such as Blue Box Storage charge from as little as £11 per week for a 10 square foot space. With such easy access and minimal financial outlay, storage needn’t just be for excess furniture or when moving house. Why not consider storing your winter and summer wardrobes, cherished books and memorabilia, or even outdoor furniture/equipment during the winter months? This could free up essential space within your home, helping you cope when conditions are cramped.

Board and convert the loft

Boarding the loft is a great option for adding storage space to your home. However, without the additional floor strengthening required by building regulations for a full loft conversion, boarding will only allow occasional footfall. This means that you’ll create extra storage space rather than a fully usable room within the home. If you require an extra room, loft conversions come in at upwards of £20,000, depending on the extent of the building work required. While the procedure for converting your loft can be lengthy as well as costly, loft conversions are really attractive for homeowners. Not only will the additional floor create essential breathing space for your family, it also means you’ll avoid the stress of moving home. As an added bonus, it will also add over 20% to the value of your home and make your home more attractive to potential buyers.

Get creative with under stairs storage

The under stairs space is often overlooked in our homes, but this empty space can provide excellent storage as well as living areas. Options range from low cost installations such as a built-in cupboard or shelving for a bookcase to more expensive alternatives such as a built-in reading nook, home office or even an additional downstairs toilet. By getting creative with this space you can not only create additional storage but also completely transform your living space.

Install a garden shed

Traditionally the preserve of gardening equipment, garden sheds are seeing a renaissance. No longer damp and draughty spaces relegated to the end of the lawn, sheds today come in all shapes and sizes. They can be anything from a basic wooden shed for storing bikes and equipment to larger spaces with heating and electricity, that are truly an extension of your home – be that a playroom, office or even a spare room. The Posh Shed Company recently reported a 35% increase in sales in London, with the capital making up over a quarter of the company’s entire sales and reflecting the needs of homeowners that have limited space.

Convert the garage

Few people use their garage for storing their car, so integrating this little-used space back into your home by creating another room is an attractive option for many homeowners. Costing from as little as £5,000, a well thought-out garage conversion can add as much as 10% to the value of your home, meaning not only will it add valuable living space to your home, but it will also improve the resale value. If you already use the garage for storage, then you’ll need to invest in additional outside storage. If this isn’t possible, consider a partial garage conversion. By converting just a third to two thirds of the garage, you can still create a small office or playroom, while retaining invaluable storage.