clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

How are you freeing up space in your Boston-area home?

The experts say to repurpose and cull, among other tips, but we want to hear from you about how you’re dealing with more time—and people—in the house due to coronavirus

By Tom Acitelli Updated
A smartly organized closet with shelves and a portion for hanging clothes. Shutterstock

Much of the Boston area is on de facto lockdown in an effort to stem the spread of novel coronavirus, with thousands more people working from home—in many cases, alongside not only their partners but their children due to school systems throughout the region shuttering for weeks.

The lockdown, then, is creating space challenges for residents as they adjust themselves—and adjust their surroundings—to being home pretty much 24-7 rather than working remotely (and traveling or commuting for work).

So how are you solving such space challenges? What are you doing to free up capacity in your house, condo, or apartment, especially if it was never designed for so many people in it at once all the time? The experts have long had their say, and well before coronavirus. Here are some of the things they’ve suggested.

Find space in new places. Under couches, tables, and beds; in the ceiling volume and via exposed beams; plastic bins and toy chests are your friends; that space behind the couch, you’d be surprised; roll those clothes, don’t fold ‘em; etc. It’s long been recommended that if you want more space, make it. “We definitely worked in storage everywhere we could,” interior designer Jessica Helgerson explained to Curbed in 2018 re: the inside of her small cabin near Portland, Oregon.

Three cloth bins under a crib. Shutterstock

Repurpose existing spaces. Who says the bottom kitchen cabinets have to be for plastic containers or baking supplies? This is a serious, longterm lockdown, people. Sort things and cull others (see below) and move something else in that’s otherwise hanging out and consuming space. Use your closet heights to your advantage and learn to stack or balance. And, if you do roll up your clothes rather than fold, that can free up drawer space (really). The point is to get stuff put away to free up more space in your home for you and yours.

Cull. Cull some more. You don’t have to spend $89 each on Hikidashi boxes, but now would be the time to sort and cull those things you rarely use and don’t need. They can be stored, donated, recycled, or trashed completely (municipal garbage and recycling pickups continue despite coronavirus). The culling not only cuts down on clutter but frees up space and leads to repurposing. That old rack for holding plastic toy bins? It’s a shoe rack now. Deal.

Donation possibilities in the Boston area

The Salvation Army. This group shuttered its thrift stores and its pickup operation in late March due to the coronavirus. It’s encouraging people instead to hold on to their clothing, shoes, furniture, and other household items for later donation. 

Would-be donors in the Boston area are encouraged to call 800-SA-TRUCK or to visit Satruck.org for the latest information. And, as for what the Salvation Army might accept, check out this list.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Based in Lynn and with several thrift stores, the society will take everything from clothing to cars to furniture. Check to see what’s needed and/or acceptable, though, and any changes due to the coronavirus. (The society has not responded to requests for comment.)

Habitat for Humanity. The Greater Boston wing of this operation pretty much ceased operations on April 4, and it’s not sure when those operations will resume. The shuttering includes Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore on the VFW Parkway in West Roxbury. 

In the meantime, the nonprofit is asking that people not drop off donations but rather hold on to them until things ease. Here’s what you can donate—and information on arranging free pickups once operations resume. 

Boomerangs. AIDS Action runs this thrift store chain, which has locations in Boston and Cambridge. All of the locations are closed, though, until on or around May 10, according to the organization. Hold on to any donations until then—and here’s a rundown of what you might be able to donate.

Goodwill. This organization is taking the same approach as the Salvation Army: Please hold on to any potential donations as Goodwill’s stores throughout the Boston region are shuttered and its operations, including donation sites, are pretty much suspended until at least May 4. Here’s a list of what Goodwill in Massachusetts might accept.

These tips for creating a more spacious home without hunting for a new one (because who wants to do that with Boston’s prices?) can be just the tip of the iceberg. What else are you doing to free up space in your Boston-area home? Sound off in the comments below or on social.