When a family gets larger than initially expected, the usual course of action is that children share bedrooms. But what happens when the new baby arrives and the nearest sibling is already a teenager and needing privacy? Or when the shared room is already too small for the number of occupants? Most households still have one option available, and that is to convert an existing storeroom into the bedroom for one of the children. While it may seem like a daunting task, being organized from the very first will help make it a more easily attainable reality:


Step 1. Analyze the size and shape of the storeroom. Most storerooms are very small, but can still be converted into a bedroom for a young child. In fact, knowing how to maximize space might mean that your child can even grow up into his or her teens in that very same room. Note down the dimensions of the room so you can plan your layout.

Step 2. Before you begin hauling things out, already have what you envision drawn on paper. It could be a rough sketch, but its main purpose is to give you an idea how the final outcome should look. Part of your planning will also include finding a place for the things you used to store in that room.

Step 3. Clean out the storeroom. On a side note, it would be best to schedule a garage sale soonest, as there are likely plenty of things in that room that would be better off disposed. Be sure to take out every single box, as you would need an empty space to work on. When everything is out, give the room a thorough sweeping and mopping. Also, spraying everything with disinfectant and insecticide a few days before you start might be a good idea, as you are not sure what creatures have been living in that room for the last five years.

Step 4. When the room is clean, gather the things you would need: if you intend to change the flooring, which is advisable, you can opt for vinyl tiles as they are easier to install; for walls, you can choose between wallpaper or wall paint. You might also need sealant if you find any leaks on the ceiling or walls.

Step 5. Install the new flooring first. Follow the directions on the packaging of your vinyl tiles, starting in the center of the room. Be sure to clean off excess adhesive so that your floor will look bright and new.

Step 6. For wall paint, cover up your new floor with newspaper and mix up the color you want. If your child is old enough, he or she can help you paint, but make sure you put an appropriate face mask to protect him or her from the fumes.

Step 7. While you wait for the room to air out, find furniture that can fit into your storeroom. Typically, single beds can fit snugly. If you have carpentry skills, you can turn a single bed into a loft bed so your child can still have living space underneath her bed. Alternatively, you can opt for a sofa bed that can be converted easily into seating when not used as a bed.