My house is too big—I don't know what to do with all the extra space!'… said no one, ever. Well, at least not in Mumbai. That's a first-world problem even the most affluent don't have. Whether you're moving into a new home that needs planning from scratch or living in a rental where you have to work around existing fittings, thoughtful planning to maximise your space will go a long way. When fitting your furniture, think of it as a real-life game of Tetris.

From the barren area under your bed to the unclaimed breadths of the walls, in a small room, every inch counts. The key to clever small-space living is creative storage and multipurpose furniture. Invest in a few pieces that you need every day and forgo the rest. Consider bending the rules for functionality. If you have a tight closet, store special-occasion clothing you wouldn't reach out for everyday in roll-away storage under the couch. Every space can serve a dual or multiple purpose.