There is a vision of the idyllic setting for a massage therapist. Often, it includes a beautiful working environment with palm trees in front of the window, luxurious massage tables and plenty of space to move around. Maybe the floors are made of marble, and the lobby has an indoor waterfall–those details are up to you and your imagination.
Unfortunately, this scenario is far from reality for lots of massage professionals, and that’s okay–you can build a stellar career and transform your clients’ lives in any environment. If you are working in a small space, you might need to get a little creative to maximize your ability to work and the comfort of your clients. That’s where these tips come in!
Key Takeaways:
Working in small spaces as a massage therapist can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. With the right equipment and a few adjustments, you and your clients can thrive in a more compact environment.
Tips to Make a Small Space Work for You
Keep it Clean and Minimalist
If a room is inherently small, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is filling it with furniture, decor, and other objects–even if they’re on counters or shelves. Clutter of any kind, whether it’s functional or aesthetically pleasing or not, makes a small space feel even smaller. It’s best to leave walls free of photos, floorspace void of unnecessary furniture, and even shelving empty of anything that isn’t strictly necessary.
There are ways to keep required equipment on hand without having it out in the open. Use cabinet and drawer space to house the tools you need when you aren’t using them. This will help make the room functional without causing it to feel smaller than it already is.
A few quick tips for keeping the space clean, calming, and giving the impression of more space?
First, opt for low and soft lighting for a soothing and subtle environment. Bright lights don’t just strain your client’s eyes; they put them in a more alert state and draw attention to the size of your space.
Another key way of maximizing your small space is using colors that give the illusion of more space. Light and bright colors, like white, give the illusion of more space by reflecting natural light, providing the impression of light. Darker, moodier colors absorb light and make a space feel smaller.
Invest in Space-Saving Equipment
You may not be able to make a room bigger, but you can invest in equipment that is designed to work within the confines of limited space. For example, while many massage tables are large and can dominate a room, there are options that are more compact and can be stored out of the way with ease.
Other alternatives to bulky furniture and equipment include stools that can be folded or rolled out of the way, as well as trolleys that can provide additional storage space for tools while remaining compact and easy to move about the space.
You may not be able to physically expand the room that you use to perform your massage services, but you can invest in equipment that makes the best of the space you have. You’ll be surprised by how much larger and more functional your work area feels when it is home to mobile and appropriately sized furniture.
Embrace Creative Storage Solutions
Keeping clutter to a minimum is often easier said than done when accounting for the equipment and tools you need on hand to properly perform your massage pro services. There are certain things you simply cannot do without, meaning you have to find an accessible but uncluttered way of storing them nearby.
While the storage solutions you choose will largely depend on the unique environment of your small space, there are a handful of ideas that you can adapt to your situation.
- Store sheets out of sight. If possible, keep them in a closet. If your space does not have a closet (or a suitable piece of furniture), consider storing them in a separate room. Yes, you will be sacrificing a bit of convenience, but it’s worth the hassle to reclaim some of your valuable (and limited) space.
- Opt for furniture that features cubbies or drawers. Not only does this allow you to be more organized, but it also keeps objects off of counter space, shelving, and other surfaces. The result is a well-organized, clutter-free environment.
- Use the space under your massage table. From storing your stool under the table when it’s not in use to hanging a hammock beneath the table for readily accessible items, making the most of this often-forgotten space is a great idea.
- Use the door and walls (if you have to). While it’s best to leave doors and walls empty to help the space feel larger, utilizing vertical space for storage can be better than the alternative of cluttered countertops. From hooks for hanging clothes to small shelves mounted to the wall, being intentional and thoughtful about how you use doors and walls for storage is vital.
Seeking Quality Equipment for Small Spaces? Earthlite Has You Covered
As a massage therapist, you often have to work with the external factors you face. Thankfully, there are ways to overcome the challenges of small spaces. Even in a tiny room, you can create a wonderful experience for your clients and make the job easier for you.
From being selective about the furniture you buy to using interior design tricks–such as white paint and low lighting–the right choices for your space can transform it from severely limiting to functional and welcoming!