Portable furniture units that also do double or even triple duty are a great investment. Chests, decorative cubes with lids, and other similar options are a terrific way to add seating and storage. These items work well in any home, but they are especially handy for people that move often or live in close quarters.
Cedar chests, hope chests, and the like make great temporary window seats that double as storage. Slide the chest under a window, add a simple cushion and a couple of throw pillows, and you have a comfy, cozy seat. Inside the chest, you can store extra blankets and linens, and you won’t even have to pack them later. They’ll always be ready to go. In a child’s room, the chest can be used as a seat as well as a toy box, or storage for seasonal items and sporting gear.
Chests also make great coffee tables. I have a cedar chest in my living room that is usually used as a coffee table but also doubles as extra seating when needed. Inside, it is separated into two storage sections. One for fabric and craft supplies, the other for bulkier items like my sander, Dremel, and drill. The chest is one of my favorite pieces. Not only because I like the look, but also because I get as much use from it as I would from three separate pieces of furniture, while it only takes up space for one piece.
Cubes, on the other hand, make excellent end tables and nightstands. There are many decorative styles available to complement any decor. They work well in most settings, and they provide a great deal of storage space despite their small size. When entertaining, simply pull the cubes out and triple their value, by adding extra seating.
You can also use cubes as a coffee table. Push four of them together, and top with a large tray. Break them up as needed for seating. You can store anything inside them from linens to books to toys, and simply load them on the moving truck, filled and ready to go, when the time comes.