Crate expectations

I have a 10-month-old German Shepherd Dog who has been crate trained and whilst he is no longer put in the crate, he often goes in there of his own accord if I am doing something he doesn’t like, such has vacuuming, or if I am out shopping. So, he clearly sees it as a good place to be but I would really like to get rid of it at some point as it takes up a lot of room. Can anyone please suggest an ideal time and/or methodology to do this? Thank you.
Lizanne, Guildford, Surrey