If you live in a small space, such as a studio apartment, a condo or in a room within a large house, you know how hard it is to stay organized. Although you might feel limited, you need to know that small doesn’t necessarily have to mean crowded, chaotic or cluttered. If you deploy the right strategy, even the smallest living space can look tidy, neat and clean. The most important – it can be efficient and stylish, too!
We are here to show you how to make the most of your small space and make your everyday living much easier and stress-free. Take a look at our organizing tips and make your space finally work for you!
Think Vertically, not Horizontally
This method is certainly most effective – once you change your perspective, everything is going to be much easier. You should start considering your walls as the prime option for storage and organization. Good examples of this approach are floating shelves, which can be used for showcasing books, decor or some essential everyday items.
Empty spaces behind doors are often overlooked. Take over the door organizers and store literally everything there – from shoes and scarves to cleaning supplies and pantry items. Another good advice is to install hooks or adhesive hangers on your walls and use them to hang bags, hats, headphones or jewelry. Now when you know how to use vertical space, you have to admit that it is a brilliant idea!
Use Multi-Functional Furniture
When your space is so limited that every inch counts, you should buy multi-functional furniture which serves more than one purpose. For example, a traditional coffee table can be replaced with a storage ottoman – you can use it to store blankets, magazines, books or seasonal items there.
Your bed should have built-in drawers underneath, so you can store bedding there and save up much space in the dresser. Buy a drop-leaf table that folds down when not in use and place it in your dining area. That is an excellent way to make your space more versatile. A wall-mounted desk that folds away is the great solution for your workspace.
Declutter Regularly
Unfortunately, decluttering is not a one-time job. It should become your habit because it affects how you live in your space. You should take a deep look around you and ask yourself if all those items really serve their purpose and if you really need them. Maybe it is time to let some of them go.
Consider trying out the famous one-in, one-out rule – for every new item you buy and bring into your home, you should donate, sell or toss another item you don’t use anymore. This is a good method to prevent accumulation as you will always think twice before you decide to buy something. Declutter your home thoroughly every season – you might end up surprised by how much stuff can build up over time.
Define Zones in Your Space
When the living space is small, defining zones can bring structure and calm. You can designate a living area by using a large rug, while a floor lamp or a decorative bookshelf can be used as a visual divider for home workspace or a reading nook. You do not need actual walls to carve out spots with different purposes – be creative and make a separate place for eating, working, sporting or relaxing. Separating each function visually and mentally will reduce clutter and help you stay focused on whatever you are working on.
Reimagine Closets and Cabinets
The most common problem with space organisation is that we usually consider our closets/kitchen cabinets full, although there is plenty of free space – you just need to reorganize items. Buying stackable storage bins, shelf risers, or pull-out baskets is a good investment because these items can instantly double your storage capacity. Use shelf dividers and vertical racks make chaotic areas functional again.
Transparency is an often overlooked characteristic of good organisation – clear containers are helpful for cabinets or pantries where items often get lost in the back. When you can see what you have, the chances of buying duplicates are lower. Bathrooms can become cluttered with cleaning supplies and cosmetics, but using vertical stacking drawers or small trays under the sink can help you stay organized and save a lot of space.
Take the Advantage of Under-Bed Space
Often overlooked, but this space can be a life-saver. Use plastic bins, rolling drawers or vacuum bags for storing the items under your bed. This is great for seasonal clothes, shoes or toiletries supplies. If you cannot use this space because your bed sits low on the ground, there is a solution – use bed risers. They are easy to fix and will add a few extra inches of clearance. All items stored under the bed should be labeled and easily accessible.
Adopt Daily Tidying Habits
There is one very powerful technique if you want to adopt daily tidying habits. It is called 10-minute tidy, and all you need to do is to set a timer and spend just ten minutes a day decluttering or doing other smaller household chores. These small tasks can include folding a blanket, hanging up clothes, vacuuming, cleaning the kitchen counter, dusting, etc.
Another strategy is cleaning as you go. It is some sort of multitasking – wash dishes while cooking, iron while laundering, return items to their place right after you use them… These minor adjustments will make a big difference.
Organize the Entryway
In small spaces, an entryway serves multiple purposes – it is a coat closet, drop zone and shoes station – all in one. Take a small bench with storage to hold shoes and bags. Wall hooks can keep coats and keys in place. Mails, keys and small items can be placed in a tray or bowl – this is a way to avoid scattering them around the house. Organized entryway will keep your daily essentials in check.
Seek Professional Help
It is totally ok to feel overwhelmed by these tasks and to ask professionals for help. Hiring a trustworthy cleaning service will help you reset and maintain your space. Schedule our standard cleaning service for routine upkeep, while deep cleaning session is perfect when you need a total refresh after decluttering. And if you’re planning to reorganize as part of a big move, don’t forget we also offer move out cleaning services that ensure your old home sparkles, and helps your deposit come back, too.
Make the most of our decluttering tips & tricks and make your small living space neat, clean and well-organized! Make small changes in your everyday routine and don’t hesitate to ask for help when necessary.