Are you ready to turn your small space into a place that you can live, breathe, and enjoy your life? Here are my top 5 amazing tips for organizing a small apartment or any small space.
Do you sometimes feel your small space is, well, too small? Small apartment living can be challenging. But don’t despair! You can turn your small living space into a cozy wonderland that is the envy of all your friends with larger homes!
This comprehensive guide will help you maximize your space by adopting innovative organizing strategies. By the end, you might feel rather smug about leading a well-organized, minimalist life in what was once a cramped space!
Understanding the Pain Points of Small Space Living
I’ll admit that not everyone loves the coziness of small apartments. Overfilled closets, crammed kitchen counters, a living room doubling (or tripling) as a dining room, office, and laundry area — it’s like living in a life-sized Tetris game. But remember, every problem is a hidden opportunity!
I live in a small space, so I know how it feels. My family of three (and a cat!) live in an 850 sq ft apartment, and we love it! But it wasn’t always that way. When we first moved in, we struggled with clutter and finding ways to organize everything. But through trial and error and incorporating these organizational strategies, we now love our small space and look forward to spending time in our cozy home.
The Importance of Proper Organizational Strategies
Living in a small apartment isn’t all doom and gloom, especially once you learn the art of organization. Strategic organization can make you feel calmer and increase productivity. It also makes your space more welcoming and can even create the illusion of a larger area.
Organizing your small space doesn’t happen on its own. It does take work, but it’s well worth it. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into some organizational strategies that will transform your tiny apartment into a cozy sanctuary.
1. Taming the Clutter: Keeping the Essentials and Letting Go of the Rest
We’re all guilty of holding onto items we may not need. Deciding what to keep and discard can be tricky, but it’s an essential first step. Here are some tips to tame the clutter in your small space.
Collect what you love, discard what you don’t:
Learning to let go is a life skill that applies well beyond just your possessions. If you haven’t used something for over a year, or if it doesn’t spark joy (Thank you, Marie Kondo!) — it’s time to let it go.
Categorize your Belongings:
Categorizing your tasks can simplify them; the same goes for your belongings. Use a three-bin strategy and divide your stuff into things you need, things to throw away, and things to donate.
Keep a Consistent Decluttering Routine:
Decluttering isn’t a one-time thing. It’s vital to make decluttering a regular habit. Sometimes, it can be challenging, but it’s also a great feeling to get rid of things that no longer meet your needs.
2. Space Optimization: Smart Furniture for Small Apartments
Strategically chosen furniture can make a big difference in a small apartment. Being intentional about the furniture you bring into your space is essential.
Multi-Functional Furniture:
Beds with built-in storage, expandable tables, and other multi-functional furniture pieces are necessary for small apartments. These pieces provide the functionality you need without sacrificing valuable space. I recently invested in pull-out drawers under our bed, which has been a game-changer! We were able to get rid of our dresser, which freed up so much space and made our tiny bedroom feel huge!
Wall Storage and Vertical Space:
When optimizing a small space, look up and don’t overlook the potential of walls and vertical space. Wall-mount cabinets, shelves, or pegboards can create a ton of storage space where there wasn’t any before.
Creative Storage Solutions:
Be creative when thinking about storage. For example, you could turn a staircase into a bookshelf or use magnetic strips to store spice jars inside a kitchen cabinet door. You can use even the smallest space to store your things if you look at your room with an eye toward creative storage ideas!
3. Space Division: Creating Defined Living Areas in Small Apartments
Establishing separate zones within your small apartment for different activities can help your space feel more comfortable.
“Zone” Your Space:
Create visual boundaries to differentiate between areas in your apartment. A rug can separate your living room from your dining area, while a high bookshelf might distinguish your sleeping area from your workspace.
Use Room Dividers:
Room dividers might seem old-school, but do wonders in a small apartment. They create private spaces and can even serve as an organizer or a place to display those precious mementos you’ve decided to keep.
Furniture Placement:
How you arrange your furniture can impact your space’s functionality. Choose a layout that maintains ease of movement and accessibility. Remember, you are creating a flow within the limited space, so moving from one space to the other should be easy.
4. Mastering the Art of Minimalism: Less is More
A minimalist design for your small apartment can make it feel less cramped and more spacious. Plus, incorporating minimalism into your space can give it an elegant ambiance that people find calming and relaxing.
Understanding Minimalism:
Minimalism is the practice of simplicity. It’s more than just a design philosophy — it’s a lifestyle. It’s about distilling life to its essentials, turning the volume down on materialistic noise, and turning the focus inward.
Practicing Minimalism:
Minimalism isn’t about getting rid of everything you own. It’s about valuing quality over quantity. Instead of looking at how much you have, focus on the value each item brings to your life.
Minimalist Décor:
Minimalist décor is all about creating a sense of space. Some tips include using lighter colors, adding mirrors to reflect light and space, and choosing smaller furniture.
5. Keeping Small Spaces Clean: Maintenance and Cleaning Tips
Keeping your small apartment clean is critical to maintaining the effectiveness of your organizational strategies and ensuring your space is always cozy and welcoming. I will admit that this is the point where I struggle the most. Things get messy, and it can be challenging to keep everything clean. But I’ve learned to incorporate cleaning into my daily routine through focus, determination, and a hearty sense of mom/wife guilt (haha).
Regular Cleaning:
A clean space is a happy space. Cleaning not only keeps your place looking its best, but it also plays a vital role in maintaining the organization of your small apartment.
Strategic Cleaning:
Create a cleaning schedule based on the areas that need more frequent cleaning. Prioritize, plan, and perform. That’s your new mantra. It’s always easier to clean a small mess than a big one, so don’t let it accumulate!
DIY Natural Cleaning Solutions:
Your small apartment doesn’t need to smell like a chemical factory to be clean. You can make cleaning solutions from everyday household items like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon.
5 Amazing Tips for Organizing a Small Apartment: Wrap-Up
“The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less.”
– Socrates
Living in a small apartment can be a challenging yet fun puzzle. But with the right strategies, you can turn these challenges into opportunities for a more minimalist, organized, and peaceful life.
Remember, your apartment is not a storeroom for stuff; it’s your space to live, breathe, and create beautiful memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best furniture pieces for small apartments?
Nesting tables, storage ottomans, Murphy beds, and furniture with hidden storage are great for small apartments.
How can you make a small apartment look bigger?
Light colors, lots of natural lighting, and strategic use of mirrors can create an illusion of a bigger space. Choosing a minimalist design and removing clutter can also prevent your room from looking cramped and crowded.
How much should you declutter when organizing a small space?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, but a good rule of thumb is to keep what’s essential to you and let go of the rest.
What is minimalism, and how can it help in a small apartment?
Minimalism is about embracing simplicity and reducing excess. It can help make a small apartment feel more open and peaceful.
How regularly should you clean a small apartment?
It’s best to keep up with small cleaning tasks daily. Depending on your space and lifestyle, a full, deep clean may be needed every week or two.