Small Space, Big Impact: Organizing Solutions for Tiny Homes and Apartments
Living in a small space can add an extra challenge to staying organized. A small space means less storage room and less room to hold everyday objects overall. However, living in a smaller space doesn't mean you can't stay organized. Organizing for a small space is possible and can be easy with just a few small tools and tips.
Embrace Minimalism
One of the biggest things you can do to keep a small space organized is to practice minimalism. This doesn't mean you have to live like a monk - it just means you want to be careful about what you're purchasing and pay attention to what actually serves a purpose for you space and lifestyle. It can be tempting to invest in different gadgets and tools for your kitchen, but it's not so useful if you don't have any place to store them! Pay attention to what you currently own, what you actually use, and what might be getting in your way. If you find you have things you trip over more than use, it might be time to look into finding that object a new home. This can apply to everything within your household, technology, clothes, kitchen tools, even cleaning supplies. When it comes to smaller spaces, less is more.
Work with the Shape of Your Small Space
Smaller spaces might be limited by size, but they certainly aren't limited by shape. Your space is going to be determined in part by how it's shaped. Your space might only have certain furniture, or the shape might lend itself to different storage arrangements. Some smaller apartments even have built in furniture or storage. Take advantage of what your space provides, and work with the space instead of against it. Keeping furniture and large objects closer to a wall, as well as decorating the space with brighter objects, can help make the space feel larger. It can also give you more room to move around so you don't feel limited by the space. Whatever storage is provided in the apartment, use as much as you can to avoid taking up more space.
Clean Your Small Space Often
A smaller space doesn't have to mean a messy space, but it does mean your space is going to look messier faster. Ideally, you'll want to clean your small space often to prevent it from looking cluttered and disorganized. Throughout the week, make sure you're picking up after yourself and create a cleaning schedule that works for you. Keeping up on simple chores like dusting and dishes can help your small space feel clean and ready for you when you come home. Keep things picked up off the floor and put them back where they belong. This will help you maintain your space throughout the day and keep it feeling organized.
Invest in Storage Solutions
Storage is an unavoidable necessity for any apartment, especially for a small space. Less space means less space to store tools, electronics, and everyday items. Investing in proper storage solutions that are built for smaller spaces can help you store what you need without feeling jam packed. You might look into flat plastic bins that can roll under your bed, or shelves you can stack and store in a closet. You can also use specific methods for storing items without investing in new furniture. For example, rolling up your clothes can save space in drawers. Finding different tools that work for you can help you organize your small space and keep it usable for you.
It's an unfortunate myth that a small space is impossible to keep clean and organized. Although a smaller space comes with its own unique challenges, you can still stay organized with just a little creativity and the willingness to work with your space, not against it.