Living in a snug space shouldn’t stop you from having an attractive and organized home! With some preparation, a strategic shopping list and a little creativity, it’s possible to streamline your storage and organize your way into a place you love. These five neat and tidy solutions are sure to work in even the smallest of spaces.
Pare down your belongings
First, start by throwing out or giving away anything that no longer serves a purpose. Take some time to thoughtfully Marie Kondo your belongings, leaving only the essentials and anything that truly sparks joy. Cutting down on clutter first means you’ll have less to store and will instantly make your home feel more open.
Take advantage of any free space
Got an empty garage or a cavernous crawlspace? What about all that real estate right under your bed? After getting rid of the things you don’t need, pack up what’s left and take advantage of any available space. Don’t rule out vertical storage (HGTV) and instead utilize the area above your kitchen cabinets or install a series of floating shelves above the toilet. You could even bring some scaffolding into the garage to stack boxes and bins to the ceiling.
Don’t shy away from seemingly awkward locations, either! Shop around for furniture specifically designed for empty corners (Apartment Therapy, 2020), or slide a bench or console table into hallways and nooks. A little creativity at this stage can go a long way in clearing up clutter and adding instant storage space.
Invest in multi-use furniture
When your square footage is limited, you’ll want all your pieces doing double-duty. Multi-use furniture has come a long way in recent years and there are now plenty of efficient, attractive options (HGTV) for homeowners of all kinds. Whether you opt for a bookshelf-turned-headboard, hollow ottoman, or lift-top coffee table, choosing something practical and beautiful makes tidying up a breeze.
Avoid doors and heavy legs
Strategically shopping with a few added features in mind can also maximize space. When purchasing new pieces, choose sliding doors or completely open shelving so you won’t need extra clearance to open and close doors. Simple, floating items or furniture with thin, delicate legs will also open up a room (National Association of Realtors, 2020).
Invest in the add-ons
While space-saving furniture can help round up some of the bigger items, there are plenty of gadgets on the market (The Spruce, 2020) to corral any leftover knick-knacks. A plastic bag organizer, over-the-door shoe rack, or DIY pegboard creates a designated spot for anything and everything. The small stuff can make or break your journey to streamlined storage.
You don’t need an abundance of square footage for beautiful, efficient storage space — by decluttering your belongings beforehand, investing in some storage-friendly furniture and thinking about your space in a new way, you can pack, label and tuck away almost anything. The impact is sure to be big, even in the smallest of spaces.
Published on November 30, 2020
