5 Tips for Organizing and Living in Small Spaces
What is your biggest obstacle to organizing? Do you think you have too much stuff? Are you at a loss for where to start? Have you tried to organize but you don’t can’t seem to create a system that actually works?
Or, maybe you share your biggest issue with the 8 million people who live in New York City.... a limited amount of space.
As a native New Yorker, I understand what it is like to live in small, unique spaces. Most buildings in NYC were built over a hundred years ago. That means they have dated construction, uneven floors, and bad lighting. But, more importantly, they were not built with today’s lifestyle in mind! More often than not, there are serious storage inefficiencies ranging from very little storage to simply none at all. This can make living (and organizing) these spaces a real challenge.
But have no fear! After years in the business, my team and I have found a handful of hacks that we often use when organizing in small spaces and we have decided to share some of our secrets with you here on the blog!
5 Tips for Optimizing Small Spaces
1. Make sure your space reflects your lifestyle and the items that you have
In an ideal world, make sure the space will work for you before you move in. As you are looking for your home, make a list of your “must-have” things you want in an apartment. If you have a lot of hanging clothes, make sure there is a closet and that it can accommodate all of your items. If you have a family and have a lot of sports equipment, make sure there is a storage or utility closet in the unit or supplemental storage somewhere else in the building. Having these things in mind when you’re searching for a home can help you find a space that will work well for you from the get-go.
2. Prioritize what you’re doing in your everyday life and what is important right now
This one is especially important because it can change (just as you do) and it’s important to adjust accordingly. Start with items you use on a daily basis. Organize and set up your space so that the items you use most frequently are the most accessible. For example, your wallet, keys, and other items you carry with you on a daily basis could be efficiently stored in a top dresser drawer or in a basket on the counter. But keeping a pair of shoes at the front of your closet when you only wear them once or twice a year isn’t the most efficient use of that space.
3. Swap out your seasonal items
Some people don’t recommend storing seasonal items as you can forget what you own, fabrics can get wrinkled, etc. But in small spaces, there’s sometimes no way to keep all your winter items out in the summer and vice versa. We recommend swapping out your seasonal items so that you can maximize your space for the things you will be using regularly. Keeping items in plastic bins and storing them in the back of a closet or under a bed will protect them while letting your closet and dresser not get overwhelmed.
4. Keep an eye out for unassuming storage opportunities and maximize them
There are a lot of overlooked nooks and crannies that can be used for storage and organization. Vertical space is seldom used but can be very valuable. This includes walls, behind doors, under the couch or under-bed storage, and tops of closets and cabinets. All of these areas can be used efficiently with the right products (hooks, shelves, etc.)! Using these kinds of spaces creatively can help you maximize a space that would otherwise go unused or unnoticed!
5. Be strategic about the items and furniture in your space
This might be hard to hear for some of you, but sometimes function is more important than aesthetic. That is especially true in small spaces. Choosing functional furniture instead of just choosing what looks the best, can offer you tons of additional storage options! For example, pick a floor-to-ceiling console with extra drawers or cabinets. Choose an ottoman that opens and offers additional storage for blankets, pillows, or board games. Functional furniture and closed storage options give you an opportunity to put things away, stay organized, and minimize visual clutter.
Small spaces can present a challenge to someone who wants to live a more organized life. A lot of brainstorming, experimenting, and trial and error goes into making these spaces reach their max efficiency. Remembering these tips can help you get there! Being mindful about your lifestyle and what you need most often is one of the simplest ways to make your (small) space work for you. Using intelligent and practical storage solutions to make the most of overlooked spaces can help you get the most out of the space that you DO have.
If you have any questions about organizing your spaces, let us know! We are truly here to help and want to share the magical benefits of organizing with you.
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