Ideas for Small Living Spaces
Are you moving into a small living space or want more storage for your tiny apartment?
Even if you are enjoying a short-term apartment rental, you want to be comfortable and relaxed.
Whether you are downsizing, sharing your space, or living in a premium small space, there are so many ways to maximize on space and enjoy your freedom from STUFF!
Related: Design Ideas for Small Bathrooms
De-Clutter: Do you REALLY need that?
The number one objective is to declutter your possessions. Read: GET RID OF WHAT YOU REALLY DON’T NEED! Small living spaces means a smaller amount of storage.
Sounds scary, doesn’t it? It doesn’t have to be. A clutter-free house is so much easier to keep clean and your mind will feel less cluttered, too.
Related: The Ridiculously Thorough Guide to Decluttering Your Home
Get Organized: Find a system and stick to it!
Once you have your treasures pared down to a manageable level, figure out a system to keep things organized. You might not have the same system for every area of your house, but a good rule of thumb is to ALWAYS have a place for everything and ALWAYS put things in its place. You will know where it is, and it won’t be laying around to trip on and hurt yourself over.
Maximize Storage: Get Creative!
Shelving
Shelving and storage can be created out of just about anything and put on any usable wall space.
Ceiling shelving can go all the way around small living spaces and it is out of the way. You can keep things up there that you don’t need very often.
Over the door shelving is the same concept as ceiling shelving. This works especially well if you have some extra room above your bathroom door. You can store towels and extra TP up there.
Corner shelving can be tucked out of the way and actually hold quite a bit of stuff. The rounded design also lends itself to small spaces: less corners to wack your thigh or big toe on!
A nightstand shelf could be used in a corner next to the bed instead of an actual nightstand. This allows the bed to be pushed closer to the wall and eliminates a piece of furniture.
Furniture
Simple furniture with a sleek design and a minimalist look can free up floor space. Dressers, couches, beds and other pieces that have space underneath for storage are ideal. But don’t feel like you have to use doll house furniture for everything and skimp of comfortable. A few well placed bigger items can mix it up a little.
Short Term Rental
Even if you aren’t planning on staying somewhere long, particularly a smaller space, it important to keep organized and have a system for staying on top of clutter.