10 Tips for Living Organized in a Small Apartment / House

There is something I love about living in a small space - it very quickly feels lived in and fills with love! With that being said it also very quickly can fill with clutter - one organized pile of papers or laundry and it looks like you live in an episode of Hoarders. In keeping with the Spring Cleaning theme of March, I have put together some of the tricks I have learned about living in a smaller space!

1. Embrace Storage Solutions - Living organized means embracing storage - people often think my apartment or house is so tiny I couldn't possibly fit a desk, a filing cabinet, box shelves, toy boxes, ect. But the truth is - if you have these items, if this is the life you live - an important aspect of your life than you need to accept that & embrace the appropriate storage solutions in order to do so effectually! As children we are taught to 'take care of our belongings' but this is a lesson that is easily forgotten in today's busy world! Essentially, embrace the fact that you have interests & items that reflect them. They are part of what make you - YOU!
2. Furniture That Doubles as Storage 

 Our couch  is probably our favourite piece of furniture we've ever purchased to date! It is an L-shaped sectional couch that can be re-configured a few different ways, & pulled out easily into a double bed, but the best part is that the chase lifts up to unveil a massive storage space inside the couch! (Our exact couch (Manstad) is no longer available but I have linked a similar one from IKEA HERE). Ottomans are great for storage and can also double as extra seating! Bedside tables that double as storage containers are great for storing extra bedding, books or magazines, mementos, etc. If you like us, are in the market for a new Bed - consider looking for one with drawers, or that is lifted off the ground with enough clearance to fit storage bins,( there is many under-the-bed storage containers out there for just about anything). 

3. Storage with Magnets 

 Everyone knows to use magnets to stick papers, or pictures to the front of their fridge - but the help of magnets does not have to stop there! We use storage containers with magnets on the backs to store our seasoning on the side of the fridge - which incidently is directly beside the stove in our micro kitchen. In your bathroom you can use magnets to attach nail clippers, tweezers and other personal care tools to the side of your medicine cabinet. 

4. Decorative Baskets / Storage Boxes - There is truly no limit to what can be kept in baskets, or boxes and we use them pretty much everywhere! 
You can see some black and white picture boxes I've tucked in the bottom of our record / stereo system in the image at the top of this post.

5. Store Out of Season Items - If you have limited closet space - don't overwhelm it or yourself by keeping the clothes for all of your seasons out. Living in Canada where there is four changing seasons - it is no question that one needs a variation in their wardrobe to dress suitably, however we do not need our thermals in August! By keeping more basic pieces in your wardrobe & packing up / storing your out of season clothes is a great way to limit clutter - & quite honestly it's fun to switch out your wardrobe at the start of the new season - Sometimes rediscovering old items can feel the same as getting something new!
Tip: You can use vacuum sealed bags to store clothes safely and in much less space!

6. Take Advantage of Nooks & Crannies - In small apartments or houses especially there is often small seemingly unsuitable spaces; Take advantage of them as best you can. That small wedge space between your fridge and wall may just be the perfect space to hide a slide-out pantry? The internet is FILLED with beautiful inspiring images that prove, you don't need a lot of space to live a truly beautiful & organized life! Don't limit your space, get creative with it! 

7. Hang It Up - Adding Hooks & Shelves is a great way to add storage in closets, small rooms or any areas where there isn't much room for excess furniture! 

8. Re-use Items - Whenever Possible! The last thing you want to do is have more than one item that could very well serve the same purpose! Not only is this going to lead to clutter it is also wasteful! Next time you thinking about going out and buying a new decorative piece why not try to DIY instead & re-purpose something you already have! 

9. Get Rid of Unused/Unwanted Items 

That sweater you've been holding onto since high-school but NEVER wear - donate it! & Chances are you are holding on to a whole bunch of papers you don't need - if you can't reuse them - shred them! 
I recommend starting a DONATE BIN or Bag - If you feel like an item isn't getting as much use as it should or could be, toss it in. Set a time period for yourself - whatever you feel comfortable with - at the end of the period revisit the bin and anything that hasn't been pulled out or used since going in  MUST GO!! I have found this technique useful for making the decision on those items - i wasn't quite sure I was ready to part with just yet! 

10. A Little bit each day - I know that getting organized, or attempting to reorganize your life seems incredibly daunting and trust me it can be - but don't get overwhelmed, it won't happen overnight & some projects will take more time than others! Start with something small, like a single cupboard; This is something that can be done in less than 5 minutes in what I like to call ' Clean Sweep' Fashion .  Keep - Donate - Toss! 

Dream Big   Sparkle More   Shine Bright