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Writer's pictureDianne Collins

Organize a Small Space: 5 Simple Ideas

Are you not sure how to organize all your stuff in a small living space? I've got ideas for you!


Almost 3 years ago, we sold our large house and downsized into a new home with half the space we were accustomed to. I learned that we can live with less and that the challenge of living well in a smaller space can spark fun & creativity. If you find yourself in a similar situation, I've got some ideas for you to Organize a Small Space!


1. Go Vertical

In a small home, wall space becomes "prime real estate." Explore the use of hooks, over-the-door pockets, magnetic holders, and extra shelving. For example, instead of a coat closet, we installed hooks near the front door to hang coats. Nearby, the mail goes into a bin hanging on the wall. We added a couple small open shelves to our "one-butt" kitchen to expand storage for dishes so that the cabinets wouldn't be overcrowded. Our knives & potholders hang on the side of the fridge. And my seasonal shoes hang over my small closet door.



2. Use Dual-Purpose Furniture

You will likely be able to re-use some of the furniture you already own, but don't be afraid to assign it a new purpose. For instance, the console table which was formerly assigned to a guest bedroom became the perfect narrow counter space we needed in a tiny bathroom. And we fit 3 rope baskets underneath to serve as sorting hampers. We also benefited from purchasing many pieces of dual-purpose furniture (which we found at Amazon, Wayfair, Home Goods and a local antique store.) The entry table by our front door also serves as a small buffet (storing serving ware), since it is very close to our dining table. The coffee table in the living room holds our games. An extra dresser in our bedroom actually opens up as an armoire for extra hanging. And the end-table next to our couch serves as extra drink storage near the kitchen.



3. Brighten Small Spaces To Make Them Feel Roomier

We found that we could add lots of light and air to our small home by changing the paint color, adding lots of white/cream accents and decor, and changing out some lighting fixtures (including the bulbs!)




4. Declutter - Live With Less

We found that we could live with less - much less! It turns out an Insta-pot can do all the things - pressure cooking, rice cooking and slow cooking. So we retired our slow cookers and several other items to the garage. At the one year mark, it was time to donate the things we hadn't used. And we don't miss them! That's just one example. If you start asking "Is there an item or tool that can do several things?" you may be able to easily down-size your stuff, too.


5. New Habits

In our home, there really is "a place for everything." But to keep "everything in it's place," we have to be diligent about putting things away after we use them. (It helps a ton to have labels!) And we have to pay attention to stuff that comes into our home. I don't go through the mail everyday, but once per week I stand next to the trash can as I open it. Junk mail doesn't stand a chance. Before we purchase an item, we first ask "where will we put it?" If we don't know, then we don't buy it. I keep a bag or box labeled for donations and add to it as often as I can. It's the small regular habits that make a difference over time.


Now It's Your Turn

If you're downsizing or just organizing a smaller space, jump at the chance to get creative and have fun with the process. You will probably find it to be just as freeing as I did. Less to keep track of. Less to clean. Less stress.


I would love to hear ideas of how you made it work for you, too. Please leave your comments below, share this post, and Subscribe so you don't miss any future posts.


Until next time,

Dianne

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