Small Spaces Living: What Works For Me

A few posts back, I shared a few photos of shelves that I was oggling as options to help create more storage in our small apartment.  Misse commented that she is planning to redo her condo and requested more posts on this topic... sooooooo I thought I would share a few of the "living in small spaces" tips that have worked for me. Also, I would love to hear what has been working for everyone else and any tips that they have to share!

To give you a glimpse into my small space living experience: Dan and I along with our two dogs have shared a >500 square foot studio apartment, a 3 room 1 bedroom with only 1 closet (and no storage in the tiniest bathroom ever), and now a 2 bedroom (I call it a 1.5 bedroom as the second is unbelievably tiny even for an office) that has the smallest bedroom and closet I have ever had (we walk sideways on either side of bed!) along with the most minimal of kitchen shelving... We really have had to try a lot of storage solutions! Here are the tactics that work for me in making the most of a small space and trying to avoid having an overstuffed or cluttered apartment.

Edit

We consistently evaluate the objects and things that we have to ensure that it is still adding value and not just taking up space.  This is as true of how many types of cleaners that you have as how many blue sweaters.  Objectively evaluating your possession and determining what you really need out on your desk at your fingertips as opposed to what can be put in a storage facility is crucial.  When editing down, I categorize things by whether they are just in the wrong room/space, don't need it right now but have to keep (goes to storage facility), haven't used it in XX time period (goes to Goodwill or listed on ebay), or has a purpose and needs to be available.  If you are in software at all it is kind of like the prioritization of functional requirements; what is required for launch, what is not going to add value, and what should be on the product roadmap for a next phase.

Everything Has a Place

The next thing I try to do is make sure that everything is contained and has a logical place.  All the scissors, corner rounders, punches, etc are all put in one drawer or basket within a drawer.  For a small apartment, nothing will make you feel the low number of square feet like a stack of random items without a home.  Lately photos of shelves filled with pretty boxes and containers are everywhere so there is quite a bit of inspiration available.  And I love the idea of repurposing jelly jars for holding small items like paper clips, toothpicks, Qtips, etc.  Repurposing packaging has been one of my personal little goals lately and it definitely has helped keep everything contained.  One last note on this topic, the items for a storage facility should be contained in a logical way as well... trust me that you don't really want to dig through every box and have items just thrown in there!  To sum it up, try to keep items in the room where they will be used, have a container to put them in, and keep like items in the same container.

Create Usable Space

This requires a bit more creativity in an apartment or condo than a house as you can't exactly just build a closet under the stairs.  What I have found most helpful is:

• Under the bed storage, we use containers for our seasonal clothing that isn't needed at the time and store the gift wrap container under our bed
• If your closet continues past the door and behind the wall, I put a set of stackable drawers that is just high enough so that it sits under what is hanging on the bar. This is especially helpful if your bedroom is too small for anything but a small dresser. 
• Add shelving on an empty wall.  Whether it is a bookcase or hanging shelves, these are critical for adding storage.  Currently about 90% of my books are in storage so we can use the bookshelves for more functional items.

Multi-Tasking Furniture

I now instinctively pick the furniture that will also provide either additional storage or shelving.  The coffee table and console tables have shelves at the bottom to house containers with blankets, remotes, etc.  The entryway bench has doors for storage under the seat for the hats, gloves, scarfs.  The entryway mirror has hooks for keys and a basket for the dog leashes.  The bathroom shelf we added also has a towel rack.  Select a bedside table that has shelving and drawers.  My next goal is to replace our media stand with a credenza for the added storage.  In a small home, having furniture that adds storage helps create usable space without overloading your space with a million shelves!

I realize that you have likely heard all of those tips before but hopefully it helps provide some real-life examples.  And I am thinking about a follow up post on the storage solutions that out there that have failed (example one: putting your cutlery in container on your counter rather than in a drawer makes it likely to get very dusty and limits your workable counter space as in apartments counterspace in a kitchen is premium). 

What other storage solutions have been working really well for you?  Any more tips that we can provide Misse as she sets out on her project of reorganizing her condo?

Lastly, here are a few online articles with good tips:

• Ideal Home Storage Solutions
• Better Homes and Gardens Small-Room Style
• Real Simple Turn Clutter into Storage and Decor
• Today Big Ideas for Small Spaces
• About.com Decorating Your First Apartment (even if it is not your first apartment there are some good articles on apartment/condo solutions listed here)

{Images from Real Simple and Ideal Home}

Comments

[Tanya - Professional Organizer]

I love this post! Your comment "We consistently evaluate the objects and things that we have to ensure that it is still adding value and not just taking up space", is so right on ! This is a major subject i revisit often with my clients!

You live life everyday so you will accumulate 'stuff' nearly everyday.That 'stuff' has to be looked at regularly and dealt with accordingly so you can keep your environment healthy, happy and harmonious!

Great suggestions by the way!

[Misse]

Thank you so much for this post. I cannot wait to read the articles at the end.

You have totally inspired me to do a major reorganization in our tiny 1b condo. I am ready!

[prefab granite]

great! I like the idea. You really are creative! More success in life! and nice blog keep it up!

[Misse]

I just finished reading the latest New York. It has some amazing space transformations in it. You might want to check it out.

[Portable Storage]

Thanks for the article.Your article was pretty informative and i hope that in future also i get these kind of article.

Thanks,
Portable Storage,
www.moveablecubicle.com