A cluttered space drives me crazy, not only is it hard to be productive it’s also hard to be creative.
I grew up in a big house with plenty of space and sometimes miss having that much space. But the convenience and lifestyle of an apartment near the city are perfect for me right now.
The main challenge with apartment living is the lack of storage space. I do a clean out every 6-months to ensure nothing is accumulated and try to buy items that I know I’ll love and use.
Being comfortable in a small space requires skill, and it’s not for everyone. I’ve lived in an apartment now for 4 years and have a few tips that I follow to make sure I’m comfortable in a smaller space.
1.Don’t accumulate stuff you don’t need or use.
If you haven’t used an item for 6-12 months, I think it’s safe to say you’re not going to use it anytime soon. Instead of taking up precious storage space, get rid of the items you no longer need or use.
2.Buy only what you need.
This allows you to save up and use your money to buy only the best. For example, instead of buying 3 of something, from a popular retailer, opt for only 1 of that item, this allows you to spend a bit more on that one item.
3.Avoid small decorative items.
A lot of decorative items not only makes a room look small it also means you have to spend more time cleaning. Instead, choose a statement piece that will not take up too much room.
4.Avoid dark coloured decor and furniture.
Using dark colours in a small space makes it look small. You can use some dark décor but avoid buying your larger items such as tables, sofas, etc. in dark colours.
5.Opt for furniture that includes hidden storage space.
I love the fact that furniture is becoming more innovative offering hidden storage compartments. For example, my sofa can store items underneath the seat; it’s also modular making it easy to change the configuration.
Another tip is to use shelves in the cardboard to make use of every inch of space.
I use these types of shelves in my cardboard. The shelves are lightweight and sturdy. They are great because you can change the set up to suit any size.
6.Use space bags and store things in suitcase
I only have one set of clothes out in my cardboard at any given time. For example, in summer only my summer clothes are out in my wardrobe while my winter clothes are stored safely in space bags that are packed in suitcases.
In winter I swap the clothes them around. Space bags are ideal for storing clothes and bed linen. Make sure to use quality bags as cheap space bags are thin and break easily.
