If you’re living in a small home, condo, or apartment, you know that the challenge to stay organized and keep things tidy can be exacerbated by a smaller space. With less space for storage, less surfaces for clutter, and more common areas, it’s even more important to be strategic when it comes to organizing a tiny home. But small spaces come with their own benefits; buying a smaller home or condo means you might be able to afford a place closer to work, maximize time with family or friends, and save money. Smaller spaces also offer great opportunities for families or partners to connect. These organization tips for a small home can help maximize your space for a balanced, comfortable lifestyle.
Keeping a small home organized is all about creating good systems and habits. This way, when things get busy you can keep things tidy without needing to put in extra work. The organization systems you put in place ––from furniture and shelving to message board and bins –– will save you time and help you avoid a cluttered mess.
Here are some organization tips for a small home to maximize the space you have.
The area by the front door is often subject to discarded jackets, shoes in a pile, or a mess of keys and mail. It’s the first place we think to deposit whatever we have in our arms when we walk in the door after a long day. Most small homes don’t have a foyer or separate space by the front door. A chest or stylish storage device by the door is a great way to keep aesthetic appeal and store things you’ll want near the entrance. Some storage cupboards have glass doors, room for bins, or extra drawers for hats, mittens, and slippers. A mirror with hooks will make the space feel bigger and offer storage. Consider choosing a designated spot where you always put your keys when you walk in the door. A small bowl or row of hooks is a great addition to a front entrance.
Whether you’re single, in a partnership, or living with kids, being intentional with the space you do have is important.
Maximize a small space with multi-use furniture items. If your furniture is versatile, you can quickly turn a guest room into an office, or a couch into a bed. When your furniture plays different parts, you gain the benefit of two rooms in one.
Once you’ve set up your shelving, organized your drawers, and designated space for each family member and activity, habits help maintain a tidy space. Setting up the right norms for your small space is personal and depends on your own lifestyle. Try setting an intentional habit of cleaning for 5 minutes after every meal, commit to one hamper where your clothes always go when you’re trying on outfits in a rush, or clean out the fridge every Friday afternoon.
If you have kids, teach them about organization and cleaning habits whenever you can. Introduce rules like the “one in, one out” rule; if they take a toy off the shelf, another one goes on the shelf. Or designate a 5-minute countdown when playtime is ending when they know the last minute will be spent collecting all the chaos into the bins you’ve labelled.
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This article offers general information only and is not intended as legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. While the information presented is believed to be factual and current, its accuracy is not guaranteed and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the author(s) as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or its affiliates.
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