Six Design Basics When Organizing a Small Home

Not everyone wants a 3,000 square foot home, and not everyone can afford one. Just because you live in a smaller space doesn't mean you have to sacrifice the goal of home organization. Your small home doesn't have to look and feel overcrowded. It might feel like it's impossible to tame a small space with a busy life, but there is hope.

Don't shake your head in dismay. Your small home can become organized, but it's not going to happen overnight. You must clear your home of unwanted junk and get creative with closet space. Then consider your storage options by going vertical or under the bed. Don't be afraid to buy furniture that has dual purposes of keeping things in check.

In this article, you'll learn tips that will help your cozy home feel organized instead of cluttered. Keep reading for tricks that you can start using now.

Before you can indeed organize your home, clutter must be tamed. You should focus on one space at a time and clear out unneeded items. The best way to quickly go through items is to set up a three-box system with boxes labeled keep, toss, and donate.

As you go through items, toss each into the bins. A good rule is if you can't remember the last time you've used it, it needs to either be tossed or donated. After the clutter is cleared, you can start organizing the room or space.

Decluttering your home isn't a one and done chore. To stay organized, you must go through your house periodically and get rid of things—plan to do it once a quarter.



You should also be careful about what you bring into your home. Think about where it will go, and if you already have something that will serve a similar purpose. You can also try to get rid of something else when you bring something new, to keep things from getting too overcrowded again.

When you think of closet spaces, you think about hanging clothes. You don't have to have a walk-in closet to use the area creatively. In small rooms, it may be challenging to fit a bed, nightstand, and dressers. Instead of leaving your dresser up against the wall, put it in the closet as most closets have enough space underneath hanging clothes to accommodate one. It frees up floor space and helps reduce the clutter in your room.

But closets don't have to be just for clothing. If you're like justagirlandherblog.com, your kitchen has a tiny pantry and also a closet nearby. You can do what she did and convert your nearby closet into a larger pantry instead. A slightly larger pantry will help you organize your food better and allow you to keep more staples on hand.

You can also turn a closet into a workspace. Instead of hanging clothes or putting a dresser inside, put a small desk in there instead. You can open the doors and pull up a chair to work. The best part, you can close the doors and not have to worry about your work stuff overtaking the room.

Storage space can get tricky with small homes, as there might not be enough closet or shelf space. Consider creating storage that goes up, as explained in Tips for Organizing a Small Closet. Tall bookcases can make storage shelves for other items instead of just books. Using shelving or racks over the bed instead of a headboard might give you much-needed room.

If you collect hats or scarves, use hooks to store them outside of your closets. You can arrange them in a way that is easy to access and looks aesthetically pleasing. They could add a bit of color to your room and work as a piece of art to brighten the space up.

Small ladders can also add to the aesthetics of the room while doubling as storage. Putting blankets or quilts on the rungs can give you convenient access while displaying your favorite heirlooms from your grandmother.

There, of course, is a limit to how much you can go up with before you either run out of room or it begins to look too cluttered. If you still need space, you can always go below. Under the bed is the perfect place to put seasonal items.



Under the bed storage is a popular choice, and there are assorted styles of bins to choose from. You are sure to find something to match your décor and make it look like those containers came with the bedframe. If you don't like the look of under bed containers, you can always add a bed skirt to cover them from sight.

When you have limited space, you tend to scrutinize every item that comes into your home. Not only are you deciding where to put it, but you also consider functionality. According to theglitterguide.com, having pieces that can do double duty can make it easier to keep your home organized.

There are many ottomans and benches out there that come with built-in storage. The top lifts, and you can put items such as blankets, books, magazines, and toys. It helps to keep things from becoming cluttered.

In the bedroom, consider using something other than a traditional nightstand as a bedside table. A small writing desk that folds closed can be a fantastic substitute, as it closes when you're not using it and has space on top for a lamp and books. Another option is to use a bookcase. The shelves offer plenty of additional storage, and the top has adequate room for a light, fan, or other items.

In the living area, storage cubbies are useful. You can store children's toys or books, and it can double as an entertainment center. Place your DVD player and video game systems on top and hang your television on the wall above.

A commonly overlooked storage area is behind the door. In the laundry or closet area, you can use command hooks on the back of doors to store cleaning supplies such as:

• Brooms
• Dusters 
• Mops
• Spray Bottles

In the kitchen, behind the door storage can hold cans, spices, and foil.

In the bathroom, repurpose behind the door shoe storage. Here you can store cosmetics, hair ties, and even items such as curling irons and blow dryers. The pockets can also hold jewelry and other accessories.

If you use one of your closets as a work area, use the door's back to display calendars and whiteboards. You can also use over the door storage racks to store office supplies.

By getting creative, you can optimize your small space. Don't be afraid to purge your belongings to get rid of unwanted items. Utilize closet space to make the most out of your rooms. Go up the walls and under the bed for added storage space. Don't forget to pick pieces that do double duty, and behind the door is an ideal space to store supplies. Above all, make sure there is a space for everything and put things in their place.

• https://justagirlandherblog.com/how-to-get-organized-when-you-live-in-a-small-house/
• http://theglitterguide.com/2020/07/15/small-space-storage-and-organization/