Buzz
Image Credit: Sarah LyonOver the last ten years, since finishing college, I've called six different urban apartments home, most of them no larger than 750 square feet. My current residence is a 650-square-foot apartment in New York City, where I've lived for the past three years. Through my 20s and 30s, I've gathered a wealth of organizational tips for small spaces, and I'm excited to share my top five strategies to help you maximize your limited living area.
Regular Decluttering is Essential
Living in a compact apartment means you’ll need to declutter regularly, whether you feel like it or not. As someone working in lifestyle journalism, I’m always testing exciting new products and attending exclusive brand events, which is one of the perks of my job. Like many in my industry, I also enjoy shopping! However, I’ve learned to be more selective about what I bring into my home, resisting the temptation of every freebie or discounted item.
When a closet or cabinet begins to feel overcrowded, I recognize it’s time for a cleanup. I empty everything out, lay it on the floor, and often discover items I’ve kept for months—or even years—without using them (or even realizing they were there). This tells me that these items, which I once found appealing, aren’t as essential as I thought.
I’m lucky that my NYC neighborhood has several thrift stores nearby, making it convenient to declutter and quickly donate items I no longer need.
Buying in Bulk Isn’t Always the Best Choice
In a small living space, stocking up on a 12-pack of paper towels or a 24-pack of toilet paper isn’t practical. Where would you store these items until you use them? Opting for a smaller pack, like a four-pack of toilet paper that fits neatly in a stylish bathroom holder, is a far more sensible approach.
Living in the city without a car, I frequently order essential household items online and have discovered plenty of budget-friendly options that don’t require me to stockpile paper products. Additionally, I’ve noticed that when I accumulate too many paper towel rolls, I tend to misplace them across various closets and cabinets, losing track of where I stored them!
Your Medicine Cabinet is a Lifesaver
If you’re a design enthusiast like me, you might be tempted to ask your landlord to remove that outdated medicine cabinet and replace it with a stylish mirror above the sink (I’ve done this myself). However, a medicine cabinet is incredibly practical. It allows you to easily see all your products, and you can organize them by category, size, color, or whatever system brings you joy!
If your space doesn’t already have a medicine cabinet, consider purchasing one online to maximize the functionality of your compact bathroom. Use the available wall space to your advantage!
Storage Boxes Are Essential... and They Can Be Stylish
Even in a compact space, it’s essential to find room for crucial documents and sentimental items. I’ve discovered that storing things like birthday cards, letters from loved ones, passports, and my social security card in a stylish storage box works perfectly. Mine sits on my bookshelf, blending seamlessly with my living room decor while keeping everything secure.
Recently, while preparing to get a new ID at the DMV, I simply opened my storage box and retrieved what I needed—no frantic searches or calls home required! I bought my burl wood storage box at a local flea market, and its dimensions (about 7 inches deep by 10 inches wide) make it an ideal size.
Make the Most of Your Closet Doors
Utilize the backs of your closet doors! I use a plastic shoe organizer on my living room closet door for sneakers and boots, and a detailed storage system on my bedroom closet door for purses, travel pouches, and more. While reaching into the closet can feel a bit tight, the extra storage is worth it. Plus, these systems are portable and can move with you to a new home. If my bathroom were larger, I’d add storage to that door as well!
