5 Tips on How to manage volumes of stuff in a small apartment
Small living is where it's at. Easy to clean, easier to decorate and push through on those small DIY projects, and also fun to create a cosy space to escape to each day.
It's not necessarily cheaper to decorate a small space and make it your own as sometimes the finer details really do add up! And yet, small spaces often bring that wow factor because they have to work harder in all areas of design.
Here are 5 tips for managing your stuff in a tiny space:
1-
Decluttering is brutal
Living in a small space will, by its very four walls, force you to cull your crap. You will not only need to get rid of the stuff you don't like and use but also delve into the blurred realm of the stuff you do. You will need to get clear on what no longer serves you. This could be looking at hobbies you need to leave behind, projects you have no desire to pursue anymore, or dreams that you need to let go of to make way for the new. It's not easy. Sometimes it is also letting go of things that you are not 100% ready to let go off, but the space is forcing you to. You will get to a place of acceptance around this, and if it's meant to come back into your life, it will.
Be bold and allow yourself to let the new version of you unfold.
2-
Get minimal on appliances
Sure having 4x hair styling tools can make getting ready a bit easier, but going minimal on appliances can save huge amounts of space. Appliances can often be multipurpose, and you can get creative about this!
Kitchen appliances are usually the endless black hole of purchases. Get clear (no matter how much of a foodie you are!), on what you actually need to cook amazing food doesn't involve too many fancy appliances. One appliance that does replace many items in the kitchen, is an air fryer. But even with this, you can get mini versions.
3-
Your limits are the 4 walls (not your imagination)
The amount of stuff you can own is limited by the storage you have or are able to incorporate into your space. You can wish all you want that there was a built-in bookcase in the corner, or extra cupboard space up high, but unless you have the means to do so, get real about how much stuff fits into your space. Holding onto piles of stuff because you "may move to a bigger place one day" is a valid reason, but if that's unlikely to happen because of your location or that you like small living, culling the amount of stuff will instantly create more flow in your space.
Small living has limits. Honour the space.
4-
Tuck things away
Having endless piles of stuff in a small space will result in it looking like a hot mess. It takes careful consideration to make a small space look intentional and cohesive, resulting in an inviting vibe. Putting your stuff away behind solid doors and drawers will make your life easier. It will draw the eye to the more interesting design elements in your space, rather than focusing on open shelves crammed full of kitchen pans. Creating storage like having a bench seat under the tv rather than the usual small, compact tv console will maximise storage. Researching and inspecting items of furniture to ensure you get the most efficient use of storage will all add up. The investment of time searching for these pieces will pay off each day.
Keeping all the little bits and pieces out of sight will allow your eye to flow around the room, creating an energetically calmer space. Be ruthless in the pieces of furniture and storage you bring into the space.
5-
You can still be a maximalist
If you are a maximalist who loves their stuff, hone in on colour palettes, textures and the key principles of interior design. Small spaces are easily overwhelmed with stuff, particularly as we always add more items over time. Having an eagle eye to edit your space will be key. What works in harmony, what looks too clunky, where does depth need to be added and where does energy need to flow?