Categories: Dorm Life

Easy Ways to Spice Up Your Small Space

Whether you’re living in a small home or moving into one of those tiny college dorm rooms, or even just trying to tidy up a small home office, having it organized efficiently is very important. Good organizational skills allow you to have everything out of the way yet within reach, and the more organized you are, the cleaner your surroundings, as well. However, time always seems to get away from us, and our space tends to become cluttered by everyday life, but don’t worry; all is not lost. Here are some helpful tips that you can use when trying to organize your space to fit your needs!

1. Purge Like Crazy and Declutter Often

Sometimes the problem isn’t the fact you have a small space; it’s how much stuff you have in that space. It’s hard to let go of things sometimes because we think, “Well what if I need that someday…?” News flash: you probably won’t, so don’t worry about keeping it. If you can push past that mental block of being afraid to throw things away, it is seriously so freeing once you’re done! And you don’t have to throw everything out; you can donate old clothes to places like Goodwill or even to your local church. The best way to keep a small space organized is by decluttering like crazy and only keeping what’s important.

2. Separate Rooms into Zones

Often in a small space, one room must serve many purposes. Rather than just throwing everything together, try and create “zones” within the room to separate the spaces, define their function and make it easier to keep them organized. Rolling carts are another great way to create a little “zone.” Because they’re small, can hold a decent amount of stuff and can be easily moved out of the way when you’re not using them.

3. Maximize Closet Space

If you have a lot of empty space at the bottom of a closet, there is probably something you can put in
there to utilize the space to its fullest potential. Creating your own closet “system” is another way to
utilize closet space efficiently, allowing you to be in control of what goes where.

4.. Look for Ways to Use Space Creatively

Just because a house “says” a room is supposed to serve one certain function doesn’t mean that it must serve that function. If you have a spare bedroom or office space, for example, but you don’t have the means to utilize it for that purpose, use it for something else, whether it be storage or just setting things aside to organize later. Always be willing to utilize all possible space.

5. Get Items off the Floor

This one seems simple, just don’t leave things out on the floor. Of course, we put furniture or rugs on the floor, but don’t use the floor as your storage space whenever possible. If you have a lot of toys, invest in inexpensive shelving units to hold them. You can also keep your closet more organized by not keeping your shoes on the floor; used super cheap pantry bins from Walmart or other retailers to hold them and keep them organized rather than having a free-for-all on the closet floor.

6. Utilize Vertical Space

This is probably an obvious one, but when you are constrained by small rooms and can’t go “out,” go up! Try to use as much vertical space as possible; bring in bookcases for more efficient vertical storage, or mount a pegboard on the wall to hold craft supplies. Even with size and space constraints, there’s always a way to find space in any direction.

7. Go Low

Not only is it beneficial to utilize vertical storage, one of the easiest solutions for home organization is to add storage under your furniture. To up the aesthetics, choose opaque woven containers or wood crates instead of clear plastic bins, and you won’t even have to keep them hidden.

8. Maximize Unexpected Spaces

One of the most overlooked places for added storage is the back of the door and the side of the fridge. Adding hanging shelves or towel racks, etc to these areas can help cut down on clutter, especially in the smallest of spaces.

9. Mix Hidden Storage with Open Storage

So, you have a lot of stuff? There’s always a way to store it without minimizing the look, feel and comfort of your home. Try combining storage with doors with open shelving so you can hide the practical stuff, but not loose character in your space.

10. Check Behind the Mirror

There are so many new modern bathroom storage solutions that can help keep your vanity clear and organized, like a sliding storage mirror or bathroom shelving. The bathroom is usually one of the smallest spaces in a home, so maximizing storage space helps minimize discomfort.

11. Stick with Small Footprints

If you’re going to use floor space, keep it small and tall. Blanket ladders have grown in popularity over the years mostly because they don’t require much space and are a great way to display your favorite textiles. They’re also a good solution for the “not-dirty-enough-for-the-wash-not-clean-enough-for-the-closet” clothes that tend to land on the bedroom floor.

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12. Focus on Dual-purpose Furniture

Sometimes, even your furniture can serve as storage if you don’t have the space for it. Try swapping out traditional seating for a trendy storage bench, which gives you tons of room for anything that you want to hide away, plus a cute place to sit and read or take a nap. Need a coffee table that stores your books? Find an antique trunk at a yard sale. With so many options available, it’s hard not to find one that suits your needs best.

13. Head over the Bed

Your bedroom is where you should feel most comfortable, so why leave it cluttered? Create a cool headboard to keep all your bedtime reading more organized, like floor to ceiling build-in bookshelves. Not only will it keep things organized, but you’ll enjoy having it.

14. Use your walls

If used correctly, the walls of your home can provide an adequate amount of storage space. Hang some of your favorite items on the walls instead of taking up valuable closet or floor space. Don’t be afraid to get creative; it’s your home, so make your mark.

15. Remember Closets can do Double-duty

If you’re tight on space but still need a desk area, consider building a mini desk inside a closet. Done correctly, you’ll gain a workspace and a few extra shelves — just make sure to keep the desk on the small size — without completely sacrificing clothing and shoe storage.