Nov
10

The Ultimate Guide to Preparing and Storing Household Items in Compact Spaces

Are you drowning in clutter and struggling to find storage space for your household items? In this guide, we'll share practical tips and tricks on making the most out of your space.

A 2023 report published by Daily Mail shows that builders have from 2018 decreased the size of new homes by a whopping 10% as a way of making houses more affordable to cost-constrained buyers. This trend has led many to explore the financial benefits of downsizing.

But then, the smaller size comes with a greater challenge — how to pack and store all your belongings in a more compact space

An average American home is believed to have over 300,000 items.

With that number in mind, it's no wonder why so many people struggle with clutter and storage solutions.

But fear not. We've got you covered.

From decluttering hacks and creative storage solutions to utilizing every inch of space efficiently, you'll learn how to transform even the smallest of spaces into organized and functional areas. Get ready to say goodbye to cluttered cabinets and overflowing closets and hello to a more spacious and stress-free living environment.

So whether you're downsizing, living in a small apartment, or just looking to maximize space in your home, keep reading for the ultimate guide on preparing and storing household items in compact spaces without needing a fancy home renovation.

Decluttering and Sorting

Before thinking about creating more storage space, begin by decluttering and sorting through your belongings.

Even with all the space in the world, your space will always feel crowded and disorganized as long as there’s clutter in your home. Hence, take time and get rid of anything you think doesn't serve a purpose or bring you joy.

Decluttering won't just create more room for what's important; it can also reduce your housework by up to 40%, improve your overall mood, sharpen your focus, and, more importantly, boost your physical and mental health.

Start your decluttering journey with the following steps:

Assessing Your Needs

When decluttering, especially in compact living spaces like NYC apartments, it's essential to focus on maximizing space. Thus, start by assessing your needs and determining what items you use frequently and those that are just taking up valuable space.

This will help you prioritize essential items and make better decisions on what to keep, discard, or donate.

Prioritizing Essential Items

"Clutter isn’t just the stuff on the floor. It’s anything that gets between you and the life you want to be living.”
— Peter Walsh

The key to successful decluttering is knowing what's truly essential and what's just taking up space. Take a look at each item and ask yourself these questions when deciding what to keep;

•  Does the item have multiple functions?
•  Can I do without it?
•  Will it fit in my new space?
•  Is it easily replaceable?
•  Do I really need this?
•  How much would it cost to replace it?

Be realistic with your answers and prioritize items that add value to your life.

Another helpful tip is to think about how often you use an item. If it's been collecting dust for years and isn't expensive or sentimental, it's probably time to let it go.

Your goal is to create a functional and clutter-free space, so don't be afraid to be ruthless in your decision-making process. Ensure you're only keeping things that will serve a purpose and contribute towards creating a more organized living environment.

Once you've gone through all your belongings and have decided what's essential, it's time to move on to the next step — discarding unnecessary items.

Discarding Unnecessary Items

After prioritizing your essential items, it's time to get rid of anything that didn't make the cut. But before you start throwing things away, consider donating or selling items still in good condition.

This way, not only do you declutter your space, but you also ensure that someone else can benefit from the items you no longer need.

For items that are no longer usable or in poor condition, recycle them whenever possible. Not only is this better for the environment, but it also helps to reduce waste and create a more sustainable living environment. Remember, the goal is not just to create space but also to declutter responsibly.

Here's a list of items that you shouldn't keep:

•  Items Already Expired.
•  Stuff That Brings Back Bad Memories.
•  Supplies from an Abandoned Hobby.
•  Damaged or Irreparable Item.
•  Anything that Doesn't Add Value.
•  The "Just-in-Case" Items, except for first-aid kits or other items for responding to emergencies.
•  Actual Trash.
•  Stuff You Never Use.
•  Items from a Past Phase: Think of pet supplies if you once had a pet and don’t plan to have one in the future.

Of course, as already stated, not everything you don't intend to keep should go into the trash. Many items can find new homes through donation or recycling. But of course, only donate stuff that's still in good condition.

This process of discarding unnecessary items can be challenging, but remember that creating an organized and clutter-free living space is necessary.

In fact, a good place to start would be to see how people who live in vehicles are setting up their organization since they work with such a limited space.

Categorizing Belongings

Now that you have decluttered and sorted your belongings, it's time to categorize what remains. This step is crucial, especially if you want a minimalist lifestyle.

Sorting your items into categories makes it easier to find things when needed and helps maintain an organized space. Plus, it allows you to see how much of each category you have and if there are any duplicates or unnecessary items.

Here are some ways to categorize your belongings:

• By Type of Item: e.g., clothing, books, utensils, cookware.
• By Frequency of Use: everyday items vs. seasonal items.
• By Functionality: items for work, leisure, etc.
• By Room/Area: bedroom, bathroom, living room.
• By Users: Toys for kids, supplies for pets.

These are just some of the categorization mechanisms to use. Find a grouping system that works best for you and your lifestyle. You can use as many categorization criteria as you like, depending on the amount and type of stuff you have. But be sure to keep it simple and avoid creating too many categories that can be overwhelming.

Categorizing your belongings means you can find what you need much faster and lets you maintain an organized space. It's a crucial step towards creating a minimalist lifestyle, which can have numerous benefits, such as reduced stress, increased focus, and more time for activities that truly matter to you.

Space Optimization Strategies

Once you've gotten the clutter out of the way and remained with the only essential items, it's time to optimize your space. This step involves utilizing every inch of available space to create a functional and organized living environment.

Here are some strategies to help you make the most out of your space:

Utilizing Vertical Space

Vertical space is a great game-changer when it comes to maximizing your living space. Here are some ideas on how you can utilize vertical space in your home:

• Invest in Wall-Mounted Shelving or Floating Shelves. These are great for storing books, displaying decorative items, and freeing up floor space.

• Use Hanging Racks or Organizers for Clothes, Bags, and Accessories. This saves space and makes it easier to see and access your items.

• Consider Using Vertical Storage Units such as bookcases or modular systems that can be customized to fit your needs. These are great for small spaces and provide ample storage without taking up a lot of room.

• Don't Forget About Armoires! These tall storage units are perfect for storing clothes, linens, and other items that are not frequently used.

• Use Hooks and Pegs to Hang Items Such as Coats, Bags, and Hats. This is a great way to free up floor space and keep frequently used items within reach.

• Use a Wall-Mounted Bar, Caged Rack, or Hanging Rack to make a pots and pans wall. Either of these additions will free up much space in your kitchen cabinets and make picking the ideal piece a breeze.

Remember, the key is to think vertically when it comes to storage solutions. Don't be afraid to use your walls and vertical space to create more room in your home.

Maximizing Underutilized Areas

Apart from vertical space, our homes also have underutilized areas that can be maximized for storage purposes.

These include: 

• The Area Under Your Bed: Invest in storage containers or bins that can fit under your bed to store items such as shoes, bags, and seasonal clothing.

• Backs of Doors: Utilize over-the-door organizers for toiletries, cleaning supplies, or other items that can be kept behind these areas.

• Corners of Rooms: These are often overlooked but can be utilized by installing corner shelves or using storage baskets to store items.

Furniture with Storage Solutions

Lastly, consider investing in furniture that has built-in storage solutions. This could include ottomans with hidden compartments, beds with drawers underneath, or coffee tables with shelves. These multi-functional pieces not only save space but also provide additional storage options for your belongings (which your clients would truly appreciate, in case you’re applying these renovation ideas for a vacation rental.)

With these space optimization strategies, you can make the most out of even the smallest living spaces and create a clutter-free environment that is both functional and visually appealing.

Smart Storage Solutions

Working smart doesn't just apply to our jobs; it can also be applied to our living spaces. And that's where smart storage solutions come in. These are innovative and efficient ways to store your belongings while saving space at the same time.

They include:

Modular Shelving Systems

Modular shelving systems are a versatile storage solution that can be customized to fit your needs. You can use them in any room, whether in the living room, bedroom, or kitchen. These systems usually consist of shelves, drawers, and cabinets that can be arranged in various configurations to provide ample storage for your belongings.

Drawer Organizers and Dividers

For smaller items such as jewelry, office supplies, or kitchen utensils, drawer organizers and dividers are a game-changer. These can help keep your drawers neat and organized, making it easier to find what you need without rummaging through a cluttered mess.

Space-Saving Furniture Options

Aside from furniture with built-in storage, there are also other space-saving options that you can consider.

This includes:

• Nesting Tables: These are a set of tables that fit together and can be separated when needed. They take up less space than traditional coffee or side tables. .

• Folding Chairs and Tables: These are perfect for small living spaces where additional seating or surface space is needed only occasionally. .

• Murphy beds: These are wall-mounted beds that you can fold up when not in use, freeing up floor space and providing more room for other activities. .

• Sofa Beds: These pieces of furniture can serve as a comfortable seating option during the day and easily transform into a bed for overnight guests. .

• Wall-Mounted Desks: These are great for creating a workspace in small apartments or rooms. When not in use, the desk can be folded up against the wall to create more room. .

• Extendable Dining Tables: They are innovative tables that can be pulled out when needed, providing extra seating and table space for guests. .

• Under-Bed Storage: Utilize the space under your bed by investing in a bed with built-in storage or using storage containers that can easily slide in and out.

With these smart storage solutions, you can make the most out of every inch of available space, creating a clutter-free and functional living environment. So, the next time you're looking for storage solutions, remember to think vertically and work smart.

Related Questions

I'm planning to refinish some furniture. How can I sand without turning my home into a dust storm?

Refinishing furniture often involves sanding, which can be quite messy. To maintain a clean environment, it's worth exploring methods to sand without creating a dusty mess. It'll save you a lot of cleaning time afterward.

What are the essential items and tools for effective home organization in small spaces?

When organizing a small space, having the right tools and items can make a significant difference. Here's a list of essential items and tools for effective home organization in compact spaces:

Shelving Units: Install wall-mounted or freestanding shelves to maximize vertical storage space.

• Storage Bins and Baskets: Use bins and baskets to categorize and store items neatly.

• Drawer Organizers: These are handy for keeping small items, such as utensils, jewelry, and office supplies, well-organized.

• Hooks and Hangers: Wall hooks and hangers are excellent for hanging coats, bags, keys, and other accessories to free up floor and counter space.

• Under-Bed Storage: Invest in under-bed storage containers to utilize the space beneath your bed for items like shoes, linens, or seasonal clothing.

• Foldable Furniture: Consider foldable or collapsible furniture that can be easily stowed away when not in use.

• Labeling Supplies: Label makers or adhesive labels help identify the contents of containers and drawers. If aesthetics is an important factor, you can design and print custom labels for your storage needs.

• Cable Organizers: Use cable clips or organizers to keep cords and cables tangle-free and out of sight.

• Multi-Functional Furniture: Look for furniture pieces that serve more than one purpose, such as a sofa bed or a coffee table with storage.

• Vertical Organizers: Utilize wall space with pegboards, corkboards, or magnetic boards for storing and displaying items.

• Clear Storage Containers: Transparent containers allow you to see what's inside, making it easier to locate items.

• Decluttering Supplies: Keep trash bags, donation boxes, and recycling bins handy for regular decluttering sessions.

What should I keep in mind when storing sentimental or valuable items in a compact space?

Storing sentimental or valuable items in a compact space requires special care to ensure their preservation and protection. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind:

• Choose the Right Containers: Use high-quality, acid-free, and archival storage containers for sensitive items like photographs, documents, and heirlooms. These containers are designed to protect against deterioration.

• Climate Control: Maintain a stable and controlled environment to prevent extreme temperature fluctuations and humidity, as these can damage delicate items. Consider investing in a dehumidifier or climate-controlled storage if necessary. This is necessary for storing things like living plants. Controlling the temperatures, humidity, and light sources increases the chance of successfully storing botanical specimens if you plan to keep them through the winter.

• Security: Ensure the security of your valuable items by installing locks, safes, or security systems if possible. Keep valuable items out of plain sight to deter potential thieves.

• Insurance: Consider obtaining insurance coverage for your valuable possessions. Check with your insurance provider to ensure that these items are adequately protected.

• Regular Inspection: Periodically inspect and assess the condition of your stored sentimental or valuable items. Address any issues, such as moisture or pest problems, immediately.

• Digital Backups: For sentimental items like photographs and documents, create digital backups to ensure they're not lost in case of damage or theft.

• Documentation: Keep a detailed inventory of your valuable items, including photographs and descriptions. This can be helpful for insurance claims or in case of loss.

• Handle with Care: When accessing or moving these items, handle them with clean hands and use appropriate protective measures to prevent physical damage or contamination.

• Frequent Cleaning: Dust and clean the storage area regularly to prevent the buildup of dirt and contaminants that can damage your valuable possessions over time.

Remember that sentimental and valuable items hold emotional or monetary significance, so taking extra precautions and investing in their protection is well worth it in the long run.

Conclusion

In summary, despite your compact space, there are ways to make it feel more spacious and save you money in the process. In fact, studies show that by keeping things organized, families can save 10 to 15% of their income.

Of course, there are lots of other benefits that come with decluttering, sorting, and optimizing the space in your home. Optimizing your space may take some time and come at a cost, but it is ultimately worth the effort. With the tips and strategies in this article, you can turn your small living space into a functional and organized haven that maximizes every inch of available space.

Images Source

By: Munim Ali
Munim Ali is a highly skilled content writer with over 3 years of experience in the industry. He specializes in developing creative ideas and attainable solutions. He helps businesses tell their story and attract new customers.