Living in a compact environment often feels daunting since each object seems to have too great an impact. It is often not a case of how small the place is but rather a lack of organization in the space that is the issue. A little bit of organization and strategizing is enough to turn any place, regardless of size, into a large, open and inviting space.
The trick is to not be emotional while planning your organization strategy.
Analyze how the space works
Do not make any changes before you observe what is going on around you and how the space functions. A place is usually not disorganized because it is small but rather because things are not organized.
Observe what is being used and what isn’t, how you move about within the room, and where you feel cramped. This will help you understand the need for your space.
De-clutter first
The problem with a small place is how quickly clutter can make you feel as though you don’t have space. It is imperative that any item that you do not need or are using is first removed. This alone creates the amount of space for you to move freely. It doesn’t matter how much organization there is if your space doesn’t feel free.
Go up, not just out
In any organization strategy people tend to think about how much floor space there is. You should be thinking about how much wall space there is.
If you can store your things on vertical surfaces by using shelves, hooks or wall storage you increase the space you have to use. It makes it feel bigger as well as more free and easy.
Have multi-use furniture/storage items
Furniture or storage items which do more than just one thing are a necessity. Storage beds, storage furniture that doubles in functionality such as coffee tables and modular units save clutter but also still provide you with functionality. It maximizes functionality but does not crowd the space visually.
Have clean surfaces
Any flat surfaces will become cluttered very quickly in a small space. Keeping them clean and decluttered immediately creates a better sense of visual organization in the space.
It does not have to be clutter free, but it has to have a sense of what is important and what is clutter.
Have rules as to where things should go
Small spaces only work if each item is put in a specific place and there is organization within that place. Without it even small areas of disorganization are very noticeable.
A simple organization system such as putting things away immediately after use or having a set area of items in specific zones will easily allow your organization system to work.
Use color and lighting
Lighting, and the use of color can make a room feel as though it’s much bigger. Light will reflect more than a darker color.
It doesn’t have to increase your space but it will increase how you view the space and make it feel free and open.
Closing thoughts
It doesn’t matter how small your place is it is only the space that matters, not the size of the place. By having a good organization system and habit forming you can easily make even the smallest space into something functional, organized and comfortable.