If you’re living in a small space, clutter is the last thing you need. Learn how to declutter a small space with these expert tips and tricks. Decluttering and organizing small spaces makes them feel bigger and more tidy!
Clutter can be a major source of stress and anxiety. When you struggle to find the space for your belongings in a small living area, it feels less and less like a home.
Decluttering your space can change all that. Creating an organized and clutter-free environment can help you feel more relaxed, focused, and productive.
And you just need some practical tips on how to declutter a small space. From taking stock of the clutter to letting go of sentimental items, we’ll simplify the process step-by-step. In the end, you’ll have all the tools necessary to create a functional and serene living space that brings joy and contentment into your life.
Choosing Your Small Space
When decluttering a small space, it’s important to choose the area you want to focus on. This can vary from a single drawer to an entire apartment, depending on your needs and goals.
Start by considering which space is causing you the most stress or is in the greatest need of attention. It’s also helpful to choose a space where you spend a lot of time – say, a bedroom or living room – so that you can fully enjoy the benefits of decluttering.
Before tackling any physical clutter, take some time to mentally prepare for the process. Write down your goals and reasons for decluttering this specific space.
Visualize how you want the space to look and feel once it’s organized and free of unnecessary items. By choosing your small space intentionally and with purpose, you’ll stay motivated throughout the decluttering process.
Assessing What You Want to Declutter
Before you start decluttering your small space, it’s important to assess the clutter and determine what items you need to keep, donate, or throw away. Begin by taking a good look at every area in your small space and evaluating each item present. You might be surprised to find out how much stuff you have accumulated over time.
Questions to Ask Yourself
When you look at an item and it’s not obvious that you should get rid of it, ask yourself the following:
- How long has it been since I used it?
- Is it broken, stained or unusable?
- Would it be easier or more rewarding to get rid of it and then buy myself a replacement if I ever find myself missing it?
- Is it taking up more room than it deserves?
As you go through the items, deciding what needs to go, divide everything you could be keeping into three categories: Donate, Sell (if you plan on selling), and Throw Away/Recycle.
Items that hold sentimental value should be placed in a separate category for further consideration. Keep only the things that are necessary or bring joy to your life.
Consider donating or selling unneeded but still usable items to clear up some space. Discard anything that is broken beyond repair or no longer serves a purpose in your life.
Categorizing Your Things
Once you have assessed the clutter, it’s time to categorize your belongings. This step is crucial as it will help you determine what items are essential and what can be discarded or donated. Begin by separating your belongings into three categories: keep, donate, and discard.
As you categorize your belongings, be realistic about each item’s usefulness and value. Consider how often you use the item and whether it brings value to your life. If an item has not been used in over a year or if it does not hold any sentimental value, it may be time to part ways with it.
Once you have categorized everything into these categories, focus on the items that fall into the “keep” category. These are the items that are essential to keep in your small space. Take a moment to assess if everything in this category has a specific place where they can be stored. This will help maintain organization in the long run.
Starting to Organize a Small Space
Once you have chosen your small space and assessed the clutter, it’s time to start decluttering. Begin by selecting a small area or category, such as a single drawer or your shoe collection.
The goal is to start with something manageable and achievable so that you can build momentum and gain confidence in your decluttering abilities. Completing small tasks will provide a sense of accomplishment and give you the motivation to tackle larger areas.
Decluttering Your Closet or Wardrobe
Related: How to Declutter Clothes And Free up Closet Space
Clothes are a pain to declutter because we have so many memories attached to most pieces. Start by taking everything out of your wardrobe and assessing each item. Ask yourself if you have worn it in the past six months or if it still fits.
If the answer is no, think about donating or selling the piece. Then, organize your clothes into categories such as work wear, casual wear, and formal wear.
This will help you see what you have and make it easier to find what you need when getting dressed. To maximize space, use slim hangers and fold items like sweaters instead of hanging them.
Your wardrobe should be a reflection of your personal style and bring joy to getting dressed each day. By keeping only the pieces that fit well and make you feel confident, you can create a simplified yet functional wardrobe in even the smallest of spaces.
Organizing The Kitchen or Kitchenette in a Small Home
The kitchen is likely one of the most cluttered areas in your home. It’s easy to accumulate multiple sets of dishes, pots and pans, and cooking utensils over time. However, organizing your kitchen can greatly improve its functionality.
Start by taking everything out of your cabinets and drawers. Sort through each item to see what you use on a regular basis and what can be donated or discarded.
Utilize drawer dividers to keep utensils organized and cabinet shelves to separate pots and pans. Consider installing a pegboard for hanging cooking tools or a magnetic knife strip for storing knives.
In addition, it’s important to maintain an organized pantry. Group similar items together like canned goods or baking supplies and label each shelf accordingly.
Use clear containers for dry goods like pasta or cereal so that you can easily see when they’re running low.
Simplifying Your Living Room
The living room is often the most cluttered space in a small apartment or house. It’s where we spend most of our time, and it’s easy for things to accumulate on shelves, tables, and even the floor.
The first step to simplifying your living room is to remove anything that doesn’t belong there. Take out any dishes or cups that have made their way onto the coffee table, and put away any papers or magazines that have accumulated.
Once you’ve cleared out the items that don’t belong in your living room, take a look at what’s left. Are there any decorative items that are just taking up space?
If so, consider donating them or storing them away until you have more space. You may also want to consider investing in a few storage solutions for your living room, such as baskets or an ottoman with built-in storage compartments. These can help keep your belongings organized while also adding some extra seating options to your space.
Making the Most of Storage Space
When it comes to decluttering a small space, storage is key. Maximizing the use of your existing storage spaces will help you keep your space organized and tidy. Start by taking stock of all the storage options available to you, including closets, cabinets, drawers, and shelves. Then, consider how each space can be best utilized for maximum efficiency.
Storage Furniture
One way to make the most of your storage space is to invest in organizational tools like bins, baskets, and containers. These items not only help keep things tidy but also create designated spaces for specific items. Use clear containers or label them for easier access.
If you’re short on closet space or need additional storage solutions, consider using furniture with built-in storage options like beds with under-bed drawers or ottomans with hidden compartments to store items.
Use Your Vertical Space
Vertical storage options are great too (over-the-door organizers or bookshelves that go up to the ceiling). Tall shelves can also act as room dividers in a small house with an open floor plan, making it look bigger.
By being creative and resourceful with your existing space and investing in organizational tools where necessary, you can optimize your small space’s potential for a clutter-free environment that functions efficiently and looks great.
Letting Go of Sentimental Items
One of the most challenging aspects of decluttering a small space is letting go of sentimental items. These possessions often hold special memories and emotional attachments, making it difficult to part ways with them.
However, holding onto too many sentimental items can quickly lead to clutter and a cramped living space. To make the process easier, start by asking yourself why you are holding onto each item.
Does it bring you happiness and joy in your daily life? Or is it merely taking up space? Consider taking photos or creating keepsake boxes for some sentimental items, allowing you to keep the memories without the physical clutter.
Remember that letting go of possessions does not diminish the memories or experiences they represent.
Staying Motivated to Declutter Your Home
Firstly, set achievable goals for yourself. Don’t try to tackle your entire home in one day; start with one room or area and work on it until you feel satisfied with the progress you’ve made.
Celebrate each small victory along the way, such as filling up a donation box or clearing out a junk drawer. Keep thinking about the extra space you’ll have once you’re done.
Secondly, visualize how your space will look once it’s decluttered and organized. This can help keep you motivated as you work towards that end goal. You can even create a mood board or vision board with photos of beautiful and organized spaces that inspire you.
Thirdly, enlist the help of a friend or family member to keep you accountable and motivated throughout the process. Sometimes that fresh pair of eyes will see a whole new decluttering opportunity you never thought of.
Having someone else there can make decluttering feel less overwhelming, and they can also offer helpful advice on what items should stay or go.
Last but not least, remember why you started this decluttering journey in the first place. Whether it’s to create more physical space in your home or reduce stress in your life by eliminating excess stuff, keep that end goal in mind as you work through each step of the process.
By staying motivated throughout your decluttering journey, you’ll not only achieve a more organized space but also gain a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that will make all the effort.
Live in a Small Space without Clutter
Decluttering a small space can seem impossible, but with the right mindset and approach, it can be a manageable and rewarding process. Taking the time to assess your belongings and categorize them accordingly is key, as is starting small and staying motivated throughout.
Remember that letting go of sentimental items doesn’t mean losing the memories attached to them, but rather making room for new experiences and opportunities. With these tips in mind, you can transform your small space into a functional and harmonious environment that brings you joy every day.