Has your home become unbearable due to the clutter? Are you struggling to keep it clean and tidy?
Organizing your small space requires a little upfront effort, but when you follow my top 5 tips for decluttering your small space, you’ll be surprised how a clean and decluttered home can transform your life!
Tip #1: Prioritize Essential Items
My first tip is to identify your essential items in the room. These daily-use items would cause you hardship if they were not within reach.
Your essential items will be unique to you, but here are some ideas for essential items in a few different rooms:
- Ensuite bathroom: Your toothbrush/toothpaste, personal hygiene items used daily (or several times a week).
- Front Hall or mudroom: Two pairs of shoes (rain boots and sandals), two jackets (light and rainy), your purse, and keys.
- Kitchen: Your everyday dishes and cutlery, small appliances you use daily (like a coffee maker or kettle), dish towels.
- Living Room: Your side table and a book, your lap blanket, back pillow, TV remote.
These essential items will likely stay out or within easy reach (in a cupboard or storage).
Tip #2: Maximize Storage Efficiency
It’s a common complaint among homeowners that they don’t have enough storage space. But often, the issue isn’t the lack of storage; it’s the inefficient use of it.
We’re huge fans of stackable, clear bins (with lids) and baskets to help keep your items organized and easy to find. When identifying the contents of a box or basket isn’t easy at first glance, consider adding labels to the front of each box (this is especially great for holiday decor or seasonal wardrobes). Store lesser-used items in a storage box under your bed to take advantage of this valuable and out-of-view storage space.
Remember vertical spaces in your home. For example, hang your kids’ favourite animals in a ceiling hammock instead of in a corner or in a giant floor basket.
Tip #3: Multi-Use Furniture
Embrace furniture that serves multiple purposes. We love ottomans with hidden storage under the lid (great for throw blankets and extra pillows). We’ve seen some great convertible coffee tables that pop up into a temporary desk (great for those working from home). Don’t have room for a gym and exercise equipment? Consider a sit-stand desk with a small treadmill underneath (so you can walk during meetings).
Tip #4: Enforce The One-In, One-Out Rule
Are you guilty of buying new things but not removing old ones? A great rule we share with our clients is the one-in, one-out rule. If you desire to bring something new into your space, you must remove another item first. Consider donating or selling this item so it doesn’t take up space elsewhere.
Tip #5: Create A Calming Environment
Aside from organizing your home and making it easy to find things, a clutter-free home can make you calmer. 90% of Canadians report that a clean home improves their mental health.
While decluttering, ask yourself, “Does this item make me feel calm?” If you answered yes, and having them out doesn’t cause mess or stress, you can keep that item.
If your home feels too empty after decluttering (it happens sometimes), consider adding calming decor or items, such as a small radio (to play your favourite music), a lava lamp (for its memorizing flow), or mood lighting (to calm your mind and spirit).
How To Start Transforming Your Space
If decluttering is on your list for this season, we suggest starting with one room or area at a time. If you need a hand (or an objective third-party perspective), a Precision professional organizer can help.
Our goal is to help you embrace a more organized life. We can help you declutter and create simple or customized storage solutions for your small space.
Book your free consultation call with our team today.