Our Top 5 Must-Know Tips for Small Space Living

Whether you’re living in a quaint bungalow, a cozy city apartment, or a smaller-sized home, there’s no reason you can’t relish small space living. The trick is knowing how to embrace the space you have and maximise it to its utmost potential.

And, as one of Sydney’s top storage facilities, we’re proud to say we know a thing or two about storing items smartly and making the most of the space you have. That’s why we’ve created this list of our top 5 must-know tips—to help you get organised and go from cramped to carefree in no time.

Let’s dive in!

1. Embrace the act of decluttering.

For some, the idea of going through their belongings and getting rid of things can fill them with dread. So, what if that pasta roller has been sitting unopened in the pantry for eight years? What if I one day decide to make ravioli but give my roller the boot? This kind of thinking is the way homeowners become hoarders.

Take an honest look at the items that are taking up precious space in your home. If you don’t use them, no longer wear them, or are hanging on to them because you may need them at some unknown point in the future, consider letting them go. Gather all the stuff you don’t use and have a garage sale or list the items online. You can use the profits to buy some of the organisational items we’ll be mentioning later. And anything that doesn’t sell but is in good condition can be donated to local charities.

2. Scale your furniture.

Nothing makes a small space feel…well, small…faster than filling it with furniture that is disproportionate to the room. For example, instead of cramming a large sofa into your living space, opt for a smaller loveseat with a lower profile. Doing so will provide better balance to the room and might allow you enough space to add a couple of small side tables into the mix.

The same goes for the bedroom. You may have always dreamed of having a four-poster canopy bed, but it will likely swallow up a smaller bedroom. Instead, opt for something like a platform bed with a more minimalistic profile that still looks lovely but won’t draw as much attention.

The idea is to leave enough “breathing room” around your furnishings so your home leans closer to cozy and further from claustrophobic.

3. Pick pieces that serve double duty.

Because space is at a premium in small spaces, it only makes sense to use furniture that serves multiple purposes.

Small storage ottomans give you that much-needed extra storage space and can also serve as additional seating when you are entertaining guests. And many bed frames (including the aforementioned platform bed) come with the option of under-bed storage, allowing you to keep off-season clothing out of your closet.

Sleeper sofas have been popular for years, but there are plenty of options available for those who don’t have the space for a couch. This streamlined chair version is available on Wayfair and is perfect for offering guests a comfortable place to sleep without taking up too much space.

4. When in doubt, go up.

Too often, small homeowners or renters are so focused on finding storage space in closets and pantries that they forget to take advantage of the vertical space in a room.

Adding vertical shelving can be a life saver for any room. In the kitchen, shelving can serve to hold extra cups, plates, or seasonings. In a living area, shelves can hold books, photos, trinkets, and candles, and extra-deep shelves can even be used as a makeshift desk. In a bathroom, shelving is perfect for holding canisters of cotton balls, bath salts, and other toiletries.

5. Time to get organised.

It’s amazing how a little organization can transform a cluttered closet or pantry and make your home feel more spacious. Take the money you made from your garage sale and invest in some decorative baskets. They’re great for corralling like items (snacks, baking flours, sugars, juice boxes, etc) in the kitchen. They’re also perfect for storing things like scarves, belts, bags, and other accessories in your closet.

Another organisational lifesaver for kitchen pantries (and even in the fridge) are round, two-tiered turntables. These gems are perfectly placed in the corners of pantry shelves…you know, those spots where random, half-used packages of pasta and rice go to die. Or place one on your bathroom counter to organise makeup, shaving soaps and razors, and any other accessories.

Living in a small space doesn’t have to mean feeling stuffy and cramped. With the proper furnishings and a little organisational know-how, you can make the most of your space while still enjoying plenty of breathing room.