Both storage and living space are at a premium when owning a small home. Maintaining order and function in limited quarters requires a discerning eye to eliminate unnecessary items and to employ creative solutions to everyday issues. Below you will learn three of the most important steps in optimizing both the living and storage capabilities of your pint-sized living space.

Step 1: Minimize your Belongings

Perhaps the hardest step of all requires the resolution to become a minimalist. Set a rule in place that you will not bring anything into your home that you will not use or admire on a regular basis. Not only will this help you unclutter your environment, but it will also prompt you to make smarter purchases, thus saving you money. Toss or donate the current items you own that do not fit the “use or admire” rule.

Step 2: Maximize Closet Space

Small homes often lack adequate closet space. Using the appropriate hangers for each garment can help you practically double your usable closet space. Store five shirts in the space it would ordinarily take to store just one by using cascading hangers. Hang a lower rod on your closet to hang pants on metal pant hangers. Hang an accessory loop on the side of your closet to store belts and scarves. A tie hanger takes up very little space and can store up to 20 ties. You may also consider adding shelves above the highest rod in your closet to further maximize your usable space. Of course, utilizing your closet door as extra storage by adding an over-the-door shoe organizer will make your closet space go the extra mile.

Step 3: Rethink your Furnishings

When at all possible choose furnishings that are foldable, stackable or fulfill more than one purpose. Opting for a wall-mounted folding leaf and folding chairs allows you to create an on-demand eating area. This solution is ideal for smaller homes as it’s convenient and compact. Create seating in the living room by using a storage ottoman that houses two smaller ottomans when closed to create extra seating without compromising space. To save space in a bedroom place the bed against the wall and install a small shelf next to the bed rather than using a nightstand. One of the easiest mistakes to make when designing your home is placing too strong an emphasis on accommodating guests. When living in a limited space, such a luxury simply isn’t always feasible. The best option is to keep several folding chairs in a closet and have a foldout sofa-sleeper in the living room to create sleeping accommodations for guests. Comfortably inhabiting a small space requires you to find crafty storage solutions and create new ways to accommodate your needs without taking up too much space. Unique furnishing concepts, clever usage of closet space and only keeping the essential items within your domain are the answers to optimizing space in a small apartment.

About the Author

Jon Engle is currently editor of CaliforniaApartmentsBlog.com providing tips on home loans, real estate reviews, apartment living and apartment reviews such as these rentals in Redondo Beach and these apartments in Long Beach.