How to Design a Clutter-free Small Space

My home office space is a 9×8 room, with one single window a closet and two pieces of furniture. I have a small sofa and a wall unit desk combo in this room.  My home wouldn’t be considered small, but most of my rooms are small.

Small living is becoming quite popular. Small homes are more affordable. They are also easier to care for.

If you’re used to living in bigger spaces, you probably wonder how to make a small home comfortable, beautiful, and just right for your lifestyle.

Why Declutter Right Now

Decluttering can give you more space. A space to work, think, move, and live. Clutter that obstructs your way of life can be irritating. This scenario happens the most, especially when working from home.

Living with clutter is hard enough. It can be way harder if that big pile of junk creates distractions all day. It can affect your concentration, hence slowing down your productivity.

Cleaning a pile of clutter can take away the time from the work that you should be doing.

Decluttering your home improves not only your space but can also improve your life

Here are some design ideas I use for making a lovely home in small spaces:

1. Declutter and purge before you move in.

Interior designers say that small space is not always the problem; the problem is having too much stuff.

If you want to enjoy the sense of freedom that comes from living small, you have to streamline your daily life and downsize before moving into your new small home.

Don’t be afraid to give or throw things away. Once you get over your initial dread of getting rid of things, you’ll find purging so freeing that you’ll wonder why you didn’t have the guts to do it sooner.

Getting rid of clutter and things that you don’t need gives you the peaceful, joyful, and uncluttered home that you deserve.

2.Create zones.

When you have a small house, it is necessary to have a multifunctional room. “Multifunctional” doesn’t mean disorganized or messy.

Create zones. Separate spaces based on their assigned functions.

If you have one big room as your principal living space, divide the room into several zones. Assign one area for dining, another for family activities; and if you have kids, probably one corner as your toys zone.

 

3.Choose furniture wisely.

Clutter does not work, particularly if you have a small space.

You can make great use of small quarters by using furniture that are not only visually appealing but are high-functioning as well.

When you are constrained by limited space, maximize use of space by getting furniture that does double duty as storage space. Opt for storage seating, cabinets that come with accessory organizers, and sleeper sofas. Make the utmost use of space by using vertical shelving units and bunk beds.

 

4.Use rugs.

Rugs are particularly useful for defining space in a multifunctional room. They delineate and customize space.

Put a lush area rug in one corner; add a sofa and you immediately have a warm and welcoming lounge area that is separate from the office or the dining area.

Round rugs work best to visually open a small space. They also give a soft and homey vibe that helps soften the hard edges of walls and furniture.

 

5.Invest in mirrors.

Mirrors bring depth, space, and light into a small home. They open up your small home and make it look airy, big, and spacious.

Hang mirrors in well-chosen spaces and draw the eyes to choice decor pieces. If you want to go creative with cool and unconventional wallpaper and decals, using mirrors helps double the fun and funk. You can also opt to use stick-on mirror tiles if you want your space to exude a modern vibe.

Invest in a high-quality big rectangular mirror. Position it across a big window. The mirror will reflect the view and you will have a lovely breath-taking display of nature.

Living in small spaces is not only economical. It is a freeing experience. It reduces housework, makes you feel light emotionally, and gives you more time to nurture relationships. Make use of the design ideas outlined for you and enjoy your clutter-free small space.

6.Install floating shelves on walls.

Six months ago I had three floating shelves installed in my husband home office. We both love it.

Putting floating shelves can help you maximize those empty spaces. You can try installing them above the bed, dresser, or doors. These areas are perfect places to store your hats, books, figurines, or accessories.

If you want to have a clean display and a maximized space, installing shelves is a good option. It is a sophisticated way to add neatness while adding some functions.

Shelves need nothing but screws to fix them on the wall. They are durable and customizable. Also, you can choose designs that suit your style and match your decor.

7.Use the extra space under your bed.

Most beds have a space underneath that you can use to store things. This space can be one of the handiest storage areas in the house to put your stuff – if you take advantage of it.

If your bed allows extra space, it is a great place to store off-season clothes and shoes. You can also try to use this space to store your luggage, linens, and books.

Consider getting plastic boxes or containers that come with covers. These containers will keep your items clean, organized, and sorted.

 

8.Organize your dresser.

Dressers become less organized with each use, especially the shared ones. Your mixed up clothes are not a pleasant sight to see.

Instead of folding clothes the traditional way, you can try rolling them instead. Using this technique allows you to find them without the hassle and with fewer creases. You can check out Marie Kondo’s Tips for some skilled folding tips that can help save you closet space.

Another great way to organize is by using a drawer organizer. The drawer is helpful when storing underwear, socks, and other smaller items.

Likewise, you can try sorting your clothes by category. You can sort them by color, or by sleeve length and size – whatever works for you.

9.Use a coat rack to hang bags.

You can opt for coat racks to keep your bags. Instead of displaying them on your shelves or closet, try hanging them instead. This method allows more space in your closet, which you can use for clothes and other items.

Try to place the coat rack in the corner of your room to make your floor look neater. This convenient way lets you display your bags without damaging them.

Avoid hanging too many bags in a single coat rack, since hanging a lot makes your room look cluttered. Besides, you might end up looking and digging for the bags underneath that you want to use.

 

10.Hang your laundry hamper at the back of your door.

Hampers are necessary to prevent the spread and production of bacteria. For hygienic reasons, it is the best place to keep used clothes before washing them.

If you have a small bedroom, there might not be enough floor space to put your laundry basket in place. A great way to save space is to take advantage of a hanging hamper – something you can put at the back of your bedroom door.

Another great idea is hanging your hamper at the back of your bathroom door. This method can also help you hide your laundry, which makes your room look clutter-free.

11.Think vertical.

In small spaces, vertical furniture and slim shelves work better. The upright furniture arrangement can help you save more floor space. As a result, you can navigate more inside your home without bumping too much on your stuff.

The small space you are working with might seem limited, but solutions are available. Before buying a piece of new furniture, examine if it appears skinny and tall. The taller and slimmer ones can open up a room, allowing you to maximize the space of your home.

Another great thing is you can opt for space-saving tables that you can fold when not in use. If your space is so tiny, you can consider buying a wall bed to save more space.

 

12.Organize a little each day.

Most people who live with clutter often say that they do not have time to do any organizing. As a result, they let their clutter pile up until it becomes overwhelming.

Decluttering happens not only during moving or when a visitor is about to arrive. It takes discipline and dedication in keeping our home clean.

Try to find at least 10-15 minutes a day to organize a part of your space. Doing this method every day can help you maintain a less-cluttered home.

13.Need vs. want.

To master your small-space living, you can use this one simple trick. Before buying and bringing anything into the house, ask yourself if you need it.

If the answer is yes, bring it home. If it is a no, then you can leave it behind. Also, you can try to get rid of things you do not need anymore – before replacing them with new ones.

 

14.Recycle and donate.

Recycling your belongings helps to reduce greenhouse gases and can save landfill space. The same thing happens if you donate your stuff. Besides, this can be an excellent opportunity to help other people.

There are many video tutorials online about recycling. They might give you an idea about reusing your stuff. Also, recycling allows you to create crafts, which can be therapeutic.

A small art collection or a single statement piece can make an impact in small spaces.

Use your imagination when improving your lovely home.

Make use of the design ideas outlined for you and enjoy clutter-free.