When you think of downsizing, a small and crowded space may come to mind. Though technically you are in a smaller area, it doesn’t mean you have to cram all your belongings into one room. Check out my tips on how to organize your apartment after you downsize for wonderful ideas.
Work on One Room at a Time
When organizing your apartment, looking at the “big picture” is overwhelming. You have spaces to arrange, and you don’t know where to start. From preparing the kitchen to optimizing bedroom space, there’s a lot to do. If y’all aren’t sure what to tackle, create a manageable schedule that suits you.
An example schedule:
Monday: Organize kitchen appliances and cabinets.
Tuesday: Begin to optimize bedroom space and sort out bathroom accessories.
Wednesday: Build living room bookshelf and TV stand.
Take Advantage of Storage Spaces
As you’ll quickly learn, storage spaces in small areas are sacred. After downsizing, you will realize how much stuff you own and the measures to keep everything organized. However, understanding how to maximize your space takes careful navigation. Fortunately, I have a couple of ways to go about making the most out of your storage areas.
- Opt for built-in storage spaces. Beds with drawers, bookshelves, and baskets are great two-in-one options.
- Utilize wall space. Floating shelves and hooks come in handy when hanging up accessories or miscellaneous items.
- Use storage options given to you. Closets, cabinets, and shelves (to some extent) came with your apartment. Therefore, it’s best to utilize them.
Additionally, self-storage can be a helpful solution to store your belongings temporarily when moving to a smaller home. Often there isn’t enough space for all your possessions, and these are not items you want to get rid of. Thankfully, storage units provide a secure and convenient option for items you want to keep but don’t necessarily need in your daily life.
Get Rid of Non-Sentimental Items
It’s easy to get attached to our belongings, but sometimes we need to let them go. Maybe that pair of cowboy boots you don’t wear anymore take up too much space. Maybe your collection of Backstreet Boys posters is collecting dust. Regardless of the possessions, the first step in getting rid of those items is recognizing their value to you. Ask yourself this critical question, “Can I live without this?” If the answer is yes, donate your items or sell them! Either way, you’ll have less clutter and perhaps a few extra dollars.
Adjusting your life to fit your apartment has its challenges. Organizing all your belongings may seem like an impossible task, but trust me, it’s manageable! Follow my guide on how to organize your apartment after you downsize for ways to arrange your space.