Organizing Ideas for Small Spaces

I founded Less is More Organizing Services 14 years ago when I was a resident of Chicago. My clients all lived in center city apartments, so I often provided organizing ideas for small spaces. Working in this type of environment, it became one of my goals to show people how to live with less, but feel like they have more.

Here are some of my expert tips when storage space is limited:

1. Declutter First

Your organization journey should always begin with a deep declutter. Spend 15 minutes cleaning out a kitchen junk drawer to get you in the zone. In smaller spaces, you should be particularly ruthless. If you don't love it or need it right now, it is not worth the space in your closet.

2. Use Underutilized Areas

I have found that my clients often overlook certain areas of their home that have a lot of potential for storage and organization purposes. For example, the top of a closet should be used strategically to store seasonal, sentimental, or less used items. Scarves and winter hats have no place taking up easy-to-access prime real estate during the summer months!

3. Small Changes Make a Big Impact

Breaking down tasks into small chunks and putting a little bit of effort into tidying your space can help you establish good organization habits over time. Remember that small changes are better than no change! Make your bed every morning. It just takes about two minutes. The bed is the dominant feature in the room, so when it is made, the entire room will seem orderly.

4. Don’t Plan Around Pretty Bins

Never ever start an organizing project by buying organizing supplies! A pretty bin is not a gateway drug to a better life. A container is a tool, not a strategy for living with less stress. Instead, your first step should be to declutter, so that you figure out what you need to contain and how.

5. Shop with Intention

Before you buy something, ask yourself:

•  Do I really need this?

• Would I still buy it if it were not on sale?

• If I bring this into my home, do I have a place to store it?

If the answer to any of these questions is “no,” then walk away. 

Once you determine what you need to purchase, buy within your means. Membership warehouses, auto-refill services, and monthly subscriptions may not be best suited for your living space and lifestyle. The stress and aggravation you feel from clutter is not usually worth the few dollars you save by buying 52 rolls of toilet paper at once - especially if you decide you need to hire a professional organizer to help you declutter. Each time you plan to go shopping, take stock of what you already have, so you don't overbuy. 

By following these organizing ideas for small spaces, you can learn how to live a simpler, stress-free life filled only with the things that bring you joy. However, I know that it can still be overwhelming to tackle it all on your own. If you need professional support, don’t hesitate to reach out!