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Kicking the Clutter: Live comfortably in a small space

Having more stuff doesn’t equal a better life
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With today's high housing prices, many people are choosing to live in smaller homes, condos or cottages.

Learning how to maximize the function of your space is the secret to enjoying a small home. Organizing a small space is not impossible, however, it will take some effort and know-how.

You have to change your attitude about your possessions. Having more stuff doesn’t equal a better life.

Since you have limited space, you must regulate what is brought into the home. It’s the quality of your belongings, not the quantity that matters.

It doesn’t matter how much space you have, organizing and installing simple systems will create a comfortable and beautiful home.

Use your space
Vague spaces are common in homes. While often overlooked, they can be great solutions for organizing needs. Consider investing in some organizing tools to create a beautiful and comfortable home. 

Go vertical
Mount some attractive hooks in the hallway of your home, your closet or anywhere else you might lack horizontal space. Hang your clothes, purses, jewellery, et cetera.

Add pegboards
Pegboards are not just for tools. These little holes are very versatile. Install them in your kitchen for pots and pans, your office, craft room, or kids' rooms. Children love to see their masterpieces displayed on the board.

Consider bed risers
This helpful invention can lift your bed several inches high. Now you can store your out-of-season clothes, books, pictures or anything else not used daily.

Multi-functional furniture
When you have limited space, multifunctional furniture can be helpful. Some sofas and benches flip open and many beds come with drawers and other useful storage spaces built in.

Floating shelves
Instead of bulky furniture, install shelves. Think bookcases going up to the ceiling. Then, show off your books, antiques, glassware or pictures of your family and pets. Also, add beautiful baskets to store your belongings.

Evaluate your storage
Is it cluttered? Schedule 30 minutes per day to declutter drawers, shelves and cupboards.

Need versus want
To function in your small space, you need to avoid bringing in an excessive amount of stuff. Ask yourself, “Do I need it? Do I love it?” If the answer to both is yes, bring it home, but if it’s no, leave it behind.

When you bring something new into your home, try to get rid of something current you don’t need anymore. This one-in-one-out rule can help you to live in a clutter-free home.

Stay organized
Start by evaluating items and storage before things become cluttered. Say no to well-meaning relatives and friends who are eager to give you their unwanted possessions. Avoid cute and small things as they quickly become clutter.

When you use your small space efficiently, you’ll have more room and joy in your home. Start loving your home, after all, you live in it. 

Transformational life coach Ranka Burzan owns a professional organizing company in the qathet region and has written several books on reducing clutter. For more information, email [email protected].

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