My apartment is 560 sq ft… the whole thing. That’s it. [I told you to find a bigger place…] Not bad for a NYC Studio – but not a ton to work with. I was lucky that I found a place with a good amount of storage, but it has taken me years of preparation to survive here, and to do it comfortably.
Call the Movers
I have pretty much moved every year of my adult life since I left my parents home to go to college at 18 [that sounds absolutely horrible]. I think I’ve earned the right to call myself a pro when the longest I have stayed in a home was 2.5 years (and I owe that to fun roomies). Part of this was by obligation and part was by choice. Things change, roommates come and go, you get a new job, and you have to move – it happens. Unfortunately, I also tend to get bored quite easily and sometimes I just want a change! Change of decor, change of neighborhood, change of roomies, etc.
Don’t get me wrong – I hate moving. Who doesn’t? But I definitely have it down to a science at this point. Key here is… wait for it… HIRE MOVERS! It’s a pretty penny but SO worth it in the end. Trust me – I have moved myself, and it wasn’t that bad, but ever since I got movers once, I could never go back. Companies like Roadway Moving can literally pack and move everything – you don’t have to lift a finger [sign me up]. Last time, I caught myself asking if they needed help because I felt so useless just sitting there staring in comparison to what I was used to in my previous moves.
It’s the Purge
With all of these moves, and all of the packing, I am constantly cleaning out my closets. I am a huge fan of donating unused things [are you though… I’ve seen some things you should have donated a while back still hanging out] – and if I haven’t used something in a year, or didn’t know it existed, it’s getting donated. No exceptions.
There are a lot of techniques I use to help me decipher and expedite the purge, like hanging all my clothes with the hangers backwards so it’s clear what I have and haven’t worn [this is actually a great idea I need to steal], switching out my closets each season to see what is out of style, and binge watching Marie Kondo so I can tell what brings me joy and what doesn’t. It goes without saying that the less stuff you have the more space you have – live that minimalist life!
Get Organized
Did you even live through the pandemic if you didn’t obsess over The Home Edit? Well, if you haven’t then you should. Along with Marie Kondo’s folding technique, The Home Edit’s systems are SO important for when you need to save space. Who ever said you shouldn’t watch so much TV?! [or read their books because they are life changing]
By organizing your things in clear containers and utilizing your storage by placing less used items behind more frequently used items, you really take full advantage of everything you have. Stackable storage and shelving is so important when you live in smaller spaces and will also allow you to be confident knowing where everything is. I literally don’t remember the last time I lost something – it’s a great feeling to really own and manage your space effectively.
Yes, I have OCD (comes with the anxiety), but really anyone can accomplish this with a little time and effort. Spring cleaning really is a thing! Try it! What are your tips to staying organized and efficient in a small space?
No Comments