Imagine it Done’s guide to moving into -- and living well in -- your small space
With the change of season we always experience excitement and challenge. The spring and summer months bring sunshine, fresh air new schedule, and often the anticipation of a move out or move into a new home. Whether preparing to move into a college dorm, a first adult apartment, or even simply downsizing, this project can be quite daunting. How to fit all your stuff into a smaller space is the million dollar question. Not to worry- Imagine it done is expert in tackling small spaces and organizing and maximizing exclusively for your lifestyle.
Not to worry -- Imagine it Done is an expert in tackling small spaces and organizing them perfectly for your lifestyle, with no nook and cranny overlooked for space maximization. And this topic could not be more relevant as I just moved two of my kids into new NYC studio apartments last week! My team and I were on hand to capture and impart the tips and tricks applied to these two jobs. We are so excited to share them with you to maximize your small space to perfection.
Read on for our most practical and clever solutions. Follow us on Instagram to see how we solve the problems. Always remember, an organized space is an organized mind is an organized life.
Tip 1: Invest in a storage bed
A bed with storage is the perfect solution to contain all of your bulky items, extra linens and towels, out of season clothing, memorabilia, luggage and more. Imagine your very own storage unit in your bed. There are typically 2 different set ups for these beds. Either a pull up with storage in a platform or with drawers built into the platform. Both are super functional. Consider your stuff to hideaway yet need accessible in determining which is best suited for you.
Here are a few options we love:
Tip 2: Accessorize to Maximize
Maximize the height of all spaces with organizational accessories. Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry is your best bet to utilize every square inch of vertical space. Key accessories within tight spaces will help keep everything in place as efficiently as possible to maximize to the fullest. Storage containers and garment bags is a great way to stash out of season stuff.
Check out this storage cabinet from Elfa and these totes from Ziploc:
Tip 3: Create storage behind doors
Behind the door is a gold mine. It’s like winning the lottery. Imagine this as the best opportunity to maximize space with hidden storage solutions. Mount these brackets and bins onto the inside of a door to store shoes, belts, handbags, even miscellaneous small garments. Mount inside pantry cabinets and doors, to contain spices, condiments and foods. Last but not least, inside your laundry,/utility room for cleaning supplies.
Our favorite door storage options include:
Tip 4: Use risers to create shelf space
Risers are the perfect solution to get the best bang for your buck! No more stacking 20 plates on top of one another, no more coffee cups askew ready to topple over . This shelf called a riser . You will gain an additional shelf without having to add the full shelf. The variety is vast to coordinate with your cabinet décor. The riser is suited for the kitchen, laundry, pantry, bathroom and bath.
Here are two options:
Tip 5: Invest in a free standing storage unit
Call them trolleys, carts, free standing cabinets. They all serve the same purpose. They are not built into a space, they are placed in any spot where space is a commodity. For the kitchen, place a trolley next to the center island for additional cooking supplies, or a catch all for the kids stuff. The bathroom is a perfect room for this accessory. Place it in between the toilet and sink, we know there is never enough space on the vanity for your makeup! In the laundry room you can tuck this cart in between or next to the washer dryer for supplies. and why not even inside a utility closet to hold all the cleaning supplies.
These free standing units are a great place to start:
Tip 6: Maximize empty wall space with floating shelves
We love these beautiful nearly invisible acrylic shelves. Mount on any shelf to maximize a small closet. Decorate the shelf with pretty accessories such as colorful handbags and clutches. Not only does this setup add extra storage space, it also gives your walls a pop of colorful wall art.
Try these ones by CB2:
Tip 7: Add extra hanging space with valets
Valets are indeed decorative garment racks. Whatever room in your home lacks hanging storage this lovely moveable rack does the trick. Most used in the entryway to hang guest coats which certainly does not fit inside the crowded entry closet. Consider the master bedroom to place this lovely moveable accessory. Style your day to day outfits for the week on this handsome rack or even use for packing to arrange what is going inside the suitcase. Our children will love this rack in their playroom holding all their dress up stuff!
Tip 8: Stack your folded clothing vertically in drawers and closets
Place your folded clothing vertically on shelves, file fold and roll in drawers. Take advantage of the tall vertical space so you can see everything at a glance. You need to see it to know it!
To help keep your clothes stacked neatly, use these drawer dividers:
Tip 9: Don't overload as you organize.
Make sure you leave room while you put away your stuff in order to accommodate for more stuff. Make this a routine in all your cabinets, shelves, drawers and even on your closets with hanging garments. Remember the rule, room to grow.
Tip 10: Find a home for everything to avoid clutter.
Tabletop clutter is the biggest culprit in crowding your space and making it appear disorganized. Contain and Organize. A place for everything, everything has a place. keep it simple, less is more for a clutter free home.
For more home organization products we recommend, check out our shop.