Living in one of Canada’s most beautiful cities is on many people’s wishlist, however, the reality is that living in Vancouver often comes with some sacrifices.
It is no secret that small apartments outnumber large, luxurious apartments and even larger homes. Vancouver has a dense population and limited land, therefore the need for compact living is a Vancouver reality. With mild temperatures, gorgeous scenery, endless outdoor activities and a diverse culture, it is easy to see how many people are willing to give up large living spaces to be in this beautiful coastal city.
Living in a small apartment can present some challenges, especially if you’re used to having a larger space to call home. Finding creative ways to organize your space to maximize storage is essential to having a clutter-free, organized, tranquil sanctuary that you are happy to spend time in. We’ve included our top tips for organizing your small space. But if you’re still struggling, you may want to consider getting help from a Professional Organizer near you.
Clear out the Clutter
The first step to organizing any space is to declutter. This will give you a better sense of the amount and types of storage solutions you will need in your home and help you feel less overwhelmed by the amount of items you need to store.
Utilize Otherwise Unused Spaces
Every home has unused space, be it blank walls, the space beneath your bed, ceiling space, or the upper area of closets. Here are some creative ways to use these spaces:
- Hang plants
- Use magnetic strips for kitchen knives
- Use hanging racks (Ikea) for utensils and containers
- Floating shelves
- Over-the-door storage such as hooks, shoe organizers, etc.
- Corner shelves
- Decorative ladders to store towels or blankets
Foldable Furniture
Foldable furniture can help make your space feel bigger, while still providing the functionality required of the piece. Installing a folding desk, for example, can allow you to work comfortably, and tuck it away when you’re not using it. While the popularity of Murphy beds decreased for a few decades after they hit the market in the 1920s, they have recently been making a comeback.
Today’s designs are not only functional but can also be a beautiful addition to any room.
Here are some other foldable furniture pieces to consider for your small space:
- Folding chairs that can be stored when not in use
- Wall-mounted dining tables
- Drop-leaf tables
- Foldable balcony tables
Use the Dead Space Around Your Furniture
Many spaces in and around furniture can be used for storage with a little imagination and the right storage solutions, such as:
- Under bed storage and drawers
- Storage ottomans
- Coffee tables with built-in storage
- Compact bins and baskets
Maximize Closet Space
Most closets are not designed with storage maximization in mind. Generally, closets will only have a hanging rod, and upper
shelf, especially in smaller living areas. However, you can maximize the storage capacity of a regular closet with a few small
changes.
- Install a closet organizer
- Add tension rods
- Use slim hangers rather than bulky ones
- Use command hooks and wall space to hang hats and scarves
Kitchen and Bathroom
In smaller apartments, kitchen and bathroom organization is crucial for maintaining order in your home. Often cabinet space will be at a premium and you will need to get creative!
- Use a shower caddy to keep shampoos and body wash neat and organized
- Use risers, baskets or lazy Susan’s in kitchen and bathroom cabinets to double storage space
- Tiered carts are a functional and beautiful space-saving option
- Use the tops of upper cabinets to display and store rarely-used items
- Install floating shelves
Looking to Hire a Professional Organizer in Vancouver? You’ve come to the right place. With years of experience helping clients all over the greater Vancouver area, our team of Professional Organizers are more than happy to help you make the most of your small space.
Call us today for your free phone consultation and find out how we can bring harmony to your home.
