If you're anything like me, living in a small apartment can sometimes feel like a never-ending game of Tetris.
(At least I used to live in one back in the day)
Trying to find room for all my stuff often left me feeling like a frazzled mom at a toy store on Black Friday.
That's why I decided to take charge and declutter my living space once and for all.
The feeling of finally having a tidy and organized home is nothing short of amazing.
No more hunting for lost items or feeling weighed down by clutter.
Plus, it turns out a clean space can work wonders for your mental health and productivity!
If you're ready to say goodbye to the mess and hello to a more peaceful living space,
I've got you covered.
In this guide, I'm sharing practical tips and tricks that helped me declutter my small apartment and keep it organized.
And we will make decluttering fun and easy.
(Because who said cleaning had to be a chore?)
Get ready to transform your living space and start living your best life.
Let’s start!
Get Your Space in Check
When it comes to decluttering a small apartment, it's crucial to start by assessing your space.
It's time to take a hard look at what you own and evaluate which areas are in need of the most attention.
Here are some helpful decluttering tips to help you assess your living space and get started on your decluttering journey.
Identify which areas require decluttering
(Time to get those steps in!)
Take a walk around your humble abode and pinpoint those pesky areas that are just begging for some decluttering love.
You know the ones, the closets that haven't been touched in ages, the cabinets that are overflowing, and the kitchen counters that seem to attract clutter like a magnet.
Make a mental note of these spaces, and get ready to bid adieu to the items that are taking up valuable real estate in your small apartment.
Determine what you want to achieve through decluttering
Let's get clear on why we're doing this decluttering thing.
Do you want to create more space so you can finally have a yoga corner?
Or maybe you want to reduce the stress that's why you need to declutter your living space.
Whatever it is, figuring out what you want to achieve can help you stay focused and motivated as we tackle this messy situation together.
Create achievable goals and deadlines
Let's face it, you're not Marie Kondo, and neither am I.
Doing decluttering will be a mistake if you force to do it in one day
It's like climbing Mount Everest without any equipment!
You can avoid this by breaking down your decluttering process into smaller, more manageable tasks.
Set realistic timelines for each task so you won't feel overwhelmed.
For instance, you can aim to declutter one closet or room per day. Slow and steady wins the decluttering race!
Decluttering is no easy feat, but from what I have learned from my experience, it's worth it.
I recently took on the task of decluttering my apartment, and ladies, it was so satisfying.
To keep myself motivated, I started with the most cluttered area of my apartment, my closet
(don't even get me started on the number of shoes I had in there).
By tackling the most challenging area first, I could feel like I was making progress, and it kept me motivated to declutter throughout the process.
So, if you're feeling overwhelmed, why not start with the area that's giving you the most anxiety?
(And if you find a pair of shoes you forgot you had, that's just a bonus).
By assessing your space, and setting realistic goals and timelines.
You'll find yourself enjoying cleaning that will definitely give you a clutter-free living space, that will make you feel like you can conquer the world!
(It's all about taking baby steps, right?)
Create a Plan
Now that we've assessed our living space, it's time to create a plan that will help us conquer our clutter.
A plan will keep us organized, focused, and prevent us from feeling overwhelmed during the decluttering process.
Here are some tips on how to create a winning plan:
Sort items into categories
Sorting your items into categories can be a fun and easy way to declutter your small apartment.
Not only will it help you keep track of your belongings, but it will also make it easier to decide what to keep and what to get rid of.
The first step in sorting items is to put your things in their proper place.
This means sorting them into categories, like clothes, books, or kitchen items.
Don't be afraid to get a little messy (or organized!) as you sift through your belongings.
By doing this, you'll have a better idea of what you own and what you need to declutter.
Decide what to keep, donate, or discard
As you categorize your items, it's time to make some tough decisions.
Do you really need that neon pink sweater from the '80s?
Or that old blender that hasn't worked in years?
Here are some tips to help you decide what to do with your stuff:
- Keep: Only keep the items that you truly need, use, or love. If it's something that brings you joy or serves a practical purpose. (keep it!)
- Donate: If you have items that are still in good condition, but you no longer need or use them.
Like the old shirts in your closet that you no longer use.
consider decluttering your old clothes by donating them to someone who could use them.
(Giving back feels great) - Discard: If an item is broken, damaged, or beyond repair, it's time to say goodbye.
Don't hold onto things that are just taking up space and adding to your clutter.
Decluttering is all about making space for the things that matter most to you.
So choose wisely and let go of what no longer serves you!
Consider using multi-functional furniture
When you have a small apartment, always find the need for some extra space but don't want to sacrifice style for functionality.
That's where multi-functional furniture comes in!
Get the most out of your furniture and create a clutter-free space by considering these tips:
- Use a storage ottoman to keep your blankets, magazines, and other items hidden away while providing extra seating.
- Invest in a sofa bed to have a comfortable place for guests to sleep while still being able to use the space during the day.
- A folding dining table can be tucked away when not in use, giving you extra space for other activities.
- Add a bookshelf with built-in storage to display your favorite books and decor while also hiding away smaller items.
By choosing multi-functional furniture, you can declutter your home fast and make the most out of your space without sacrificing style or comfort.
Creating a plan is one of the most important steps in the decluttering process.
It can help you stay organized and motivated when decluttering your apartment.
In the next section, I will share some tips on how to start decluttering your small apartment effectively.
Begin decluttering
Now that you've assessed your space and created a plan, it's time to start decluttering.
Here are some tips on how to start:
- Start with the easy items: Starting with the easy items can help you gain momentum and feel more inspired decluttering the more challenging areas.
For example, you can start by decluttering your junk drawer or your bathroom cabinet. - Take breaks: Decluttering can be overwhelming, so it's important to take breaks when you need them.
Take a walk outside or do something that relaxes you to clear your mind. - Use the four-box method: The four-box method involves sorting items into four boxes: keep, donate, sell, and discard.
This can help you make decisions on what to do with each item. - Moving on from sentimental items: Letting go of sentimental items can be challenging, but it's important to remember that memories are in our hearts, not in our stuff.
Take a picture of the item if you want to remember it, but don't hold onto items that are taking up valuable space. - Avoid future clutter: To avoid future clutter, be mindful of what you bring into your apartment.
Ask yourself if the item is something you really need or if it will add value to your life.
I gotta say, decluttering my space was no walk in the park too.
It was tough to part with some items, but I knew it was necessary to create a more organized and stress-free home.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, don't worry, it's completely normal.
Just take it one step at a time and be kind to yourself along the way.
And let me tell you, the feeling of accomplishment when you finally achieve a clutter-free space is truly priceless.
And the fact that you will reduce your stress and mostly improve your mental health by cleaning your living space seems satisfying to me.
Well, that's it, ladies!
You now have all the tools you need to create a beautiful and clutter-free living space.
Remember that decluttering is not just about tidying up your home, it's also about decluttering your mind and freeing up mental space to focus on the things that matter most.
So take it one step at a time, be patient with yourself, and most importantly, have fun with the process!
With these tips and strategies, you can transform your living space into a peaceful and organized sanctuary that brings you joy and serenity every day.
Are you feeling drowned by the clutter in your apartment?
Look no further!
My free declutter checklist is the perfect resource to help you declutter your apartment and create a space that brings you joy.
This checklist will guide you through each step of the process, making it easy to prioritize your decluttering and achieve your goals.
Remember, decluttering is not just about improving your living space, but also about improving your mental health and overall well-being.
So, what are you waiting for?
Download my free declutter checklist today and take the first step towards a more peaceful and organized life in your apartment!
FAQ
How long does it take to declutter an apartment?
The time it takes to declutter an apartment varies depending on the size of the apartment and the amount of clutter.
It can take a few hours or a few days. It's essential to have a plan in place before starting the process to make it more efficient.
Assess the space and decide which areas need the most attention. Break the task into smaller, more manageable parts, and set a timeframe for each. Be patient with yourself and take breaks when needed.
Remember, decluttering is a process, and it's okay to take your time.
How do I keep my small apartment clean and organized?
Keeping a small apartment clean and organized can be challenging, but it's not impossible.
The key is to create a routine and stick to it. Start by decluttering regularly and organizing your belongings.
Use multi-functional furniture to maximize space and invest in storage solutions such as bins and baskets.
Make cleaning a part of your daily routine by doing small tasks such as wiping down surfaces and doing the dishes after meals.
Set aside time for deep cleaning weekly or bi-weekly. Lastly, make sure to put things back in their proper place after use to avoid clutter.
How do I organize my apartment on a budget?
Organizing your apartment doesn't have to break the bank. There are plenty of budget-friendly ways to declutter and organize your space.
Start by using what you already have, such as shoeboxes or jars, to organize smaller items.
Thrift stores and discount stores are great places to find inexpensive storage solutions such as baskets or plastic containers.
Use DIY solutions such as repurposing old furniture or making your own storage solutions.
Prioritize decluttering to make better use of the space you already have, which can save money in the long run.
How do I make an apartment checklist?
Making an apartment checklist is an excellent way to keep track of what needs to be done to keep your space clean and organized.
Start by assessing the space and making a list of areas that need attention. Break the list into categories such as cleaning, organizing, and decluttering.
Set priorities for each category and set deadlines for completion. Use the checklist to track progress and make adjustments as needed.
Make sure to include routine tasks such as laundry and dishwashing to maintain a clean and organized space.
How do I rearrange my apartment room?
Rearranging a room can be a great way to refresh the space and make better use of the area.
Start by assessing the space and deciding on a layout that works best for your needs.
Consider the size and shape of the room, as well as the existing furniture and decor. Make a plan for where each item will go and how it will fit into the new layout.
Use a measuring tape to ensure that furniture will fit in the desired space.
When rearranging, it's essential to keep functionality in mind and to make sure that the space is not overcrowded.
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