How to Declutter a Small Apartment: 50 Expert Tips

Learn how to declutter your small apartment with these 10 expert tips. Maximize space, organize efficiently, and create a more comfortable living environment.

Trust me, living in a small apartment presents unique challenges, but decluttering can help maximize space and improve your quality of life. Moving from a 1300 square feet to 800 square feet was a challenge. This article provides expert tips on how to declutter a small apartment and help you organize and optimize your compact living area (that actually work).

This Article is All About How to Declutter a Small Apartment:

Decluttering a small apartment can feel like a daunting task, but with the right approach, it’s entirely possible to create a space that feels open, organized, and peaceful. In this article, we’ll guide you through practical tips and strategies specifically designed for smaller living spaces. From getting rid of unnecessary items to finding clever storage solutions, this guide will help you reclaim your space and transform your apartment into a stress-free oasis.

50 Clever Ways to Organize a Small Apartment

1. Utilize Vertical Space: Add shelves or cabinets up to the ceiling to make the most of vertical storage.
2. Over-the-Door Organizer: Use over-the-door hooks or pocket organizers on the backs of doors for extra storage.
3. Foldable Furniture: Opt for foldable tables, chairs, or desks that can be stowed away when not in use.
4. Underbed Storage: Store clothes or extra items in bins under the bed to free up closet space.
5. Floating Shelves: Install floating shelves for books, décor, or kitchen essentials, keeping floor space open.
6. Multi-Functional Furniture: Use furniture that doubles as storage, like ottomans with hidden compartments.
7. Hanging Pot Rack: In the kitchen, use a hanging pot rack to save cabinet space.
8. Hooks in Closets: Add hooks inside your closet for bags, scarves, and belts.
9. Slim Shoe Racks: Place slim, tiered shoe racks in entryways or closets to save space.
10. Magnetic Strips: Use magnetic strips to store knives, tools, or even makeup in a neat, organized way.
11. Rolling Carts: Use a rolling cart as a movable storage unit for kitchen, bathroom, or office supplies.
12. Over-the-Sink Cutting Board: Add an over-the-sink cutting board to create extra counter space in small kitchens.
13. Collapsible Laundry Baskets: Store collapsible laundry baskets to save space when they’re not in use.
14. Wall Hooks for Bikes: Hang your bike on the wall to free up floor space.
15. Tiered Hangers; Use tiered hangers in your closet to maximize hanging space for clothes.
16. Bedside Caddies: Use bedside organizers or caddies to keep essentials within reach without needing a nightstand.
17. Nesting Tables: Choose nesting tables for the living room—they can be separated when needed and stored when not.
18. Hanging Fruit Baskets: Hang fruit baskets in the kitchen to keep counters clear.
19. Use Clear Bins: Store items in clear plastic bins for easy visibility and stackability.
20. Corner Shelving Units: Utilize corner shelves to maximize often-overlooked corner spaces.
21. Pegboard Wall: Install a pegboard in your kitchen or workspace for a versatile storage solution.
22. Under-Sink Shelves: Add adjustable shelves under sinks to maximize storage.
23. Wall-Mounted Desk: Install a wall-mounted fold-down desk for a functional yet space-saving office solution.
24. Over-Bed Shelf: Add a shelf above the bed for books, decor, or storage boxes.
25. Use Tension Rods: Place tension rods under sinks or in cabinets to hang spray bottles or organize items.
26. Sofa with Storage: Choose a sofa with built-in storage underneath for blankets, pillows, or books.
27. Hang Curtains Higher: Hang curtains near the ceiling to create the illusion of taller ceilings and more space.
28. Stackable Bins: Use stackable bins for pantry or closet organization, making the most of vertical space.
29. Lazy Susan in Cabinets: Add a lazy Susan to cabinets to easily access items without clutter.
30. Closet Dividers: Use closet dividers to separate different categories of clothing for better organization.
31. Command Hooks: Use command hooks to hang items on walls without damaging them, great for renters.
32. Ladder Shelving: Lean a ladder shelf against the wall for stylish storage without taking up much floor space.
33. Under-Cabinet Hooks: Install hooks under cabinets for hanging mugs or utensils.
34. Vacuum Storage Bags: Use vacuum storage bags for out-of-season clothing to reduce storage space.
35. Drawer Organizers: Use adjustable drawer organizers for kitchen or bathroom drawers to prevent clutter.
36. Wall-Mounted Drying Rack: Install a wall-mounted drying rack in the laundry area to save space.
37. Use Furniture Risers: Elevate beds or couches with risers to create extra storage space underneath.
38. Pocket Organizers on Closet Doors: Hang pocket organizers on closet doors for shoes or accessories.
39. Collapsible Kitchenware: Opt for collapsible colanders, bowls, and measuring cups to save kitchen cabinet space.
40. Over-Bath Tub Tray: Use a bath tray over the tub to keep toiletries organized in small bathrooms.
41. Storage Benches: Use benches with hidden storage at the dining table or in entryways.
42. Spice Rack on Cabinet Door: Mount a spice rack inside a cabinet door to keep spices organized and accessible.
43. Murphy Bed: Install a Murphy bed to free up floor space when not in use.
44. Utilize Cabinet Tops: Store rarely used items on top of kitchen cabinets to make use of vertical space.
45. Hang Shower Caddies: Use shower caddies to keep bathroom essentials organized and off the ledge or floor.
46. Label Everything: Label bins, drawers, and shelves to maintain organization and quickly find what you need.
47. Hidden Storage Behind Mirrors: Choose mirrors that open to reveal hidden storage, perfect for bathrooms or entryways.
48. Pull-Out Pantry: Add a pull-out pantry cabinet to small kitchens to make every inch count.
49. Foldable Drying Rack: Use a foldable drying rack that can be stowed away when not in use.
50. Decorative Baskets: Use decorative baskets on shelves to store small items while keeping the look tidy and stylish.

Decluttering and Organizing: Assess Your Space and Set Goals

Where to start decluttering? First, let’s start by taking a good look at your apartment. Begin by walking through each room and really evaluating the layout. Consider whether your furniture is arranged in the most efficient way. Moreover, identify areas that always seem to collect clutter. These areas are your problem spots, and they’re the perfect place to start your decluttering journey.

Next, let’s set some specific goals on how to declutter your apartment. For instance, maybe you want to clear off that kitchen counter that’s always covered in mail, or perhaps you’re aiming to pare down your wardrobe to just the essentials. Whatever your goals, having clear, achievable objectives will keep you motivated throughout the process.

For more articles on how to declutter a small apartment, check out:

• Cleaning schedule
• First apartment cleaning supplies

Start with a Clean Slate

Have you heard of KonMari Method by Marie Kondo? It’s all about keeping only the things that spark joy in your life. I know it sounds a bit woo-woo, but trust me, it works!

As you go through your belongings, create three piles: Keep, Donate, and Discard. And here’s the key: be ruthless in your decision-making. If you haven’t used something in a year, chances are you don’t need it. It’s time to let it go!

Tackle One Room at a Time

To begin, let’s break this down room by room. First, let’s start with the kitchen—begin by clearing out those expired spices and rarely-used gadgets. Next, moving on to the bedroom, focus on your closet—do you really need 20 t-shirts? After that, for the bathroom, think about space-saving solutions like over-the-toilet shelving or magnetic strips for makeup. Finally, in the living room, think about which decorative items truly add value to your space.

Clever Storage Ideas for Small Apartments: Maximize Vertical Space

When you’re living in an apartment, every inch counts. That’s why vertical space is your new best friend! Install some floating shelves – they’re great for books, plants, or decorative items. Over-the-door organizers are perfect for shoes or pantry items. And if you’re really short on space, invest in tall, narrow storage units. They provide tons of storage without taking up much floor space.

Small Apartment Organization Hacks: Embrace Multi-functional Furniture

Speaking of making the most of your space, let’s move on to multi-functional furniture. For instance, a sofa bed or Murphy bed can turn your living room into a guest room in seconds. Additionally, ottomans with hidden storage are perfect for blankets or board games. And an expandable dining table? Indeed, that’s a game-changer for entertaining in a small space.

Implement the “One In, One Out” Rule

Now that you’ve decluttered, let’s talk about how to maintain your newly organized space. The “One In, One Out” rule is simple: for every new item you bring into your home, one item has to go. This helps resist impulse purchases and keeps clutter at bay. And don’t forget to regularly reassess your belongings – our needs change over time, and so should our possessions.

Digitize Documents and Media

In this digital age, there’s no need to keep piles of paper around. Scan important documents and store them in the cloud. The same goes for photos and other files. And if you’re a bookworm, consider switching to e-books or digital media subscriptions. It’s amazing how much space you can free up by going digital!

Utilize Hidden Storage Spaces

Now, let’s get creative with storage. To start, under-bed storage is perfect for out-of-season clothes or extra linens. Furthermore, behind-the-door organizers can hold shoes, accessories, or cleaning supplies. As for bulky items like winter coats or holiday decorations, vacuum-sealed bags are a lifesaver. They compress these items down to a fraction of their size!

Create a Minimalist Mindset

Decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of stuff – it’s about changing your mindset. Try to focus on experiences rather than possessions. Practice mindful consumption by really considering each purchase. And make decluttering a regular habit – maybe do a quick sweep of your apartment every month or so.

Seek Professional Help if Needed

How to declutter a small apartment tips – Sometimes, the task of decluttering can feel overwhelming. If that’s the case, don’t be afraid to call in a professional organizer. They can offer a fresh perspective and tailored solutions for your space. Yes, it’s an investment, but the peace of mind and efficiency you gain can be well worth the cost. Just be sure to do your research and find an organizer who fits your style and budget.

Decluttering Tips for Beginners

By following these expert tips, how to declutter a small apartment and create a more spacious, organized living environment. Remember to maintain your newly decluttered space by regularly reassessing your belongings and adopting a minimalist mindset. With a bit of persistence and creativity, you’ll find that you can transform your compact home into a comfortable and efficient living space.