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Managing Your Small Space
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Managing Your Small Space
by Maria Palma
Description: Tips on living in and organizing a small space.
Living in a small space can be quite a challenge! If you're an
artist like me who is constantly creating something, the stuff that
has accumulated can make you feel quite claustrophobic. Over the
course of a year I've finally learned how to manage my space and all
my stuff!
The first thing to do is to let go of unnecessary items. If there is
something in storage that you haven't used in six months to a year,
you probably won't use it again. Also, a good place to check is your
closet. Go through each piece of clothing and if you haven't worn it
in the past year, it's time to get rid of it. The best thing to do
is to donate the goods to your local charity. There are plenty of
unfortunate people out there who would treasure what you consider
trash!
Now it's time to tackle the stuff that you do have. When living in a
small space, it's all about storage. Consider multi-function
furniture such as chests and ottomans that are useful for storage of
blankets and clothes and can be used as tables or seats. A futon can
serve as a couch during the day and a bed at night. With the things
that you do have, it's best to try and store as much as possible as
to make the room appear uncluttered. Less is definitely more in the
case of small space living. On the same note, bigger is also
better. Small furniture does not make the room appear bigger.
Rather, larger, bolder pieces of furniture draw the eye to them
creating the illusion of a bigger room.
Create a wall of shelving to put books, magazines, and knick knacks.
Grouping most of your belongings in one place rather than scattered
all around the room frees up space to move around. Place baskets on
the shelves for stray items and papers. Baskets can also be used to
hold magazines and placed next to the couch or a chair.
Light is important in a small room. Try hanging a big mirror
opposite the window(s) to reflect light into the room. Also, try to
keep the fabrics used in the room a light color. In my studio I use
a beige colored slipcover over my futon which I then cover with
different colored pillows. Remember that dark colors absorb light
and light colors reflect light.
You can divide space in a room by using screens or bookcases.
Screens or bookshelves can be inexpensively made by purchasing wood
at your local hardware or home store. They can be covered with
fabric or painted to add a personal touch. Area rugs are also a good
way to create division in a room.
With a little creativity you can make living in a small space as
comfortable as living in a castle!
Reprinted with permission.
Reader comment:
This article was so very helpful. I was overwhelmed by the task
of moving all my furniture into a small living room and then trying to
arrange it. Now I know what I will do before I even move it...Vicki
