While smaller homes can be cosy, they can also become incredibly cluttered due to a lack of space and storage. And when you have things everywhere, small homes can look (and feel) even smaller than they are, making life incredibly stressful.
Naturally, knowing how to declutter when you’re overwhelmed is a great place to start, as you can regularly get rid of items that no longer serve you or your smaller home. But the reality is that those who live in smaller homes often still need the same amount of practical items as those who live in bigger homes - which means that organisation is key.
As Hester Van Hien, a Home Decluttering and Organising Consultant from Tidylicious, explains, ‘Without a complete overhaul or a full-on decluttering session, there are other, simpler things you can do to make a small space feel less cluttered.’ So, it’s well worth taking inspiration from the organising rules and hacks that professional organisers use for smaller homes.
1. Keep floors and surfaces clear
One of the best ways to create order in small homes with limited storage is to make the most of vertical space, as this keeps floors and surfaces clear. And Shannon Murphy, Professional Organiser and Founder of Simpl Living Co, echoes this. She says, ‘One of the simplest ways to make a small home feel bigger is to get as much off the floor as possible.’
She adds, ‘The more visible floor space there is, the larger and calmer a room naturally feels. Wall-mounted storage, floating shelves and furniture raised off the ground can all help create this effect.’ The same goes if you follow in the footsteps of people with consistently tidy worktops, as any clear area creates the illusion that a space is bigger than it is.
However, every room can benefit from clutter-free floors and surfaces, which is why it’s well worth investing in small-space-friendly storage solutions. This could be as simple as using these 60PCS Self-Adhesive Cable Clips (£9.99 at Amazon) to hide messy wires, to in-cupboard organisers and even larger pieces of furniture for storage.
Cluttered extension leads can make a small home look even smaller, but hiding them in cable management boxes like this can work wonders.
Prevent shoe clutter piling up on your floors by adding these wall-mounted shoe racks to your walls. It'll keep them neat and tidy.
If you regularly keep chopping boards or baking trays on your kitchen worktops, use this organiser to store them in a cupboard or drawer instead.
2. Elevate and move your furniture
While permanent fixtures such as sofas and cabinets are necessary in any home, smaller homes need to be more strategic about the type and placement of this furniture. In fact, Kate Dufton, Professional Organiser and Declutterer at Ace Your Space, suggests opting for multi-purpose furniture to make a small home feel bigger.
‘Multi-functional furniture with storage lets you reduce the number of pieces in your home, so that your small home doesn't feel overfilled,’ she explains. But since it’s often not practical (or financially viable) to replace your furniture, Kate also suggests that elevating and moving your existing furniture can still have a huge impact.
She says, ‘You can often transform a space simply by moving the taller furniture to the far side of a room, so it gives you a clear sightline and feeling instantly more spacious.’ And if you have low-slung pieces, using furniture feet like these Adjustable Feet for Furniture (£14.99 at Amazon) can help raise furniture to make a small room look bigger.
If you're going to start moving your furniture around, make sure you pop these felt pads on the bottom so you don't scratch your floors.
A storage ottoman like this is perfect for smaller homes. It'll serve as a footstool, storage, extra seating AND even a coffee table all at once.
This space-saving clothes rail takes advantage of vertical space while also merging two different products in one. It's genius.
3. Follow the one-in-one-out rule
There are so many decluttering methods out there, but those who want to make a small home look bigger could definitely benefit from using the one-in-one-out rule. This allows you to continue buying new items for your home - such as decor or household essentials - without overcrowding your limited space.
Kate explains, ‘Rather than letting clutter build up, every time you bring something new and additional into your home, you need to let something go. Set up a charity basket somewhere you pass often and that is easily accessible, so you can just drop in your unwanted items as you go.’
This should also help you save money in the long run, as you’ll become more intentional with purchases. And instead of buying something on a whim and adding clutter to your home, you’ll have to decide whether you love it enough to replace it with something else in your home. If you don’t, you probably don’t need it - and you’ll avoid adding another unwanted item to your small home.
Take stock of what you have in your wardrobe by using these slimline hangers. And if you follow the one-in-one-out rule, you won't ever need more than this.
If you're struggling with a small bedroom or bathroom, making use of the backs of doors can help immensely - and help you keep track of what you already have.
If you feel like you're constantly buying more food, using a label maker can help you determine what you already have in your fridge, freezer, and cupboards.
4. Hide with intention
Modern homes and families require many ugly but practical items that can quickly clutter a small space and make it look smaller. And while you don’t need to get rid of them to make a small home look bigger, it could be worth hiding them with intention. A handy clutter bucket (or two) can help with that.
A clutter bucket is also often called a ‘drop zone’ for these necessary items that you don’t want on show. Hester explains, ‘Do you have a few bits and bobs on your kitchen counters? Pop these loose items into a bowl, and your kitchen will immediately look neater, calmer and more spacious. You can do the same for the sideboard in the hallway, where a variety of items usually collect.’
For larger, uglier items, a clutter bucket with a lid can help you hide them while keeping them nearby when you need them. However, as Kate warns, ‘The key is to regularly empty it and put everything away, or you’ll end up with lots of doom baskets instead!
These lidded baskets look like they were made to be clutter buckets. You can stack them on top of each other, or use them in three different rooms.
A stair basket is a great way to ensure you're always taking clutter back to its permanent home. Just make sure you empty it regularly!
If you'd prefer a tray over a basket, this one is extremely affordable and chic. It'll be ideal for your keys and wallet in your hallway.
Will you be trying any of these hacks in your small home?
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