Small, Cozy, and Tiny Spaces
By Jennifer Snyder
Our world is full of little spaces and my office is the perfect example. When we think of small spaces our minds typically turn to dorm rooms or Harry Potter rooms underneath stairwells. Small spaces can actually be anywhere from a kitchen command center to a walk-in closet converted to a craft room or a desk island in the center of a business lobby. Let's explore how to love your little spaces.
Be smart. A small space will ideally accommodate just the basics. Identify what you need – compared to what you think you need. If you prefer paper clips to staples, forgo the stapler. An eraser is unnecessary if you never write in pencil, etc.
A picture is worth a thousand words. To put it nicely, one picture should say it all. Hang pictures on the walls or use frames that can display several photos at once. Whatever you do, avoid allowing sentiment to occupy valuable real estate in a small space.
Look up. Walls are typically underutilized. Pans can hang on the wall in a small kitchen, desk supplies can hang on the wall in a small office, and even stamps can be hung on the wall in a craft room. Get creative and think above the shelf.
Compartmentalize. If you have what I call a "uni-room" (one room has many functions), section it off by job. Use bookcases to separate a bedroom from a home office area or dressing screens to separate craft space from the dining room. These boundaries should be respected as much as possible.
Rules work. Create a living policy of what can and cannot come into the small space. No mail in the kitchen? No food in the office? No work in the craft space? The policy can be changed but only after careful consideration. Use an accountability partner to keep you on track.
Store in the clear. There are absolutely beautiful storage containers available for purchase. You want to be able to see what is in your containers so make sure they are at least partially transparent. My current favorite is vintage wire gym baskets. Opaque containers tend to become similar to junk drawers. Keep it clear if you can.
If bigger is better then smaller is smarter.
Have a Neat day!
Jennifer Snyder, Certified Professional Organizer
Neat as a Pin Organizing Exerts
www.neatasapin.net
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