Optimizing space by doing the unexpected

Living in a small apartment has a way of making life feel simpler, cozier, and more intentional. It comes with its own set of surprising joys.

One of the greatest benefits of moving to a smaller space is the opportunity to declutter. In a room that’s just a few hundred square feet, every item has to earn its place. I’ve found myself becoming more selective about the things I own—keeping only the items that truly add value to my life, whether that's functional or sentimental. The end result?

A space that feels cleaner, calmer, and less overwhelming.

Coziness

One of the best things about a small apartment is how cozy and homey it feels. There’s something about having everything within arm’s reach that creates a sense of warmth and intimacy.

Initially, my one-bedroom apartment was set up as expected—bed in the bedroom, sofa and coffee table in the living room, and office in the kitchen corner. It occurred to me that having my office in the bedroom, bed in the living room and sofa and coffee table in the kitchen optimize the space. It feels inviting and comfortable too. With my sofa and bed in the same big space, it allows me to entertain friends with plenty of spaces to sit and lounge. Even though the space is small, it always feels like a peaceful zen area from the outside world. The living room now bedroom is the quietest area in the apartment, and more conducive to sleeping.

I work from home two days a week and my office is in the former bedroom. The large window provides natural light for working and satisfies the plant collection. Closing the door reduces unwanted external noise and provides focus and increased productivity.

This was the better layout for my apartment and it required thinking outside the box.

Before After

Creative Storage Solutions

Maximizing storage is crucial. At first, I was unsure of how to make the most of every nook and cranny. But over time, I’ve discovered clever solutions to stay organized and make the most of my space. For example, under-bed storage has been a game-changer. I use decorative baskets and bins to hide seasonal clothing such as my fall and winter coats and extra blankets. It’s amazing how much can be stored without anyone seeing it!

Another helpful trick is utilizing vertical space. High shelves and hooks keep things off the floor while still being easily accessible. I went from a small floor desk to a wall-mounted desk and it increased the floor space of my room.

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Living in a small space has helped teach me that less is truly more. I’ve learned to prioritize quality over quantity, declutter and create a space that’s filled with only the essentials. It’s a reminder that living well doesn’t mean having more; it means making the most of what you have.

Because of the size, this also makes cleaning a breeze. It takes mere minutes to tidy up, and I love how the space always feels fresh and neat. There’s no need to worry about hidden messes accumulating in distant corners.

If you're considering downsizing or simply want to make your current space feel more manageable, I wholeheartedly recommend embracing small space living. Check out our other blogs for more tips. With the right mindset and a little creativity, a small apartment can offer you freedom, simplicity, and a lot of joy.

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