As we move into the new year, it’s becoming clear that a lot of the smaller rooms at home can get put to the wayside. Spring cleaning is months away, but there are plenty of ways to keep the home organized as we move into some messier seasons.
While the pandemic is still keeping us in our homes more than usual, it’s important that every space we have helps us keep our new “normal” feeling cozy and inviting. Here are some ways to make those smaller rooms inviting and organized, without feeling cramped and overwhelming.
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Keep Your Dining Room Dual-Purpose
If you live in a house with an open-concept floor plan, it can be hard to create a space that’s comfortable for relaxing and dining. Deliberately separate your kitchen and dining room with updated flooring to make this separation make sense. Creating a dining room layout that works with your space is a key way to make sure that your living room feels like a living room, and not just an additional space.
Add furniture that’s easily moveable to create more space in your dining room. A table that can be extended when needed is a great addition to have when you host guests; this also allows the space to feel larger when it’s at its normal length.
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Hidden Storage Spaces
A key to keeping your space looking and feeling organized is hidden storage. It’s easy to create clutter in places like the bedroom due to nightstands, closets, and dressers just not having enough room to store your belongings. When organizing a smaller bedroom, separating what you’re using now, versus other seasons and event-specific items is a great way to avoid a little bit of chaos. Keeping off-season items in storage under your bed is a great way to keep your closet clean and organized, while keeping all your essentials for different seasons in one space.
Pick a nightstand that has drawers to simplify your nightstand essentials – keeping the rest hidden while putting just a few items on the table itself, such as a lamp, your phone essentials, and a small catch-all dish. This will keep your space clear and create a tidy look and feel.
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Use Your Vanity to Your Advantage
When it comes to staying organized in a smaller bathroom, having adequate storage space can make a huge difference. One way to create this storage space that you might be lacking is through choosing a bathroom vanity option with plenty of drawers or cabinets.
When it comes to exploring these options, a floating vanity is a great way to save space, but a console vanity will allow you to store miscellaneous items. It can offer a place for things like towels, toilet paper, and other items you may keep in a closet. This will allow your space to be organized and minimize clutter on the vanity top.
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Floor to Ceiling Shelving
If you have time for a small renovation, swapping your kitchen or mudroom cabinets out for floor to ceiling shelving will not only provide extra storage, but also makes for a more aesthetically pleasing look to any room. This will also eliminate dust and clutter that often accumulates in these spaces, giving you the benefit of an easier cleaning routine as well. Shelving is an easy way to store your belongings and provides an opportunity to decorate and make the space your own.
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Smaller Bins and Hooks Can Make a Difference
If you have a mudroom, utilize organizational bins to help clear clutter that can get left behind at the end of the day. Labeling these for sports, work, and outerwear can be helpful for different times of the year, as well as assist in avoiding morning chaos. Your kids will be able to help you keep things tidy if they have a dedicated place for their belongings; giving them personalized bins can be the perfect way to create space for everyone in the family.
Adding hooks on the wall, if not already there, can help alleviate the stress of looking for your keys, coat, and other belongings on a daily basis. This will keep everything organized and allows your hallways to be kept clear.
Take the time to focus on small renovations or updates to really make a difference in the spaces you’re creating in your home. Small adjustments to rooms can help produce an environment that is both inviting and organized, keeping your home put together through all the changes and events happening in your new year.
