Maximize Space in Your Apartment

←Older revision		Revision as of 20:44, 26 June 2016
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−	{{fa}}A cozy apartment has a great atmosphere if it's kept organized, but there's no room for error when the clutter starts building up. Take a weekend to reorganize the space and make it as efficient as possible.	+	{{fa}}Apartments--especials in urbal centers--tend to be small. Every square foot needs to work. However, this is an opportunity to focus on what is really important in a living space: functionality, valueing space, and avoiding unneccesary clutter. A small living space can be a great living space, with some thought, tidyiness, and ingenuity.
	[[Category:Home Decorating]]		[[Category:Home Decorating]]
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	== Steps ==		== Steps ==
	=== Organizing Your Space ===		=== Organizing Your Space ===
−	#Measure your apartment. Use a tape measure to find the dimensions of every room you have in inches. If you are going to maximize your space, you need to know how much you have. Measure the height of each room as well. High or low ceilings can affect the amount of space you have.[[Image:Maximize Space in Your Apartment Step 1 Version 2.jpg|center]]	+	#Know how much space you have. If you are going to maximize your space, you need to know how much you have. Measure the height of each room as well. High or low ceilings can affect the amount of space you have. Use a tape measure to find the dimensions of every room you have in feet or meters.
−	#Create multipurpose workspaces. Think about where you spend time in the apartment, and especially where you store your day-to-day work and entertainment. Similar tasks can be done in the same setting. If you're using the whole place but still feeling cramped, try consolidating some of it.<ref> http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/6-triedandtrue-tips-for-making-small-spaces-more-livable-202088</ref>[[Image:Maximize Space in Your Apartment Step 2 Version 2.jpg|center]]	+	#* Having a floor plan is helpful as well. The layout of a room is often as important as the size.
−	#*Your reading corner, computer station, and work desk can all be in the same corner, for example.	+	#* It helps to have these measurements kept in a handy location, such as a purse or binder when furniture-shopping or thrift store browsing.
−	#*A bookcase can be a good way to divide a room into different spaces, creating some division while also providing valuable shelf space.	+	[[Image:Maximize Space in Your Apartment Step 1 Version 2.jpg|center]]
−	<ref>http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/multipurpose-room-dividers-sma-114349</ref> [[Divide a Room Without Dividers| Look for other ways to divide a room]] that emphasizes these spaces, even without using walls.	+	#Create multipurpose workspaces. Think about where you spend time in the apartment, and especially where you store your day-to-day work and entertainment. If you're using the whole place but still feeling cramped, try consolidating some of it.<ref> http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/6-triedandtrue-tips-for-making-small-spaces-more-livable-202088</ref>[[Image:Maximize Space in Your Apartment Step 2 Version 2.jpg|center]]
−	#*Forget traditional arrangements. A dining room is a wonderful thing to have, but do ''you'' really need a large dining table, chairs, and the like? If you do not entertain, and do not need a large table, you likely do not need a dining room. Instead, a small cafe-style table may free up needed room. Or use folding tables if you do have friends over.	+	#*Similar tasks can usually be done in the same setting. Your reading corner, computer station, and work desk can all be in the same corner, for example.
−	#Take advantage of tall ceilings. If your apartment has vertical space to spare, try to move to tall furniture instead of lower, wider pieces.<ref>http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/6-triedandtrue-tips-for-making-small-spaces-more-livable-202088</ref>[[Image:Maximize Space in Your Apartment Step 3 Version 2.jpg|center]]	+	#*A bookcase can be a good way to divide a room, creating some division while also providing valuable shelf space.<ref>http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/multipurpose-room-dividers-sma-114349</ref> [[Divide a Room Without Dividers| Look for other ways to divide a room]] that emphasizes these spaces, even without using walls.
		+	#*Consider non-traditional arrangements. For instance, if you do not entertain, and do not need a large table, you likely do not need a traditional dining room. Instead, a small cafe-style table may free up needed room. Or use folding tables if you do have friends over.
		+	#Think vertically. Make use of every square foot, and think of using space right up to the ceiling. Select tall furniture instead of lower, wider pieces.<ref>http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/6-triedandtrue-tips-for-making-small-spaces-more-livable-202088</ref>[[Image:Maximize Space in Your Apartment Step 3 Version 2.jpg|center]]
	#*You can install two rods in your closet, hanging shirts from the top one and longer clothing items from the lower.		#*You can install two rods in your closet, hanging shirts from the top one and longer clothing items from the lower.
	#*Try to go "floor to ceiling" with bookshelves, taking up as much space as possible.		#*Try to go "floor to ceiling" with bookshelves, taking up as much space as possible.
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	#*If you have not used an item in 12 months, it is most likely clutter. The same goes for anything that does not really bring you happiness, or does not function well--such as being broken, or too big or small.		#*If you have not used an item in 12 months, it is most likely clutter. The same goes for anything that does not really bring you happiness, or does not function well--such as being broken, or too big or small.
	#*A [[Have-a-Garage-Sale|garage sale]] is another good way to give your stuff to people who need it more.		#*A [[Have-a-Garage-Sale|garage sale]] is another good way to give your stuff to people who need it more.
−	#Put objects in storage. If you have furniture or storage boxes with more nostalgic value than practical use, think about [[Use-Self-Storage-Facilities|renting a storage facility]]. This includes things like Grandma's china cabinet that you will use when you get a larger place. A storage locker is also good for rotating seasonal items, like clothing that you will only wear part of the year.<ref> http://www.forbes.com/sites/rent/2013/04/13/ten-apartment-organization-tips-to-maximize-space/</ref>[[Image:Maximize Space in Your Apartment Step 10 Version 2.jpg|center]]	+	#Put objects in storage. If you have furniture that simply does not work for the space, consider [[Use-Self-Storage-Facilities|renting a storage facility]]. This includes things like Grandma's china cabinet that you will use when you get a larger place. A storage locker is also good for rotating seasonal items, like clothing that you will only wear part of the year.<ref> http://www.forbes.com/sites/rent/2013/04/13/ten-apartment-organization-tips-to-maximize-space/</ref>[[Image:Maximize Space in Your Apartment Step 10 Version 2.jpg|center]]
	#*Check with your property owner for nearby storage facilities. He or she may have some tips on the good ones nearby, and might even have a deal with one.		#*Check with your property owner for nearby storage facilities. He or she may have some tips on the good ones nearby, and might even have a deal with one.
	#*If you have a friend or relative with a large house, he or she may let you store these objects in an attic or basement for free.		#*If you have a friend or relative with a large house, he or she may let you store these objects in an attic or basement for free.
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	*The stuff that is rubbish either try to recycle it or take a trip to the local tip and throw.		*The stuff that is rubbish either try to recycle it or take a trip to the local tip and throw.
	*Once a month have a day of taking clutter down to your local charity organisation. It helps them and helps you.		*Once a month have a day of taking clutter down to your local charity organisation. It helps them and helps you.
−	*Leave windows unobstructed if you can. The larger your view, the larger the space feels, even in a small room.	+	*Leave windows unobstructed if you can. Fresh air and a possible fire exit is important. The larger your view, the larger the space feels, even in a small room.
	*Remember that a living space has three dimensions: length, width, and height. Try to think about your space in all three dimensions. Using space above the floor and along the walls helps to create space without reducing the floor area.		*Remember that a living space has three dimensions: length, width, and height. Try to think about your space in all three dimensions. Using space above the floor and along the walls helps to create space without reducing the floor area.
	* If painting, use warm colors for the walls, and white for the ceiling. It will make the room feel less cramped than a room with dark colors on the walls and ceiling. For must have colors that are dark, such as red and blue, dim it with white to make pink or sky blue.		* If painting, use warm colors for the walls, and white for the ceiling. It will make the room feel less cramped than a room with dark colors on the walls and ceiling. For must have colors that are dark, such as red and blue, dim it with white to make pink or sky blue.