Living in a small space may feel cramped at times, but there are ways to make it a rewarding experience. Finding ways to store what you really need and then getting rid of your other possessions can be very liberating. Many people discover that they find more happiness living in a smaller place than in a bigger one. In fact, many people stick to their minimalist ways even if they end up moving to a bigger place.

Foot Rest Ottoman

1) Start looking at things differently. When you shop, think about what you need as opposed to what you want. This by itself will not only limit the amount of money that you waste, but will limit the amount of stuff coming into your home. When you do find something that you need, try to purchase things with multiple functions. A foot rest or ottoman can open up to reveal storage for books, magazines, or remote controls. A chair could have armrests that open up to reveal storage. A couch could have drawers underneath to store out of season shoes. Concentrating on buying multiple-function furniture is a great way to create storage and harmony in a small living space.

Foot Rest Ottoman

2) In the kitchen, see which appliances you can do without. You don't really need a stand-alone mixer if you have a small handheld one. You may find that you don't need a microwave as much as you thought you did. The broiler in the oven is just as effective as a toaster or toaster oven. A percolator or French press is just as handy as a coffee pot. Minimize the things that you own. Then, for dishes, only buy casseroles and mixing bowls that have lids and that nest inside of each other. One set of bowls and one set of casserole dishes will have your kitchen almost fully stocked.

3) Try to choose furniture that takes advantage of vertical space in your home. A short wide bookshelf will take up floor space, while a tall, slender corner unit will take up almost no space at all. Look at things that can fold up or store flat instead of big, traditional furniture. A table the folds up and stores flat against the wall can be very useful. Beds that double as couches are perfect for accommodating company.

4) The need for dressers can be eliminated if you learn to use your closet space correctly. Use vertical space by moving bars up high. This can usually free-up enough space below for additional bars or shelving. Use space saving hangers, like velvet hangers, to cascade items from each other. These hangers fit flat together to help eliminate wrinkles and save you two to three times more space in your closet than you can with traditional hangers.

Minimalist Furniture

Foot Rest Ottoman