FIVE TIPS ON SMALL SPACES
Moving in with someone? Peter shares his advice for combining two lives into one compact home
Decluttering expert Peter Walsh explains how to beat one of life’s big dilemmas: moving in together and combining two lives into one home
QMy partner and I have recently moved into our first apartment together. We’re excited about it, but it’s only about the size of each of our previous places. Any advice for helping us set up in a small space? Jen and John, Fortitude Valley, Qld
ACongratulations! That’s a great big step. Getting the most out of a small space requires some careful thinking. Here are my best tips for starting out. 1. Do you really, really need it? The first step to having a place that you can live in comfortably is to try to whittle down your possessions to the absolute minimum. Small spaces that are cluttered are suffocating. Think about how you’ll be using your unit. For instance, you’re probably never going to have a meal for more than six at home. I’d suggest that you can reduce the numbers of plates, forks, spoons, etc. down to six. Similarly for all of your clothes and all personal items. Be a little bit ruthless and get rid of things you no longer need, wear, use or want. Also, do you need large appliances, such as a washer and dryer, in the unit? Without those bulky appliances, you may free up even more storage. 2. Look for extra hidden areas. Be clever in using all of the space available to you. Some smartly placed hooks high up on the walls can hold items that you don’t use regularly up off the floor and out of the way. Also, one of my favourite tools is a clear plastic shoe organiser that slips over a door. They’re great for shoes, but also work for the storage of personal items and even small things that take up space like belts, underwear or hats. Finally, look under your bed for extra storage. Think about getting inexpensive risers, which will raise your bed a little. That additional space is great for items you don’t need regularly. 3. Double-duty furniture. Wherever possible, steer clear of furniture that only has one function. Handy things are coffee tables or ottomans with extra storage space inside, dining room tables that can double as a desk, and if you’re really pressed for space, consider a pull-out sofa bed that could also function as your main bed. There are lots of furniture ideas on the market that specialise in giving you extra storage space in your new home. Check out what’s available. 4. Keep what you need out and store the rest high or in out-of-the-way locations. Your off-season clothes can be stored by using vacuum-sealed bags. It’s amazing how much less space your winter jumpers take up when they’ve been compressed. Once it’s a tight little brick, throw it into one of your suitcases and store underneath your newly-raised bed. 5. Keep things neat and clean as you go. Finally, my last bit of advice to you is to try to keep things neat and organised every day. You will never feel comfortable in a cluttered space – trust me on this one! Commit yourself to keeping your home tidy and try not to let things pile up on you both. As you’re moving in, take the time to decide whether each item really needs to be in the house to begin with. With a commitment to keeping your place organised, it’s amazing how much space you can find. Good luck with it!