Creating an organized and tidy home is possible, even in a small space. With intention and thoughtful design, you can maximize every inch to create a home that feels open and serene. Here are some tips for keeping clutter at bay and decorating with purpose in a small home.

Embrace Minimalism

The key to keeping a small space neat is to be ruthless about only keeping belongings you use and love. Adopt a minimalist mindset by reducing clutter and focusing on simplicity.

Purge the Unnecessary

Go through each room and get rid of things you don’t need or use. Donate, sell or recycle anything that is just taking up space.

Buy Less

Before bringing something new into your home, ask yourself if you really need it or if it serves a purpose. Consider if it can be borrowed or rented instead of purchased.

Organize Thoroughly

Group like items together and store them where they make the most sense. Install organizers and storage solutions to keep items hidden but accessible.

Utilize Every Inch

In a small home, wasted space is a decorator’s worst enemy. Use design tricks to maximize every bit of your square footage.

Hang Wall Storage

Install floating shelves, rail systems, pegboards and slatwalls to take advantage of vertical wall space. Hang frequently used items for easy access.

Look Up

Use the ceiling to install storage racks, hanging planters or even a pulley system for lifting items up and out of the way.

Multifunctional Furniture

Invest in pieces like ottomans with storage inside, beds with drawers underneath or nesting tables that slide together when not in use.

Built-In Storage

Take advantage of awkward nooks by having customized built-ins or shelving installed. Use them to store items specific to that area.

Edit Your Decor

When it comes to decor, carefully curate only those items that you love and that make the space feel like home to you.

Quality over Quantity

Choose a few meaningful art pieces rather than cluttering walls with too many photos and prints. Focus on investment pieces you’ll have for years.

Display Collections Creatively

Design a vignette that highlights your favorite collection while keeping it pared down. Rotate items seasonally so it stays fresh.

Greenery over Clutter

Plants instantly make a space feel welcoming without adding visual clutter. Opt for large statement plants rather than dozens of tiny succulents.

Multipurpose Furnishings

Choose furniture like a storage ottoman that can serve as a coffee table but conceal blankets, books and more when not in use.

Maintain Consistent Habits

No organizing strategy will work if you don’t uphold habits to keep things clean, tidy and clutter-free.

Put Things Away Immediately

Don’t let belongings pile up on surfaces. As soon as you’re done with something, put it back in its designated spot.

Do a 5-Minute Tidy

Set a daily reminder to quickly tidy, streaming music as you go for motivation. Just 5 minutes makes a big difference over time.

Declutter Regularly

Designate time monthly or seasonally to purge items you no longer need. Donate or sell them to avoid creeping clutter.

Deep Clean Seasonally

In addition to daily tidying, set aside time quarterly for an in-depth clean of every room. Get organized again.

Decorate With Intention

The secret to keeping tidy in small spaces is being intentional about every item you bring in. Evaluate purchases against your goals for a serene, minimalist home. With smart organization, vertical storage and consistent habits, it’s possible to decorate in a way that feels spacious, even with limited square footage. Focus on keeping only belongings you truly love or need to create a peaceful retreat.

FAQs About Keeping Tidy in Smaller Spaces

How can I make a small space feel bigger?

• Use lighter colors on walls, floors and furniture to give the illusion of more space
• Add mirrors to reflect light and create depth
• Install shelving vertically to take advantage of unused wall space
• Get furniture that can serve multiple purposes, like an ottoman that opens for storage
• Built-in storage like shelves and cabinets maximizes unused nooks and crannies

What are some tips for decluttering a small home?

• Go through each space and be ruthless about donating or selling unused items
• Store seasonal items you only use part of the year elsewhere
• Organize with storage bins, baskets and organizers so everything has a designated spot
• Purge first, then organize what remains into proper places
• Maintain the system by putting things back immediately once you’re done using them

How do I avoid clutter from accumulating again after decluttering?

• Institute a “one in, one out” rule so that any new items require removing another
• Store things where they are used – kitchen items in kitchen, etc.
• Have a donation box/bag for impulse purchases you later realize you don’t need
• Do a 5-minute daily tidy and quick organization as part of your routine
• Review your space monthly and purge what you didn’t use the past month

What multipurpose furniture works well in small spaces?

• Ottomans with storage space inside are great for small living rooms
• Nesting tables provide flexible surfaces when needed but store out of the way
• Beds with drawers built into the base maximize bedroom storage
• A drop-leaf dining table folds down when not entertaining guests
• Coffee tables with lift-tops allow room for serving then tidy away

How can I decorate a small space on a budget?

• Use a neutral color palette as a base since colors are inexpensive to change
• Seek out secondhand finds at thrift stores, garage sales and online listings
• Upcycle existing furniture with a fresh coat of paint rather than buying new
• Rotate seasonal decor items stored elsewhere to give spaces a refreshed feel
• Spend on key versatile pieces like a matching sofa and chair that will last

What daily habits keep a small space tidy?

• Make the bed each morning so the room looks organized
• Put things back immediately once you’re finished using them
• Do a quick tidy of surfaces before leaving the house each day
• Deal with clutter “hotspots” like the kitchen counter right away if they pile up
• Assign a home for everything so items aren’t left out on display

Conclusion

Decorating with intention is key to keeping tidy in a small home. By being ruthless about clutter, embracing multipurpose furniture and built-ins, and establishing daily habits, you can maximize every inch of space. Focus on quality possessions you love, display them creatively, and keep similar items organized together for a serene feel. With some creativity and commitment to consistency, you can decorate a small space in a way that feels spacious, organized and tranquil.