Divide the apartment into functional areas for more organization.
Apartments often fall short in the storage department. The fact that it is a rental and not your own may limit the type of storage systems you can add to the space. However, you can organize all of your belongings without sacrificing the living space in your apartment. Keeping your belongings neat and organized will make the apartment look bigger once you eliminate the clutter. Take advantage of the features offered by your apartment as a starting point for organization. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Take a day or two to sort through each room to find items you can donate or toss to pare down your belongings.
2. Divide the main areas of the apartment into functional areas based on your normal activities. For example, the living room might include a desk for your office area, a reading area and a TV-watching area. You don't need to physically divide the space unless it makes sense but keep an idea of the different areas in your mind as you organize.
3. Arrange the existing furniture to fit the functional areas. For example, you might move a comfortable chair, side table and bright lamp to the corner of the living room for a reading nook.
4. Purchase a few furniture pieces that double as storage. Consider a wide ottoman that opens to reveal storage. It can double as additional seating. End tables with drawers and a chest or trunk that can double as a coffee table with a glass top are other options.
5. Store items you don't use frequently in storage boxes under your bed. Consider a closet organizer system. It can be used inside the closet or freestanding.
6. Ask your landlord if you can add wall shelves or hooks. If not, purchase freestanding shelves to hold such items as books, CDs, DVDs and storage containers.
7. Store smaller items in photo boxes and plastic tubs. Add organizers to all drawers.
8. Sort through mail and other paper items that tend to pile up on a regular basis. At least once a week, go through these items and get rid of the things you don't need. Put everything else back in its designated spot to keep the apartment organized.
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