Back in August, I downsized from a 3 bed/2 bath house to a 1 bedroom apartment a third of its size. My new place may look cute, but boy oh boy, to be completely honest, it has been a struggle!
In my blog post, Bungalow by the Bay, I shared details of my move and new place in the Bay Area with you! Since then, I’ve “moved” again, into a different 450 square foot unit down the hallway (loooooong story, I’ll spare you the gory landlord details), and this time it’s a studio apartment! If moving and redecorating all over again wasn’t painful enough, having to reorganize and creatively figure out how to make up for my lack of storage has also been a challenge. I mentioned this a bit in my recent Apartment Therapy House Tour, but today I want to share some tips on how I manage to keep my new “tiny home” from feeling tight, while also keeping it clean and tidy!
PURGE
It’s pretty simple - the less stuff you possess, the less stuff you have to store. So when downsizing into a smaller place, take the least amount of items possible. This has been difficult for me because I’m naturally a hoarder and don’t like to get rid of things. #packratsunite However, even with my storage unit across the street (which I look at as an extra rent payment and bill), I only have one closet versus four + a garage, and the limited storage space will just have to do. The bright side? You don’t feel as tempted to impulse shop because you have no place to store the additional clothing and shoes. :-)
LIGHT
Speaking of the bright side, smaller homes sometimes come with less or no windows. That’s especially the case for my windowless bathroom and snug studio apartment. I was lucky to have 3 large windows in my living space that provide great light, so I keep the blinds open daily. Natural light helps small places feel larger and less cramped, not to mention offers Vitamin D and positive energy. I also open my windows often to take advantage of the fresh air and pleasant weather. For spaces that may be zero natural light, use light paint colors and keep surfaces clean. This is especially the case for bathrooms. The less you have lying around, the lighter it looks and feels.
FRESH
Fresh flowers, fresh towels, fresh linens, fresh scents - fresh everything! Trust me - the more your home feels like a boutique hotel, the better it’ll feel. Keep the bathroom clutter-free, but add white towels and a vase of fresh flowers on the sink. In addition to these practical items, add fresh pieces of decor to help your space increase its intrigue and personality. Make a HomeGoods run and find an oil painted canvas for the wall. upgrade your trash can, bath rugs and soap dispenser at Target. Pick out a pair of new pillows for your sofa with a throw to match. And you don’t have to break the bank! Just a small dose of freshness can make a huge impact.
STORE
Store things away in a thoughtful and user-friendly way. Invest in containers, baskets and organizational supplies that will help you maintain your neatness. Whether it’s The Container Store or the Dollar Store, find tools that will assist you in a way that expands your storage and makes your life easier. Keep the items you need within reach and more organized, while tucking away seasonal items and things you don’t necessarily need to look at everyday. For example, store blenders and small kitchen appliances in the cabinets if you don’t use them at least once a week. Roll up those thick sweaters and put them in a rollaway container that fits under the bed during the warmer months so they don’t crowd your closet. If it makes sense for you, do it!
INTENT
Be intentional about everything. Make time in the morning to make your bed. Spend an extra 5 minutes wiping down the bathroom sink or throwing damp towels in the washing machine before walking out the door. Refuse to go to bed with dishes in the sink versus loaded in the dishwasher. Create new habits that are positive and infuse discipline in your daily routines and overall lifestyle. As you become more disciplined in these habits, the actions will come naturally to you and echo in other parts of your life - professionally and personally. And lastly, give yourself a little grace and be patient throughout the process. Rome wasn’t built in a day (not even the smallest home within it), and remember, practice makes perfect!
I began this blog post by complaining a bit, but I assure you, downsizing and embracing minimalism has paid off in a big way for me. Though moving to the Bay Area costs me more money in rent, I’m spending way less in utilities, groceries and shopping overall. The decrease in expenses have had a net positive effect on my budget, as well as my daily routine and mental space. A clean and happy house can bring one peace, and that can only result in making you a much happier person.
I hope you found these tips helpful! If you have any advice you’d like to share, comment below or shoot me an email at amber@blessedlittlebungalow.com! I’d love to hear from you.
As always, be blessed!
ACG
Design Deets:
Bath Mat - Urban Outfitters
Soap Dispenser - Target
Marble Canister - World Market
Original Artwork - Rachel Stewart Art
Artwork and Frames - HomeGoods, Target, Marshalls
Tiered Shelving - - HomeGoods
Organization Containers - HomeGoods
Round Canisters - IKEA
Toilet Paper Storage - At Home
Professional Photography - Tom Holland Photography via Snappr
