Apartment living can be fabulous, but finding space for all your stuff can be tricky.

When it comes to Chicago apartment living, how do you keep things nice and organized?

With a few tips and tricks, you can transform your small apartment into a comfortable, functional living space.

Read on to learn about ways you can maximize your space and stay organized with ease.

Say Goodbye to Clutter

You don’t have to be Marie Kondo to have an organized space. It’s easy to get rid of excess clutter if you truly want to.

First, take a close look at everything you own and decide if it’s currently serving your needs. If the answer is no, it may be time to part ways.

You can even sell unwanted items online or through local marketplace listings. Not only will you declutter, but you’ll also make a little extra money for the rent.

If you have a lot of things you just can’t part with, try to keep them neatly in one place. For those who live in small apartments, clutter does nothing but get in your way.

A good rule of thumb is that the less clutter you have, the larger your apartment will appear. Make sure you have a clear pathway in every room so you can easily walk from one end to the other.

And, when you declutter, you’re also freeing your mind. Homes with little to no clutter tend to look and feel more peaceful, and this reflects in your mental state.

Use Shelving to Your Advantage in Your Chicago Apartment

Shelves can make life a lot easier, and they also add a great look to the space. If your apartment already has built-ins, that’s an added bonus.

Add a bookshelf to your living room and use it to stash and store items like your favorite books and DVDs. Shelving is also fantastic for displaying your favorite collectibles.

If you happen to have a home office, be sure to use a shelf in there, too. You can keep paperwork, office supplies, and other items stored in bins on the shelf.

No matter which room you use them in, shelving is something you can definitely use to your advantage. Place your favorite objects on shelves instead of tables to free up functional space.

Functional Furniture Tips

If you live in a small Chicago apartment, try moving all of the furniture against the wall. This gives the illusion that the room is larger, and it also gives you a lot more floor space.

You should also make sure that every piece of furniture defines the room. This is especially important for those who live in studio apartments.

Utilize the furniture to create boundaries so that every area of the apartment has a specific purpose. Look at the layout of your apartment before you move in. Then, draw up a plan for where you’ll place each piece of furniture.

Another hack? Open-style furniture like open shelving makes the space look a lot bigger than it really is. Light-colored furniture has the same effect as opposed to darker pieces that can make the place feel closed in.

Hang mirrors in as many places as possible to create the illusion of space. Mirrors are also a great way to get more light in the room, which will help with the visual appearance of a larger area.

Choose smaller furniture if you have a small apartment. For example, a small round dining table with chairs that tuck underneath will help you maximise the designated dining area.

Large couches can cramp a living room, so try something a bit more sleek and modern. Furniture with exposed legs that appear to “float” not only look modern, but they also help to trick the eye into giving the room a larger look.

Incorporate Organization Into the Space

When you live in a small apartment, staying organized can be tough. You can combat this by adding some organizational pieces to existing furniture.

If your bed is high up, use slender sweater and shoe storage boxes that you can slide underneath. Or, add your own drawers to the bed so you have extra space to keep your clothing.

Many platform beds come with optional storage under them, so take advantage of that whenever possible. Keep everything neat and tidy with dressers and cabinets so you can keep items in a designated spot.

The key to an organized home is to use every single space to your advantage. You can improve the situation by purchasing bins and labeling each one with the contents.

Fill your bins with items like kitchen tools, office supplies, and cosmetics. Then, strategically place them in their designated rooms with the label attached.

This trick makes finding the items you need easy, and it eliminates excess clutter on surfaces and in drawers. Another good trick is to go vertical, and store as much as you can up high whenever possible.

It’s easy to make the most of your space once you know how to properly organize the things you own. With a few changes, your apartment can be functional and beautiful at the same time.

Apartment Living Made Easy

For anyone in a small Chicago apartment, it’s easy to keep your home neat, tidy, and totally clutter-free. Use these tips to give your place a sense of organization and calm.

When you make the most of your space, you’ll have more time to entertain friends and enjoy life in general.

If you’re interested in an apartment in the Chicago area, visit our website for our current listings and give us a call today for availability.