Whether you have a large, spacious apartment or a smaller, more intimate and cozy layout, it’s important to make the most of the space you have. Amanda Thomas, the founder of Tempe-based Moxie Girl Household Assistants, shares her favorite tips and tricks for how to keep homes and apartments looking clean and uncluttered.
Everything you own should have a designated spot where it belongs – whether it’s for storage or display or a combination of the two. Luckily, there are so many great looking options to choose from! Here are some of my favorites.
1. Think vertically, especially in small spaces. Command hooks are amazing! They’re easy to move around and are available to hold a variety of weights. Even better, Command hooks will not damage the paint or finish on a surface, so you won’t have to worry about dinging your security deposit. Command hooks are fabulous in the kitchen. Use the back of a pantry or cupboard door to hang potholders, measuring cups and spoons, and anything else you use regularly. You can also use the hooks to hang artwork, photos, jewelry, whatever you like!
2. Use the backs of doors. When you think about it, the backs of doors are wasted space, so why not put them to good use? From organizing shoes and toys to cleaning supplies, personal care items or even snacks, there is a wide range of over the door organizers to suit your needs. Have toddlers or small children? Use Command hooks and a series of drawstring bags to store children’s toys and then hang them up and out of the way. (Don’t forget that last piece of Lego!)
3. Containers RULE. People swoon over places like The Container Store, and for good reason. It’s the Marie Kondo of retail shopping – with boxes, bags, bins and storage containers in what feels like hundreds of sizes, shapes, and styles – for virtually every imaginable purpose. For instance – don’t store cleaning products loose under the sink – box them together for easy access. This can also help prevent damage to the cupboard in case of leaks.
4. Don’t overlook under bed storage. If it’s out of season or you only use it occasionally – think winter clothing, coats, and blankets – stowing them under the bed will keep the linen closet free for your towels, sheets and other items more frequently in use. Look for vacuum bags that dramatically reduce the volume and size of otherwise bulky items. Items like rolls of gift wrap or other odd shaped things can also be boxed and stored under beds.
Whether you’re just moving in, settled but in need of some help, or are planning to move to a new space, take the time to plan how you want things organized, and save your space for living, not storing.