Are your new living arrangements a bit more snug than you’re used to? Don’t fret! With these tips and tricks you’ll be able to maximize the space you have so you can comfortably live in a small bedroom!
Why Live in a Small Bedroom?
If you’re currently surrounded by boxes, panicking and thinking, ‘why in the world did I think I could live in such a small space?!’, I’m here to tell you that you’re not alone. Plenty of people choose to live in a small bedroom! Here’s why.
TO SAVE MONEY
For one, you will save so much money! Whether you’ve decided to move back in with your parents or are renting a room in a house, choosing to share a living space with others means that your rent is going to be a quarter of the price.
You’ll not only be saving money on rent, you’ll be saving money on stuff too. You won’t have as much space to put stuff, hence, you’ll turn into a minimalist by necessity. It’ll be hard to justify a purchase when there simply isn’t a place for it.
to have more flexibility
Living in a small bedroom also means that you can lead a more alternative lifestyle. You don’t own a house yet! Paying rent means that you can negotiate a flexible lease.
Talk to your landlord about renting your room out month to month, that way, if you decide you want to travel, you’re off the hook! You can negotiate any of the terms of your lease agreement to make it fit your lifestyle and goals. If you’re occupying a small bedroom in your parent’s home, you can probably dip out when you need to as well!
to clean less
Living in a small bedroom also means that you’ll spend way less time cleaning! Your space is small, hence, less to clean.
to make your space feel cozy
Lastly, it’s way easier to make a small space feel homey and cozy.
You don’t need to worry about furnishing and decorating an entire home. By focusing on a small space, you’ll be able to turn it into your own personal oasis.
How to Prepare for Small Space Living
If you’re making the transition to small space living, here are a few ways to prepare.
1. Declutter Your Space
The first step to prepare for small space living is to declutter! You simply won’t have space for all the stuff you currently have. By getting rid of stuff preemptively, you’ll be less overwhelmed when it’s time to move.
Below are some tips to declutter your space with ease!
- Start with the least overwhelming areas of your home first
- Be ruthless! If you’re moving into a single bedroom, you’ll have to be very picky with what you choose to keep
- Elicit some help. Have a friend or family member advise you on stuff to get rid of. They may point out some things that you overlooked
- Don’t neglect your wardrobe and kitchen pantry! These are two areas that get very cluttered, very fast
- If you have the time, take your time. If you don’t have a fast approaching move out date, don’t rush the decluttering process. Put the things that you plan to get rid of in an empty closet, corner or box and wait 30 days before you get rid of them. If you find yourself reaching for one of the items you set aside before the 30 days are up, you’ll be happy you didn’t toss it.
Looking for some creative decluttering tips? Click here!
2. Keep Things Organized
You’ll have to be very organized if you plan to keep everything you own in a small bedroom. Otherwise, your space will become chaotic.
If you’re not already an organized person, the best way to start is by creating habits. Assign everything you own a designated spot and always return things to where they belong.
Put like items together when deciding where things go. For instance, find a spot to put all of your cables, another spot for your books and so on.
Organizing your things in storage tubs can be super helpful as well. Looking for a spot to store your linens, towels and heavy coats? These totes are my go-to’s! How about someplace to put your knick knacks and toiletries? These baskets will do the trick!
3. Clean As You Go
In a small space, cleaning as you go is just as important as staying organized.
Get in the habit of putting things away as soon as you’ve finished using them. Instead of letting your mess build, tackle little messes as they come up. That way, you never feel like you’re being buried beneath all of your things.
If you don’t own many cleaning supplies, a vacuum cleaner or a washing machine (on account of you living in such a small space) I’ve got some tips for you! I wrote an article about how to do chores as a minimalist. You can read it here!
In a small space, the expression, ‘clean space, clear mind’ rings especially true. Keep your space tidy to keep your mind at ease.
How to Make Everything Fit Into a Small Bedroom
I was in college when I had to live in a small bedroom for the first time. My roommate and I shared a bedroom and common space with two other girls. This common space consisted of a large vanity, a shower and a toilet. No kitchen. No living room.
This meant I had to fit everything I owned into one small bedroom. Technically speaking, half of a small bedroom.
I learned some pretty neat tricks that helped me fit everything I owned into this very small space.
Here they are!
1. Utilize Under The Bed Storage
So many people decide to ditch their bed frame when they move into a small space. I totally understand why. They’re huge and clunky. Throwing a mattress down on the ground is so much simpler than having to lug a bed frame around.
With this being said, I highly suggest you get a bed frame anyway. Here’s why.
By not lifting your mattress up off the ground, you are missing out on so much potential storage space. You can easily fit all of your shoes, seasonal items, linens and towels under your bed with the proper storage bins. These are my absolute favorite!
2. Switch to Multi-Purpose Items
Multi-purpose items are key to small space living. Think about it, if every item you own can take the place of a few items, you’ll end up owning so much less. Less stuff means more space!
3. Use Your Corners
Most bedrooms have four corners. Use them!
There are many corner furniture pieces on the market that you can replace with your traditional furniture. Making the switch will leave you with so much more floor space! Investing in a corner bookshelf, desk and storage cabinet is a great place to start.
4. Keep Furniture at a Bare Minimum
When furnishing your living space, keep it at a bare minimum.
Consider what furniture you really need and what furniture would end up being purely decorative. If you don’t own many books, a book shelf will end up being a waste of space. Same goes for a desk. If you don’t use one, don’t get one just because you feel like a bedroom should have one. Everyone’s furniture needs are completely different, your’s included!
Going completely furniture free is also an option. Interested in learning what it means to be furniture free?! Click here!
5. Utilize The Vertical Space
In a small space, you need to utilize every square inch. So don’t neglect the vertical space available to you!
Install some floating shelves or get yourself a tall shelving unit. You’d be surprised by how much extra space this will give you.
6. Choose a Sleeper Sofa or Futon
If you’re considering getting a couch for your space, look into buying a sleeper sofa or futon instead. It’ll come in super handy if you like to host guests!
7. Opt for a Smaller Mattress
If your bedroom is very small, remember that you can always get a twin mattress instead of a queen or king. If living in a dorm taught me anything, it’s that twin mattresses aren’t as bad as they sound.
8. Opt For Fold Out Furniture
Fold out furniture is a life saver (and a space saver) if you’re living in a small bedroom!
Instead of getting yourself a large wooden table and chairs, opt for lightweight foldable chairs and a foldable table. That way, you can store them away when they’re not being used.
9. Limit Room Decor to Rugs and Wall Art
Decorating your space with rugs and wall art will make it feel so much more homey. Plus, decorative pieces that lye flat against your walls and floors won’t clutter your floor space!
How to Keep Your Small Space From Feeling Cramped
Living comfortably in a small bedroom isn’t just about making everything you own fit. It’s equally important to make it feel as spacious as possible!
Here are some tips to keep your small space from feeling cramped.
1. Add a Mirror
Mirrors are my favorite optical illusion. They make a space appear so much larger.
Opt for a wall mirror so that you don’t lose any floor space in an effort to make your space look bigger.
2. Let There Be Light
If you haven’t secured a place quite yet, try and find one with large windows. The more natural light that funnels into your space, the less cramped it will feel.
If you’ve already moved in and your space doesn’t have any windows, don’t fret. You can easily create a similar illusion by adding a lamp or two.
3. Paint The Walls White
White walls create the illusion of spaciousness. If your walls are painted a dark color, talk to your landlord about painting them white. It’s such a simple way to keep your space from feeling cramped.
4. Put up Room Dividers
Put up room dividers to keep yourself from feeling like you’re living in a box. Look for beautiful ones that will double as room decor!
There are many different textures and styles to choose from. I’ve found room dividers made from bamboo, wood, beads and cloth. Find ones that fit your vibe!
5. Decorate With Hanging Plants
There’s nothing like adding a bit of life to your space to make it feel less cramped. Get yourself a plant or two! Hang your plants up so that they don’t take up much room.
If you’re new to plant parenting, get yourself a Pothos. This plant is super easy to take care of and looks beautiful hanging from the ceiling.
To Wrap It Up
Moving into a small space can be very intimidating. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to maximize the space you have so that you’re as comfortable as you can possibly be!
Which was your favorite space saving hack? Let me know in the comments below!
