As an architect, I have an annoying sensitivity to clutter and obstructions. (see free ebook on “24 ways decluttering can save you money”)
I’m always thinking if things could be put away to make a small space feel bigger.
Here are some of the things I notice.
Bulky furniture
Furniture should be appropriate for the space, with clearances around the edges so that you can freely move around them. Bulky furniture, whether they are tables, chairs or shelving can be a big factor in an apartment feeling small.
Furniture placement
If furniture is placed against windows, or near door openings, they can make it harder to get around and appreciate the natural light. This makes homes feel smaller.
Secondary storage
Dressers, tall boys, shoe cupboards and mobile clothing racks all add to the visual bulk of an apartment. Ideally they are in storage or wardrobes.
Disparate storage
Whilst there are different shelving types for different items, shelves of different size and colour can make fitting stuff harder. They also leave wasted space in gaps and make it harder to clean with awkward corners
Corridor obstructions
Corridors are generally 1 metre wide. When items are permanently placed in them like groceries, daily bags, toys or the like, they make it harder to step through the home, and increase potential cleaning time
Kitchen Benchtops covered
When benchtops are fully covered by appliances, dishes, pots, books, craft and paperwork, they make it harder to clean and prepare meals
Kitchen sinks can also be filled up cleaning equipment that actually make it harder to wash
Bathroom vanities covered
Similar to kitchens. Vanities with many disparate items are harder to clean and make the home cluttered
Items on the floor
Clothing, boxes, vacuum cleaners, magazines or just about anything on the floor makes it harder to clean and clutter up the space.
Bulky lighting
Pendant and oyster lighting can make a living space feel small. In the evenings as the source of light is only from one point, they make the room feel even smaller
Too much fluff
Pillows and cushions can have some use. However, beds with a lot of pillows, or sofas with a lot of cushions can make it a hassle to arrange yourself on them. They can take up seating space or end up thrown on the floor
Christmas cards that are laid out are a pain to keep neat. They are always falling over in the wind, or pushed over by kids or pets. They take up space when not organised
Dark furniture
Homes with dominant dark coloured furniture can make a space feel smaller
Cardboard boxes
Any cardboard boxes that are brought into the home, are generally unnecessary long term.
Loose paperwork
If mail or paperwork comes into the home and doesn’t have a place, they can easily end up scattered. They take up table top space, and waste time in trying to find important information.
Kids toys domination
We all change priorities when we have kids. For some, the kids related items have a prominent place in the home. Toys everything in the house does make it harder to tidy up. Its generally better to cordon off an area for kids, so that there is a respite space for parents.
What to do about it?
In recognising what makes a space feel cluttered, it’s a lot easier to understand where the decluttering opportunities are. This blog is dedicated to exploring space saving and decluttering solutions. For further tips and resources, please join our email list