Small Living Tips: Making the Most of Your Space

September 26, 2025

I lived in a small apartment in Seattle for many years with my dog. Then my boyfriend moved in with his big dog. We made it work for almost a year before we decided to move into a bigger place. When we moved, he was shocked at how much stuff I actually had! I am very good at maximizing the space in small places, without it feeling too overwhelming. Living in a small space doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort, beauty, or joy. With a little creativity and intention, you can create a home that supports your lifestyle and truly makes you happy. In this post, I will give you some of my best tips for maximizing every inch.

Curate and Edit

Fill your home with pieces that serve your best self. Let go of extra furniture and items that don’t add joy, meaning, or that function efficiently. Just because something was free or once useful doesn’t mean it deserves to stay. There are many things that I collected and loved, but eventually decided to give away. I’ve found “Buy Nothing” is a great way to give away items that were harder to give away because I knew they were going to someone who really wanted them.

Create Double-Duty Spaces

Make rooms work harder by blending functions, like a guest room that doubles as an office. If you’re in a one bedroom apartment, you’re probably already doing this. If needed, use screens or collapsible furniture to convert spaces as you need. Choose furniture with built-in storage, such as ottomans, carts, storage beds, or sectionals.

Think Vertical

Use shelving, hooks, and tall storage units to free up floor space. I am a huge fan of adjustable free standing wire shelving, because you can adjust the shelves to the exact height you need. Closed bookcases with glass or solid doors are also a good choice, depending on what you need to store, because they help reduce dust and housekeeping.

Light Matters

This is one I’m very picky about. Good lighting transforms a small space. Aim for three types of light: ambient, task, and accent. Choose LED bulbs around 2700–3000K for a warm, calming glow. Tall lamps that shine light from above can make ceilings feel higher.

Add Depth and Warmth

Mirrors reflect light and visually expand rooms, but it’s important to pay attention to what they are reflecting (don’t have them reflecting more clutter, trash, or electric wiring). Layer in texture, plants, and artwork to create a cozy yet spacious feel. If you have access to outdoor areas, treat them as an extension of your living space.

Embrace Meaning and Memories

Remember: memories are portable. You don’t need to keep every object to hold onto a moment. Display sentimental pieces with intention. Shadow boxes, collections, or small vignettes tell your story better than items hidden in bins. Sure, it’s fine to keep some sentimental items boxed up, but the point is, be intentional on what you’re keeping. Don’t just shove it in a box for safe keeping.

Host with Ease

Don’t let limited square footage stop you from entertaining. Use serving trays on couches or laps, and embrace informal, cozy gatherings. One of my favorite birthday parties was when I had a bunch of friends crammed into my tiny apartment.

Invest Wisely

Custom built-ins can be costly, but when thoughtfully designed, they maximize every inch. Adjustable shelving is another smart investment, since your needs and lifestyle will evolve over time. You can also get creative and use an Ikea hack, or make your own furniture!

Experiences Over Stuff

When it comes to gifting or celebrating, focus on creating shared experiences instead of accumulating more possessions. This mindset keeps your home (and the homes of your friends and family members) uncluttered and rich with meaning.

Small living isn’t about restriction, it’s about intention. By curating what you own, designing flexible spaces, and layering in warmth through lighting, texture, and personal touches, your home can feel both spacious and deeply supportive of your life.