Ideas For Using Your Space Effectively

Feel like you're running out of space for all your stuff?

Here are simple ideas for using your space more effectively.

INSUFFICIENT OR INEFFECTIVE

Do you have insufficient storage space or ineffective storage space?

There's a big different. Insufficient storage space means you don't have enough space for your things. Ineffective space means you have enough space for your things, but you're not making the best use of that space. Most closets and cabinets have the volume to hold twice as much as they are usually constructed for. And you probably have quite a few nooks and crannies for storage that you haven't even thought of. Of course, it's important to make sure you don't have things you don't like, are outdated, etc., but it is also important to have effective storage space for the things you do like and enjoy.

ADD-A-ROD

Looking for extra storage space in your closet. If you have the type of closet with two+ walls for hanging clothes, on one wall hang a rod at head height for long clothing (dresses, pants, etc.). On the other wall, hang two rods--one above the other--for shorter clothing (shirts, skirts, blazers, etc.) In other words, you're not restricted to only one clothing rod.

INSTALL SHELVES

Most shelves can be moved up-a-notch or down-a-notch. If you have three inches of space above your linens, you may consider adjusting the shelf so the shelf below it has more space. Or, perhaps you can add another shelf in between. Plastic, multiple level shelves are wonderful for kitchen cabinets. And corner shelves are great for picture frames, knick knacks and other small treasures.

USE STORAGE UNITS

Storage units, which can be picked up from housewares or hardware stores, are great space savers. Your spices can be removed from drawers and placed on a spice rack. There are racks for canned goods that, when a can is taken from it, the next can in line rolls forward. Some of these hold over 40 cans! Ice cube trays are inexpensive storage containers for smaller items such as earrings. There are coffee tables on the market with storage space hidden inside. Under bed containers are perfect for storing quilts and linens. Be creative and make use of these great tools!

DON'T FORGET ABOUT WALL SPACE

Look around and you're sure to find quite a bit of empty wall space. There are many uses for this new-found space. Pots and pans can be taken out of cabinets and hung on walls. Tools can be placed on pegboards. Shelves can be installed for picture frames and knick knacks. Many stores now carry corner shelves that can be installed in a snap.

PUT FREQUENTLY USED ITEMS WITHIN ARMS REACH

Whenever possible, store regularly used items where you use them most. Recently, my husband created a toilet paper holder on the back of our bathroom cabinet door, with a small dowel, 2 nails and 2 loops of rope. It holds three rolls of toilet paper, and it's right near the area it's needed most. You shouldn't have to walk from one room to another to retrieve items you use every day. Store linens in the bedroom. Store videos near the television. If you use the scissors in the office area and in the sewing room, have two pairs of scissors, one in each room.

ADD-A-DRAWER OR SLIDING SHELF

Many hardware and housewares stores carry drawers that can be installed underneath a cabinet. These are great if you have a home with limited drawer space. In addition, you can also install shelves under cabinets that slide out when you need them, and slide back in when you're finished with them.

KEEP YOUR DESK CLEAR

A clear desk is directly related to your productivity. You will get more done, if you're not constantly under a pile of papers and files. A sturdy, full-suspension filing cabinet is a must for any home or office. Portable file boxes that hold hanging file folders also come in handy. There are plenty of storage choices for CD-roms and diskettes. Desk supplies belong in an on-the-desk caddy or in trays inside your desk.

REARRANGE

Everyone is different, and has different needs. Make your home or office work for you. One woman I know told me she never uses her dining room, not even when she has company over. And she had no intention of ever using it since her kitchen was big and elegant enough. She also said she hated her dark basement office. So, I suggested she rearrange a bit, and turn her dining room into her office. And that is exactly what she did. So think about your surroundings and make them work for you, even if they seem a little out of the ordinary.

ROTATE

You may have many items you love in your home or office, but not enough space. Rotate them. In other words, keep some things in storage for a month or two and display some of your things. Then, once that time is up, make the switch. The items on display go into storage; the items in storage go on display. What a neat idea!

by Maria Gracia

http://www.getorganizednow.com

What items do I need to furnish My First Apartment or Home

Photo: Guocoland.com.my

Stocking your first living space can seem like an overwhelming task, but it doesn't have to be.

Use this 5 "S" Space Strategy to help you organize the items you will need to furnish your new living environment.

Before making any purchases, create a list of what furnishings you will need for the below 5 action areas:

Where you Sleep

Where you Sit / Socialize (leisure time)

Where you Snack

Where you Study (work or hobby area)

How you will Sanitize

Let's break these down even further into a general suggested item list of what can fit in these areas. (This list may not included everything for your specific needs, so add or subtract as needed)

Sleep - Bedroom

Bed (frame, mattresses)

Pillow & Bedding (blankets, comforter, sheets)

Dresser or Storage for Clothing

Hangers

Night Stand

Table Lamp

Alarm Clock

Telephone

Chair

Mirror

Socializing / Sitting - Living Room

Comfortable Sofa or Chairs

Side Tables

Table Lamps

Entertainment Center or Stand

Bookcases / Shelving

Coffee Table

Coasters

Snack / Eating - Dining Room or Kitchen

Table (to sit and eat)

Chairs (for table or bar)

Utensils (for eating or cooking)

Plates, bowls, glassware.

Cooking Equipment ( pots & pans, spatulas, coffee makers, can openers, blender,etc., this can be lengthy and is left to personal choice)

Study

Desk (with flat surface for writing & the computer)

ChairComputerOffice Tools (stapler, pens & pencil storage)

Shelving for books

File cabinet

Desk lamp

Sanitizing (Cleaning & Bathroom Supplies)

Sponges

Duster / Dusting cloths

Cleaning Chemicals

Plunger

Mop

Broom

Vacuum Cleaner

Towels & Wash Clothes

This list should give you a good start at setting up house and on your way to making that house/apartment your home.

Article : http://www.rentaldecorating.com/

How to make the Most of a Small Apartment

Picture: Flickr.com

Question:

I HAVE four kids aged 13, 11, seven and five, and we live in an apartment with only two bedrooms and no storeroom. We have many things, including books, CDs, photos, shoes, stationery and toys, which we had gathered over the years and my husband and I are still buying new items for our children on a regular basis.

We kept all the old toys as it is such a waste to throw them away - they are good-quality toys and still in good condition. It is the same case with books. My daughter loves buying books and we do not want to kill her interest in reading by asking her to stop spending on books.
How to maximise a small space?

Then there's also the textbooks, assessment books, lesson notes, examination papers, all of which we are keeping to hand down to our younger kids. We are running out of cupboard space for all these items, so much so that I have to keep some of the toys in the children's wardrobe, along with their clothes; under their study table; and even on the steps on their double-decker bed.

Shoes are another headache.
My children have at least three pairs each, not counting the ones that the older ones cannot wear anymore (which we are keeping for the younger ones). Then there are the shoes belonging to my husband and me.
I hope the professionals can suggest ways we can organise all our things and, if possible, tuck them away neatly.

Ms Angela Lee

Answer:

Your two-room apartment is indeed small for a family of six but, with some planning, you would be able to maximise the space and find your things easily as well.
Cluttered living spaces are difficult to maintain, so let's aim to keep the apartment as spacious as possible but, at the same time, have all the most frequently needed items within easy reach.

You should first consider what you really want to keep. If you are unlikely to ever use something again, it should be disposed of, to free up space. Next, designate storage zones and prioritise them according to accessibility within your apartment.
For each storage zone, you need suitable storage equipment, for example, hangers, plastic bins and shelves.

You will also have to consider whether to store items on a higher level to maximise the space up there. Naturally, higher storage areas are not as accessible as those that are within reach, so they are best used for items that are seldom used.
When it comes to storage equipment, it is most practical to use something that is strong and durable. But you should also consider getting something that would improve the aesthetics of your home. Therefore, you may want to invest in good-looking furniture for the more visible areas.

The next step is to decide what you want to keep but do not use regularly. These items should go into the storage areas that are less accessible - they could be outside your home.
Things that you need to use more regularly should be stored in the apartment within the designated storage zones.

Organising your things can take quite a bit of time, but it will save you time searching for them later had they not been stored in an organised manner. Do label your boxes clearly so that it will be easier for you to find your things later.
For items that have sentimental value which you cannot bear to junk and yet do not want to keep in the apartment (as they take up too much premium space), you may want to consider self-storage service.

Self-storage can help by allowing you to keep these items in a purpose-built location.
You should select a storage facility in a location that is most convenient for you - either near your workplace or near your home - so that should you need to retrieve your things, you don't have to travel too far to get them.

EXTRA SPACE SINGAPORE HOLDINGS

Courtesy of my paper