For many of us, room can seem all too limiting in our apartments. After years of collecting furniture, decorations, clothes and knick knacks, we are left with more stuff than space to put it all.  Having a roommate or living in a studio to save money, can pose even a greater challenge in the quest of creating a functional, practical and aesthetically pleasing living environment. See some of the tips below to help you keep organized and spacious!

Walls Can Talk

When you lack floor space, move to the walls! The decorations on your walls will draw the eye to that area, so move your posters and paintings slightly upward. Choose bookcases, dressers and shoe racks that are long and tall so to keep your floor free. If you have the option of utilizing your ceiling, find conventional hooks and racks to hang dishes and lights.

Tight Fit

While you do not want to be short of seating for your family and friends, try to stick with one central piece of furniture in every room. Too many pieces will make the room feel cramped, so stick with the less is more rule. Measure your furniture, your space and the doorway before you attempt to squeeze in any large item.

Separation Anxiety

Whether it’s outdated clothing, a disheveled stuffed animal from your childhood, or a collection of coffee tables, some things need to be left behind. It may seem like a strange concept, but even the smallest items can give us separation anxiety. Try to overcome your desire to outfit your apartment with every accessory you fall in love with, or make a promise to get rid of something old in place of your new treasure. A great tip for those pieces with lots of sentimental value, take a picture and you will always be able to look back on the memory!

Make It Count

Learn to disguise and multiuse your furniture. Use an ottoman as a storage trunk, coffee table, and foot rest. Use rolling bins to store your seasonal clothing, shoes, and bags under your bed. Put shelves into your bookcase to store remotes, photos and your mail. Make every square inch count!

Less Is More

Sometimes simplicity can create the most contemporary design. Clean lines, basic colors and patterns shape a really comfortable and cozy environment for small spaces. Try choosing one color scheme to carry throughout your apartment for unity. Use screens or curtains to divide studio apartments into different rooms and use different shades and textures to create some versatility! Adding a well placed mirror can do wonders to any room, giving the illusion it is bigger than it actually is.

Electronic Madness

Your smaller apartment will do well with electronics and appliances that fit the space. Instead of your monster television, stereo systems, and mess of cables, choose something a little more conservative. When you have limited kitchen counter space, go with the smaller microwave and blender to keep the clutter from taking over your kitchen. You don’t have to give up the luxury of electronics, just don’t go overboard!

Organize Your Mind

Last but not least, stay organized yourself. Find a place for everything and keep it there. Making a point to tidy up your space once a day, once a week or even once a month will make a difference in keeping your apartment and your mind structured, spacious, and comfortable to live!

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Good luck in your search for apartment space! Please share any tips or tricks you may have come across in your journey towards an apartment free of clutter!