Hello! Nicole here – your favorite professional declutterer and tiny home enthusiast! If you’re thinking of embracing small space living and downsizing, there’s a few things you should know to make the transition go smoothly.
Downsizing to a tiny house requires some adjustment and thoughtful preparation. The space may be compact, but it can still be organized and clutter-free with the right techniques!
In this post, I’ll share my best tips on minimizing possessions, efficient use of space, and adjusting your lifestyle habits to thrive in a tiny home. Get ready to kiss clutter goodbye and embrace the freedom of tiny living.
Prioritize Ruthlessly
When space is limited, you have to be ruthlessly selective about what makes the cut to come with you. Really examine each item and ask yourself:
- Do I use this regularly?
- Does this spark joy?
- Does this serve a practical function in my life?
If not, it’s got to go.
Be prepared to part with even sentimental items that don’t support your current lifestyle or future plans. Only keep belongings that are absolute necessities and bring you happiness.
Categorize and Containerize
Get organized by categorizing items and making use of storage containers. Group like items together – kitchen tools in one bin, clothing items in another.
Labeling helps keep things neat.
Clear plastic bins allow you to easily see contents.
If possible, store items of a category together in one area to maximize use of limited space.
Get stacking bins, under-bed containers and hanging shelves to take advantage of vertical storage.
Seek Multipurpose Pieces
With less room, multipurpose furniture is a must!
Look for sofas with storage space underneath, ottomans that open into storage chests, beds with drawers built in.
A quality futon functions as both couch and bed.
Folding tables can be stashed away when not in use.
Items that serve double duty help avoid clutter in a tiny house.
Live Vertically
To open up floor space, make use of vertical living.
Install shelves all along the walls to hold folded clothing, books, decor and other items.
Hang pots and pans from ceiling hooks above kitchen counters.
Mount a bike or luggage rack vertically to store these bulky items on a wall when not in use.
Consider a loft space for the bed to free up main living areas.
Minimize Furniture
Stick to small space-saving furniture like nesting tables that tuck away, slim rolling carts for extra storage, and stools that slide neatly under counters.
Avoid bulky sectionals or overstuffed armchairs that will overwhelm the room.
Measure carefully and opt for multifunctional, compact furniture.
Also limit decorative accessories that take up surface space.
Create Hidden Storage
Tuck storage into unexpected spaces with built-in shelving between wall studs, hideaway compartments under bench seats or stairs, and cabinetry built around appliances.
Also check furniture for hidden storage inside – some ottomans and benches have secret compartments!
Maximizing every last inch is vital for tiny home organization.
Only Keep Essentials
Be selective about dishware, linens, clothing, pantry items, etc.
For example, only keep 2-4 place settings of dishes/glasses per person. Two sheet sets per bed. One versatile pan and pot of each type. Capsule wardrobe of versatile essentials. One multi-purpose cleaner in reusable bottle. Limiting quantities avoids overrun.
Go Paperless
Scan/digitize documents to reduce paper clutter.
Toss junk mail immediately before it accumulates.
Read books, magazines, newspapers electronically.
Keep only one small file organizer for vital documents.
Shred/recycle unnecessary paper frequently.
Removing excess paper clutter helps maximize space.
Create Designated Zones
With no separate rooms, zone your tiny home instead:
- Assign kitchen items to specific shelves/cabinets.
- Contain bathroom essentials in a hanging caddy.
- Use area rugs and curtains to define sleeping and living room areas.
- Strategic organization creates a sense of rooms without walls.
Embrace Minimalism
At the end of the day, living tiny requires embracing a minimalist mindset.
Focus on quality over quantity in what you own.
Cherish experiences over stuff.
Only surround yourself with belongings that truly improve daily life.
Resist the urge to accumulate.
Make peace with open shelving and surfaces.
The freedom of living clutter-free will outweigh any perceived lack of material things.
The transition to tiny house living presents some challenges, but also great rewards.
With some decluttering, space planning and lifestyle adjustments, you’ll find even a 300 sq ft home can feel spacious and serene.
It’s amazing how little we actually need when we thoughtfully evaluate our belongings and habits.
I hope these tips help you embark on your tiny home adventure with confidence. Downsizing just may be the key to up-leveling your life!
Let me know if you need any part of this article expanded on. I’m happy to provide more detail on minimizing specific areas like wardrobe, kitchen tools, paperwork etc. Have fun on your tiny home journey!
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