5 STEPS FOR CONQUERING SMALL SPACES

1. Purge as Much as Possible- You do not have space for things you are not using. Get rid of any clothing, furniture, or housewares you are not using. If you so happen to be in a transitional space, and you will possibly need more furniture down the road, invest in a storage unit, it will be worth your sanity. After you purge, have a yard sale to make some quick cash.

2. Function with the Bare Minimum- This is hard for any woman, I KNOW, but do you really need 5 perfume bottles on your counter top? Take the time to figure out exactly what you need and how it should be best organized. For example, figure out how many cups, bowls, and plates you actually use regularly.

Get rid of any clothing, furniture, or housewares you are not using. Take the time to figure out exactly what you need and how it should be best organized.

3. Let Go of the Past- Often we hold on to stuff we don't use because we forget it is there. You probably don't even realize how much stuff you have, taking up space you really need to use.

4. Buy What You Really Love- If you live in a small space or moving to a small home, do not waste your time buying inexpensive pieces of furniture that will only take up space. Invest in some solid pieces of furniture that you won't get tired of down the road. Really look at the furniture to decide whether or not it's just trendy or timeless. If you are thinking of getting new furniture, only buy want you absolutely LOVE.

5. Less is More-Select a few of your favorites and stick with them. The more furniture you have in a small space the more cluttered your space will look. Start thinking about how you want your space to feel. Do you want it to feel cozy, relaxing, or sophisticated? In either case you need to make sure you can function and enjoy being at home.