What to Keep

The two most important questions to ask regarding the items you are considering for the “keep” category are: Do you love it? And/or do you use it on a consistent basis? Both questions are important! There are some items that have no intrinsic value, but you love them all the same. Mementos from your past, a favorite outfit that you’re saving for a special event, or decor that perhaps doesn't fit your current living situation, but you know will be perfect in your next home. If any item that you want to keep ticks those boxes for you, absolutely keep it! Also, don't get rid of anything that you use on a regular basis, even if it is slightly worn. There's no point in discarding something that you will simply have to replace before the season is out.

What typically merits keeping?

• Clothes for the next season (that you have worn in the past year) and/or that still fit and look good on you
• Any items you use on a regular basis—from kitchen gadgets to furniture items and beyond
• Sports equipment you actually use
• High value items you’ll want to keep “forever”
• Holiday decorations or season-specific décor

What to Donate

Donating can be a bit of a landmine. You want to do the right thing and donate items that still have use, but you don’t want to offload items that someone else will simply have to throw away. How to choose? The key question is: does this have any value left for someone else? If the item is in good condition, or is high quality, or is in particularly high demand, like winter jackets, definitely consider donating. Here’s a full list of items to consider:

• Clothing that is still in good condition and of higher quality (not “fast fashion”)
• Shoes, sneakers, boots
• Winter coats, scarves, hats, gloves
• Small appliances that still work – especially if you have the original boxes
• Sports equipment in good condition
• Toys in good condition
• Books, costume jewelry, dishes, art, or decorative items – again, in good condition!
• Furniture items that are sturdy and well made

What to Discard

This last category will probably be your largest, and that's okay! Even if you have to fill up your apartment complex’s dumpster a few weeks in a row, or line up bags at the curb, it’s far better for you to get these items out of your apartment than to leave them cluttering up your space. If you’re stumped on what merits a short trip to the trash can, here are some ideas:

• Clothing too threadbare to donate
• Anything missing parts or pieces
• Broken or outdated electronics (no one needs them for spare parts, truly!)
• Broken-down furniture
• Anything that makes you sad or reminds you of unhappy times

It can be difficult to make decisions in the moment, especially if you find the Spring Cleaning process has been taxing for you physically (or even emotionally!). By establishing a plan up front and tackling one room a time, you’ll be on your way to a brighter, more open apartment—and a whole new start on your year. Happy cleaning!

The post Spring Cleaning? Here’s what to keep, donate, or discard appeared first on BRG Apartments Blog.

That said, where do you begin? Whether you decide to do a solo sale or team up with several other renters or even local homeowners in your neighborhood, these tips can help ensure your garage sale will be a success.

1. Plan for the win (create your categories now)

Once you make the commitment to host a garage sale, start with a small, but critical task—sorting your belongings into categories. There are three key categories as you begin your sorting project (and only three): Sell, Donate, Discard. Any items you come across that don’t fall into one of these three categories should be something that has either a strong personal meaning for you, or you use it on a regular basis, OR you know as an iron-clad fact that it will have an honored place in your next home. As Marie Kondo would tell us, if it doesn’t spark joy…out it goes.

Bonus tip: stock up on supplies in advance, including boxes, bins, tape, labels, markers, price tags, trash bags for your discard or donation items. Gathering supplies up front will save you both time and stress down the line.

2. Find a buddy

Garage sales can be daunting, and so can the idea of launching one alone. Check local listings for neighborhood garage sales or talk to some of your friends or neighbors to see if you can team up. This tip is particularly helpful if you don’t have a garage, or if your apartment community isn’t keen on you staging a sale on their property. Join forces with a friend or family member who has an easy-access location, and you could see your sales increase dramatically. Plus, teaming up with friends will help keep you accountable for actually getting the work done.

3. Set a date (and tell people about it)

Speaking of accountability, setting a date is one of the most critical steps to making sure the garage sale happens. Bonus points for making up flyers/signs to post at local hangouts, getting listed in your church bulletin, or posting your sale on sites like Next Door, Facebook, etc. The more people who know the garage sale is coming up, the more likely you are to stick to your plans.

NOTE: choose a date that’s soon but not too soon. Make sure you give yourself enough time to pull together as many items as you can without adding unnecessary stress to your life!

3. Don’t just clean…deep clean

It’s one thing to set aside that extra shelf unit you simply don’t use anymore, or the exercise bike that mostly (okay, only) serves as a clothing rack. But if you’re going to take the time to host a garage sale, don’t stop there. Target every closet in your place, and pull out all the extra boxes that you haven’t looked at since you moved in.

Do you really need fourteen crates of Christmas decorations? Do you seriously want to wear clothing that fit three years ago and went out of style two years before that? What about those shoes you used to wear during your “clubbing” years back before you cared about not having sore ankles? This is your chance to get real about the person you’ve become, and to make room for him/her in your life.

4. Price for success

Try to be as rational as possible in setting your prices. Remember, your primary goal is to get rid of unwanted items, not to make a killing with your extra stuff. Fortunately, there are many online sites that helpfully provide a good rule of thumb for pricing the most common items in a garage sale. Just do a search on “how should I price my garage sale items?” and you’ll come up with roughly 163 million Google answers (ask me how I know). Also, don’t think you should price high and expect people to haggle you down. Many shoppers don’t have the time or the temperament for that, and it’s not worth losing the sale.

5. Get ready to shine on Garage Sale Day

It’s the big day! How do you stage your items for success? Here are some quick, last minute tips:

• Bundle similar items together. Maybe you won’t be able to unload 15 books for thirty cents each, but a bundle of 15 for $5? Now you’re talking!
• Present higher ticket items attractively, with plenty of space for people to see them from a distance.
• Draw people into your garage sale with items you know will go quickly (like children’s toys) in a highly visible position.
• Make your prices easy-to-find and easy-to-read.
• Have plenty of change on hand.
• Have a truck rented (or borrowed) and at the ready to take what’s left over to a donation or discard site. (You *will* have stuff left over!)

6. Celebrate!

Congratulations! You’ve cleared some unwanted items from your apartment or townhome and possibly earned some sweet cash in the process. Now, it’s time for you and your friends to celebrate. Here’s to a successful Garage Sale!

The post How to make the most of your garage sale appeared first on BRG Apartments Blog.

1. Absorb the sound with a few fantastic décor hacks

Sound loves empty spaces and flat, hard surfaces, so if your apartment is extremely minimalist, there are a few quick fixes that will provide you with instant relief. With the simple addition of furniture, throw rugs or pillows, or carpets to your floors, you’ll be amazed at how quickly the decibel level drops, even if the sound that bothers you is coming from outside your home.

2. Invest in earplugs and/or white noise devices

While this tip isn’t a foolproof solution, it can help take the edge off, especially as you begin your quest for a more serene space. Today’s noise cancelling headphones are remarkably effective even at lower price points, and phone apps or white noise machines designed to help you sleep peacefully can help you get the rest you need (which will help you be more productive once morning comes.)

3. You’ve heard of blackout curtains? They work for sound, too.

Heavy drapes aren’t just for minimizing light anymore. Check out curtains designed specifically to limit sound for rooms such as your home office and bedroom. While they’ll certainly help shut out noise, you’ll find they’ll also reduce light and conserve your heat/air conditioning, depending on the season. Another option is to use a door draft stopper at the base of your office door or front door.

4. Bring in the experts—contact your rental management team

If the noise that you’re dealing with on a regular basis isn’t due to forces outside your apartment community’s control—traffic noise or construction work, for example—but instead is the result of particularly noisy neighbors, do *not* attempt to solve this problem on your own. Chances are, if you’re distracted or annoyed by your louder-than-reasonable neighbors, other renters in your building are as well.

What to do? Contact your apartment management team and ask them to step in on your behalf, for the good of the entire community. In many cases, your rental manager will be able to speak with the noisy neighbor about toning things down, especially during work hours or late at night, and you won’t be drawn into a one-on-one confrontation over noise (which we never recommend). You chose your apartment home because you were looking for a fantastic place to live that allows you to work and relax in a supportive environment. If you’ve tried all the tips above and still are finding yourself losing sleep or work hours due to your neighbor’s noise levels, let your apartment management team know that you’re losing sleep (or productive work time)—they can take matters from there.

The post Shhh!!! How to dampen outside noise in your apartment appeared first on BRG Apartments Blog.

1. Make your space work double- or triple-time

When is a sink not “just” a sink? When it can double as an ice chest for drinks or chilled appetizers! As you plan your party, map out the main areas where guests will congregate, and consider how you can maximize your space. That coffee table could be a second dining table, especially if you pull it out and surround it with pillows. The stairs that lead to your (off-limits) second floor could be an easy location for plates, utensils and cups. Bonus tip: label drink cups with your guests’ names in advance—and maybe include a fun fact to break the ice of meeting new people.

2. Go for a streamlined party space

If you’re starting out with a small space, keep extraneous décor to a minimum—think one or two large statement-making pops of color, and that’s it. Fussy, bulky streamers or even balloons can make your space seem smaller than it should. And if you really want to go streamlined, identify the few rooms your guests will be in, and move everything out of those rooms you can, temporarily storing the extra items in your bedroom, closet, or other out-of-the-way area. Opening up the space a little and rearranging your furniture for the most party-friendly flow will make a huge difference!

3. Make the most of your ceiling and walls

If you are looking to spruce up your living space to create a party atmosphere, keep an eye on areas that are out of common foot traffic. Fairy lights hung across the ceiling, temporary wallpaper or wall decals, or even balloons hung high above your guests’ heads can create a festive air without blocking anyone’s movement.

4. Maximize your menu

Rather than choosing a fussy menu with lots of separate parts, or stocking your fridge with a multitude of beers or liquor mixers, consider creating “signature” meal and a couple of drink combinations specifically for your party. One or two large carafes filled with a fun, fruity concoction (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) will satisfy a crowd without overloading your refrigerator. And easy-to eat, hand-friendly menu items like fruit kabobs, roll-ups, veggie tartlets, or mini stuffed peppers will keep your guests well fed while helping you ensure your space stays neat and tidy.

5. Set up your refreshments strategically

Who says everything needs to be served in the kitchen? By splitting up your food stations and creating refreshment locations in unexpected places—on a coffee table, a cleared bookshelf, or even on the balcony—you can encourage guests to mix and mingle as they graze their way through the party. Bonus tip: invest in a few tiered trays and risers to present food with vertical access points, and fill these with brightly colored food items to draw the eye and add to the festivity!

Throwing the perfect party doesn’t require acres of space and a huge budget. With a resourceful attitude and a few tweaks to the menu, décor, and the layout of your space, you will deliver a fantastic party experience for you and your guests!

The post How to host a big get-together in a small space appeared first on BRG Apartments Blog.

1. Assess your space and crafting passion (honestly!)

As you consider creating dedicated space for your crafting, take the time to go over every project for which you have accumulated supplies, and determine if it's something you want to continue. You may WANT to knit, make jewelry, paint watercolors, cross stitch, and create custom greeting cards…or you may find that a few of those activities no longer interest you. Choose the ones that mean the most to you, and let the others go. (This means donating all those supplies the first chance you get, too!)

You also may find that honestly assessing the available space you want your crafts to occupy in your apartment helps you make this decision. If you have just one small corner for all of your crafting supplies and your workspace, then assembling model cars or quilting may not be an ideal choice for you. The best combination is a craft that makes you happy, and one that also doesn't take over every square inch of available space in your apartment.

2. Assemble your supplies

Once you have identified the craft you want to make room for, assemble all your supplies in one space. Will you want to keep all these materials within arm’s reach, or can some be tucked away most of the time? Only you know what works best for your particular needs. Once you have identified all the craft tools and supplies you will need to keep within easy reach, it's time to select your ideal crafting location.

3. Choose your studio space

Many of us began our crafting adventure in a common area, like the kitchen table or living room couch. But is this the best choice for you long term? In assessing your ideal craft location, choose a space that is near natural light, has comfortable seating, and offers plenty of wall space as well as room for a table, depending on what your specific craft requires. You could find that your ideal location remains at the kitchen table, possibly with a rolling cart that you can pull into place when you are ready to craft. Or you may find that your projects are better suited to a room with a door on it, say a spare bedroom that also doubles as your home office, so you can get as messy as you need to without having the clutter spill into your main living area.

4. Set up dedicated work and storage space

No matter how much space you have to work with, setting up dedicated space that is only for your crafting can be a really good idea. You will want enough table space for your specific craft that always stays clear, as well as neat, easy-to-see and reach bins, cubbies or shelves for your craft materials. Map out the floorspace and wall space you can dedicate to your craft—and remember to leave yourself some elbow room! Feeling crowded by your supplies does not make for happy crafting.

5. Get creative!

With a quick search on Google or Pinterest, you will find more storage options then you know what to do with, including DIY pegboard cubby systems, cute rolling shelves or drawers, and basket or bin combinations that you can mix and match to your heart's desire. Just remember to leave plenty of open space! And no matter what you choose, be proud that you’re continuing to make time to create. Happy crafting!

The post How to create the perfect craft space for you appeared first on BRG Apartments Blog.

Kitchen

When in doubt, start with your kitchen—it’s the room you arguably spend the most time in, and it can be absolutely transformed by a solid cleaning. Before you do anything, clear as much off your counters as possible, and try to figure out how to keep your counters clear—even if you end up storing some items in other rooms! A clean, open kitchen can make a huge difference in your mood.

Then, get to work on your appliances, cleaning them inside and out—taking out shelves and wiping down the interior surfaces as well. Empty out your fridge (and your freezer too!) of all those food items you never quite got around to eating and discard anything that has expired or seems unappealing. Get a pro-level degreaser to clean off your cabinet doors and backsplash, and dust every surface—the tops of your cabinets, the front and top of your refrigerator, your microwave, even your shelves! Then it’s a matter of wiping down your walls and baseboards, mopping the floors, and you’re done!

Living Room/Hallways

Some apartments open directly into a living area, some have a foyer or short hallway—either way, these areas receive some of the heaviest traffic of anywhere in your apartment. Start by picking up anything washable and throwing it into the laundry—slip covers, blankets, pillows, throw rugs, even curtains—or giving these items a thorough cleaning. Next, tackle the dust. Dust and polish your furniture, blinds, window sills, curtain rods, ceiling fans, lamp shades, electronics, artwork…you will be amazed at how much dust has accumulated on every surface in this area. Wipe down walls and baseboards too if you notice cobwebs and gathered grime. After you’ve eliminated the dust, vacuum your sofa, chairs, floors, carpets and anything that isn’t washable.

Pro Level Tip #1: Wash those windows! Whether yours open to the outdoors or not, deep clean any surface you can reach to let the sun shine in.

Bedrooms

For your bedroom, in addition to dusting, vacuuming, and wiping down walls, side tables, ceiling fans and electronics—consider washing all your linens, including your curtains, bed skirt, and mattress pad. These items collect a lot of dust over the months, and are rarely cleaned. Vacuum under your bed and nightstands too, and don’t forget to wipe down those baseboards!

Bathroom

Chances are, your bathrooms are in pretty good shape—this is not an area that generally needs a seasonal cleaning! Still, you can take this opportunity to deep clean your cabinets, discarding items you haven’t used in the last several months (and likely won’t use), and deciding what you truly need to keep in this room on a regular basis. Deep clean every surface (tile grout, fixtures, mirrors, vanity, sinks, toilets, tub) and wipe down the walls and baseboards as well. It’s a small room, so spend some time on it!

Pro Level Tip #2: If you keep containers on your countertop, consider emptying them out and tossing them into the dishwasher for a thorough clean…those makeup, toiletry and brush holders probably need it.

Safety First

In addition to all the dusting and cleaning, Spring is an excellent time to make sure your apartment’s safety features are up to date. Use this time to test and replace smoke alarm batteries, replace air filters for your furnace, update light bulbs throughout your home as needed, clean air vents/registers and your laundry filter, and update your batteries in any security systems that aren’t hard wired.

Here’s to a healthy (and sparkling clean!) Spring!

The post Ready to Spring clean your apartment? We’ve got you covered appeared first on BRG Apartments Blog.

1. Inspect your apartment unit thoroughly upon move-in

While some apartment communities allow you to see a model apartment—or your actual unit—many won’t give you access to your new space until move-in day. No matter how pressed you are for time, take an extra 30 minutes to an hour to go through your unit carefully, making note of anything that needs fixing or any condition that is present upon move-in that you did not create (such as a small stain on the carpet, scuffed walls, etc.) Document your review with photographs and send an email to your management company within the first week—and keep that email for your own review, later.

If you’re happy with the condition of your apartment, fantastic! Thank your apartment management for a job well done (they’ll appreciate it!) If, however, there’s anything that needs immediate (or eventual) repair, politely make that request at the point of move-in. Everyone is busy, and schedules are tight for both you and your apartment management group. It’s best to get anything addressed right away, both for your own comfort and to make sure you’re not held responsible for the damage down the line.

Another note: if something breaks/is damaged or you need maintenance several weeks or months into your lease…don’t delay, call management right away! It’s always best to deal with such issues quickly and completely.

2. Unpack right away

When you first move into your apartment, it can be overwhelming to figure out what should go where, but do yourself a favor and unpack immediately upon move-in. Decide what truly fits…and what doesn’t. Whatever doesn’t work for your space, either put it in storage, give it away or discard it. Also, go ahead and hang your photos and artwork, and set about decorating your space. It will make it feel like home much more quickly!

3. Keep things tidy with regular cleaning

As a follow-on to No. 2, start with a regular cleaning schedule when you first move in, and stick to it, month after month. From day-to-day tidying to keep everything in its place, to weekly or monthly deep cleaning routines, you will love your apartment even more if you keep it fresh and clean. The moment you feel overwhelmed with too much “stuff” in your place that keeps it from feeling light and open…it’s time to get rid of clutter. It sounds almost too simple to be true, but a clean apartment can do wonders for managing your stress and helping you feel good about your day. Keep yours looking great!

4. Be the best kind of neighbor

Unless you live in a standalone condo or townhome, you’re sharing walls with other residents. Be the neighbor you wish you would always have. Keep music/TV/gaming noise down during the quieter times of the night (or use headphones if you know it will be loud), don’t throw parties every weekend that go to the wee hours of the morning, and offer a smile and a wave to your neighbors when you see them. These simple steps can go a long way toward shared bliss in your apartment community.

What if the problem is the opposite, that you have a neighbor who is keeping you up late with too much noise and commotion on their side of the wall? The simplest (though not always easiest) solution is to knock on their door and ask them to keep down any noise that they can control (electronics, a barking dog, etc.). You can explain you need your sleep, that you’re working from home, etc. Another option is to contact your management company and ask them to issue a general email to all residents about noise. This keeps you (or your neighbor) from being singled out, but ideally will get the message across. If that fails, you can have your management company contact your neighbor directly, without implicating you. You deserve to enjoy a peaceful home experience!

5. Personalize your space

You may not own your new home, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it your own. If you can change the paint color or put hooks in the wall (double check with your apartment management group first!), then you have lots of options, but even if you can’t, there are hundreds of fantastic decorating choices you can explore, from easy-stick temporary wallpaper to bright throw pillows, curtains and blankets to fun and funky furniture you pick up at second-hand stores or thrift markets. If cool and elegant is more your style, shop antique and estate sales or save up your money for items you really love. It’s your apartment, so make the choices that feel right for you!

Moving into your apartment can unleash a whirlwind of emotions—but with these easy steps, you’ll help make it an enjoyable and uplifting new start. Congratulations on your new apartment home!

The post First apartment? Here’s what you need to know appeared first on BRG Apartments Blog.

1. Let the sun be your guide

Probably the most important thing to remember as you design your balcony or patio space, particularly if you plan to add plants, is how much sun you get and when. If your balcony is all or partially covered, there are plants that thrive in low light conditions. If your outdoor space gets blasted with sun for a portion of the day, there are plants that love that too—or you may be able to invest in some shade-coverings that work with your outdoor space to give you more options. A small umbrella secured to your balcony railing could provide just enough shade to create a bright and colorful mini-garden of citrus trees, for example, or some flowering succulents used to heavy heat. Whatever you do, don’t assume you can beat the sun. Mother Nature will always win, so work with her, not against her. 

2. How to enjoy a garden in the sky

From floor to ceiling, the trick to the perfect balcony retreat is to get creative. When it comes to your balcony rug, consider using AstroTurf to create the illusion of a grassy oasis, then add plants on stands, small tables or hanging boxes to keep the sweep of green moving upward.  Bonus points for adding colorful flowers, or choosing a mix of painted flower pots to keep the space fun and relaxed.

A covered balcony provides even more possibilities. Consider adding planter hooks to the ceiling and hanging baskets or terra cotta pots in vertical lines to take advantage of the sun while adding a bit of privacy to your space.  

No topper to your balcony? Man-made shade is critical. Look for umbrellas with sturdy grips that you can add to your balcony railing, or sun shades you can anchor to your wall. The sky is (literally) the limit!   

3. Cool and comfortable seating is key

In addition to creating a homey environment for your plants, set up a relaxed seating arrangement for you and a friend, using all-weather furniture, pillows, throw blankets and mini-umbrellas. A cool, clean conversational retreat for two with a rain-shedding rug and space for a small table or plant stand can help you bring the party outdoors whenever the weather allows!

4. Feed your inner chef  

Some of the easiest items to grow on a balcony or other small space are cooking herbs. Basil, thyme, lavender, mint, rosemary and other herbs take very little care and can help not only bolster your kitchen prep, but provide a bright and cheerful addition to your outdoor space. Hanging box planters can grace your railing or climb the wall in a ladder of gourmet goodness.

Making the most of your balcony or patio can be a challenge, but with a little creativity, color and imagination, it can become one of your favorite places in your apartment. Here’s to fresh air, sunshine, and a beautiful new space to enjoy!

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1. Learn that one thing

We all have things we wished we’d taken the time for—knitting, cooking, mastering a new language, reading all the classics, learning to write a book, making art—the list is overwhelming. But take the time now to whittle it down to three things you feasibly could do during your “downtime”… and then take a few hours a day to try out each one for size. You’ll find out really quickly if you truly have a passion for learning French or if that is still a “maybe someday” idea, vs. another subject that feeds your soul. After you’ve test driven your three most likely options, choose one…and commit to spending a set time every day pursuing it. It could be thirty minutes—it could be three hours—but whatever minimum amount of time you can spend, make a pledge. This could be the start of a brand new hobby, passion project, small business or lifestyle change!

2. Ramp up your self-care game

You know how you’ve promised yourself you’d give yourself a makeover, finally learn how to use that “beachy wave” haircurler you bought, or sort the half-dozen facial products you’ve purchased over the last several months but never tried? This is the time. Whether you’re interested in starting a yoga, spiritual or meditation practice, exercising on a daily basis, creating a customized skincare routine or even simply walking in the fresh air while giving thanks for your health and future possibilities, making a conscious effort to improve your self-care will pay dividends long after life returns to its usual hectic pace.

3. Spark apartment joy

This one is probably not surprising, but it absolutely should be on your list. There has never been a better time to go through your apartment and decide what you truly need, and what someone else could possibly use more than you. Check to see what charitable organizations are still open and accepting donations, and determine what you’re able to part with in order to open up space in your home. If you have items that you would be embarrassed to give away, but which no longer make you happy, this is your permission to throw those items away. Just do it! You’ll open up space and energy in a time where both are rare commodities.

4. Become an ambassador of hope

Now more than ever, people are in need of those who are willing to reach out either online or via snail mail. As nursing homes and other care facilities shut their doors to visitors, a great many people are alone and probably scared, cut off from outside contact in a time when they need it most. Contact your local nursing home (or church, or community center) and ask if there’s some way you can help by sending cards and notes to those who may not have anyone contacting them. Don’t worry about saying the perfect thing—any positive, caring message will help, to let the recipient know you’re thinking about them. You will do more with a simple, cheerful card than you can possibly realize.

Beating boredom takes effort, but it’s effort that is well worth it! Here’s hoping you find an activity or passion that becomes an important part of your life, and that you remain healthy and safe.

The post Stuck in your apartment? Try these boredom-busting ideas! appeared first on BRG Apartments Blog.

1. Double Duty Storage

1. it’s a chair, couch, bed, or any table other than a dining room table, your furniture has potential to live a double life as a storage unit. Consider ottomans with lids, beds with “hidden” drawers beneath the mattress or in the headboard, and coffee tables with built-in storage. Whenever you purchase a new piece of furniture, visualize how it might work for storage. Already have items in your home you don’t want to replace? There are dozens of under-bed or under-table storage bins you can purchase that you can hide away with tablecloths or bed skirts.

2. Make your furniture (almost) disappear!

While most apartments don’t come equipped with a Murphy bed, which folds up into the wall for storage, the idea has caught on for other furniture items. You can find chairs, tables, footrests, and even desks that can be folded up and stored in a fraction of their usual space, giving you room to breathe when they’re not in use. Another advantage? Some of these lighter pieces can be hung on the walls in their folded position, clearing floor space as well.

3. Add storage to unexpected places

One of the most underutilized space for storage in an apartment is the bathroom. With a collection of wall-hanging baskets or under-the-sink stackable bins, you can double or even triple your bathroom storage possibilities. Looking for other ideas? Try installing shelving high on your walls that you need a stepstool to reach (but which are perfect for a line of cute, tidy bins that store away lighter items you don’t need all the time), or over-the-door hanging cubbies for closets, cupboards, bedrooms and (once again!) the bathroom.

Get creative! You can use behind-the-door shoe holders for all sorts of small items besides shoes, putting everything at your fingertips—or hang pegboards on your kitchen walls to keep your pans within easy reach.

4. Repurpose closets more thoughtfully

Speaking of closets, do you really need to stuff your clothes, coats, shoes and old paperwork into every corner, or could one or two of your closets be used for other purposes—such as a mini-office or craft area? By upgrading your closet to functional space, you open up possibilities for other rooms in your apartment (and finally have the excuse to purge all those clothes you’re never going to wear again.)

5. Set an intention for light living

It goes without saying, if you have less stuff to store, your organizational problems will be far easier to solve! Most of our belongings have sentimental value that far outstrips their actual usefulness, so consider rethinking your attachment to your stuff.

If an apartment is truly a short-term housing solution for you, and you plan on using your belongings to set up house in a larger home within the next several months—that’s understandable. But if you’re holding onto furniture that’s dated, cheap, or damaged, consider discarding it or giving it away. You can always visit a thrift store when the time comes if you don’t want to spend a lot of money outfitting your new home.

Alternatively, if you truly can’t part with an item, consider storing it at a trusted friend’s house in a tidy, well-labeled bin. But by developing a mindset of being able to move lightly through this world, you may find yourself ridding yourself of items that no longer serve you…and enjoying the space you have so much more!

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