Introduction
Hello everyone! I've been really struggling lately with renting in a big city after graduation, constantly worried about not having enough space. I live in a 38-square-meter studio, and honestly, I was quite overwhelmed when I first moved in. There was just too much stuff and not enough space! But after more than a year of exploration, I've finally found some really practical space organization methods. Now my small room not only fits everything but also looks neat and cozy.
Honestly, I really understand everyone's pain points. When you first graduate, with a modest salary, you can only afford a small apartment, but what young person doesn't love shopping? The result is more and more stuff, while the apartment stays the same size. For a while, my room was literally a "treasure cave" - things everywhere on the floor, tables, and bed, with barely any space to walk. Whenever friends came over, I had to spend hours cleaning up beforehand - it was torture!
Time Management
When it comes to organization and storage, the hardest part isn't not knowing how to organize, but feeling like there's never enough time. Especially for those of us who work nine-to-five, when we get home, we just want to collapse on the couch and scroll through our phones - who has the energy to clean up? But through practice, I've found that time management is really crucial.
Now I spend 10 minutes every night doing a simple cleanup, and this habit has truly changed my life. For example, last night, I folded the clothes I changed out of during the day and put them in the closet, washed the thermos I brought back from work, and arranged the skincare products on my vanity neatly. When I woke up this morning and saw the clean and tidy room, my mood immediately improved.
Actually, you don't need to wait until your room becomes unlivable to start organizing. I used to do that - waiting until I couldn't stand it anymore before doing a major cleanup, which would take half a day and leave me exhausted. Now I do a relatively thorough cleaning on weekends and maintain it a little bit every day. This way, it's not too tiring, and the results are excellent.
Shopping Rules
When it comes to organization and storage, the most important thing is actually controlling what comes in. I used to be a shopaholic, buying whatever I liked, which resulted in my home being filled with unused items. Now I've set myself a "one-in-one-out" rule, and this method really works.
Take clothes for example - my closet used to be a disaster zone, packed full but I still felt like I had nothing to wear. After I started implementing the "one-in-one-out" rule, buying a new piece of clothing meant getting rid of an old one. It was hard to let go at first, but I gradually realized that many clothes weren't being worn regularly anyway, and keeping them just took up space.
This principle not only helped me control the quantity of items but also made my shopping more rational. Now whenever I want to buy something, I ask myself: Do I really need this? Do I have anything similar at home that could work instead? Through this kind of thinking, my shopping expenses have decreased significantly. In the entire past year, I only bought 12 new pieces of clothing while getting rid of 15 old pieces. Now my closet may have fewer clothes, but every piece is something I love, and they're easier to mix and match.
Space Planning
In a small apartment, space planning is crucial. I can say with certainty that proper space planning can increase your room's usable area by at least 20%. My biggest insight is: vertical space must be well utilized!
Let's start with my kitchen. Previously, my kitchen counter was cluttered with seasonings and cookware, looking really messy. Later, I installed a wall-mounted shelf and put all the seasonings and oil bottles on it, which immediately cleared up the counter space. I also installed a wall-mounted dish rack next to the sink, where washed dishes can dry directly, saving space and being hygienic.
The bathroom renovation was also interesting. I bought many suction hooks and hung up towels, bath sponges, and shower gel. I also installed a shelf above the toilet for toilet paper and cleaning supplies. With these changes, the previously cramped bathroom became well-organized.
The living room is my proudest achievement. I installed several staggered wall shelves where I can store books and display small plants and decorative items. Behind the sofa, I created a simple storage wall for hanging bags and coats. Through these vertical storage methods, I managed to squeeze out nearly 4 square meters of additional storage space in my 38-square-meter apartment.
Recently, when friends visited, they were surprised at how spacious my home looks, feeling like it's at least 50 square meters. The secret is simply making use of every inch of space, especially those normally overlooked corners and wall surfaces.
Space Zoning
In a small apartment, good space zoning is particularly important as it makes your life more organized. I've divided my 38-square-meter studio into several zones: sleeping area, work area, storage area, living area, and so on. Each zone has its specific function, making it not only look neat but also very convenient to use.
I set up my work area by the window because I believe good lighting is important for work efficiency. I placed a compact desk and an ergonomic chair there, with a side table with drawers next to it. It holds frequently used stationery on top, while the drawers store various office supplies. There's also a small desk lamp on the table, which is particularly useful when working late.
The sleeping area is where I put the most thought. I placed a bedside table with storage function by the bed, where I can store books and personal items. The space under the bed is also fully utilized, with storage boxes for seasonal clothes and bedding. On the other side of the bed is a simple wardrobe with sliding doors, which I specifically chose so opening the wardrobe wouldn't take up too much space.
The living area is mainly the living room space. Due to limited space, I chose a sofa specifically designed for small apartments, which meets daily rest needs without taking up too much space. Next to the sofa is a multifunctional coffee table that can hold snacks and remotes on top, with storage space for miscellaneous items below.
I also specifically planned a storage area, mainly for storing items that aren't frequently used. Here I used a floor-to-ceiling storage cabinet to store various items by category. The cabinet's design is clever, with each compartment labeled, making it easy to find things.
Through this zoning, although my studio is only 38 square meters, it doesn't lack any necessary functions. Each area is used to its full potential, ensuring both practicality without appearing cluttered. Most importantly, this planning has made my life more organized and my mood happier.
Daily Maintenance
To be honest, the hardest part of organization isn't doing it, but persisting with it. What I'm most proud of now is developing the good habit of "put it back after use." This habit has truly improved my quality of life, and I no longer need to spend lots of time doing major cleanups on weekends.
For example, after eating, I immediately wash the dishes instead of letting them pile up in the sink. After using cosmetics, I put them back in their place right away rather than leaving them anywhere. Books are returned to the bookshelf immediately after reading, rather than piling up on the coffee table. Each time it might take just an extra minute, but it saves the time needed for concentrated cleanup later.
I've also set myself a rule called the "5-minute rule." If something can be done within 5 minutes, do it immediately. This includes making the bed, wiping tables, organizing items in my bag, etc. This method is particularly suitable for those of us who are chronically lazy, because 5 minutes is really short and doesn't feel burdensome.
Through this daily maintenance, I save at least 2 hours of concentrated cleaning time each week. More importantly, my home always maintains a neat state, making me feel good when I return home. I used to think organizing was a really troublesome thing, but now I see it as a ritual that adds quality to my life.
Final Thoughts
Through this period of practice, I've truly experienced the importance of space organization. It's not just simple storage and organization, but a change in lifestyle. Through reasonable planning and continuous maintenance, my little nest has not only become neat and orderly but also gives a feeling of increased space.
Most importantly, I'm no longer worried about space now. Although I still live in a 38-square-meter studio, every inch of space is used to its maximum potential. When friends visit, they all say I've made my small apartment very cozy, and this feedback gives me a great sense of achievement.
Actually, there's no fixed pattern for organization and storage; the key is finding methods that suit you. It might feel a bit troublesome at first, but if you persist, you'll definitely fall in love with this orderly state of life.
Finally, I want to say that the ultimate purpose of organization isn't to make your home spotlessly clean like a show room, but to make our lives easier and better. I hope everyone can find their own sense of happiness in their own little space.
So, if you're also worried about space issues, why not try these methods I've shared? I believe you can also make your small room clean and tidy, making life more beautiful. Let's work together to turn our rented houses into warm homes.
