Don’t worry, it's not just you. Over the last few years, the size of condos has seen incremental declines in size and available space.   New data suggests that between 2015 and 2017, the median size of condominium units has decreased by around thirty-four square feet¹. While that may not seem like a lot, when you are already living in a smaller space every inch of space goes a long way.   Nevertheless, the fact remains that condos continue to be great investments and remain popular among owners (especially in metro areas). However, you may need to get creative when maximizing and organizing your living space.   If you are looking to get the most out of your small living space, consider these tips and techniques to help you get the most out of your condo’s storage space.  

Store Smarter Not Harder

Since you are already working with less space than a traditional home, it's important to maximize functionality whenever possible. One of the best ways to do this is to buy furniture that has built in storage.   Using bed frames, sofas, or sectionals that have built-in storage underneath will help give you an extra place to stash your effects and help keep your floor free of clutter.   Similarly, aesthetic furnishing can have cross functionality². A great example is living room storage benches, chairs, or accents that work as additional seating if you’re hosting guests, but also work as a storage container for throw blankets, pillows, or other items.   Investing in smaller appliances with stacking storage are also an efficient way to keep your living space functional without sacrificing livability.  

Up and Out of the Way

Loosen that feeling of crampedness by removing clutter off the ground by storing it up and away. One way to store away furnishings is to invest in floating shelves which can easily free up space and provide more breathing room to your space.   Storage hangers or bins placed on the back of doors can also help utilize unused space. Consider storing shoes, coats, or even towels this way, keeping them out of sight and out of mind.  

Minimalism Meets Orderly

Incorporating a bit of minimalism can make your condominium feel like it's bigger than it actually is³. It can also supplant poor organizational habits to help make your space more orderly³.   Consider using various organizational containers with labels in your kitchen to help maximize your eating area and counterspace. Don’t stop there. Labeling can help you organize storage bins in other areas through your home including closets and bathrooms.   Embracing minimalism and doing more with less will help simplify household processes and help reduce clutter. For example, simple bulletin boards or wall organizers are also great and remove the need for that designated junk drawer, leaving you with more storage space.  

Lock It Away

If you are buying a new condominium, consider if it came with a storage locker. While many older condos are void of separate designated storage areas, new units usually have such spaces for owners to stash belongings.   In order to maximize this resource, make sure to optimally organize your locker as best you can. Consider putting heavy items near the front so you don’t have to move and navigate through smaller items to get to them⁴.   Also, storage lockers are also prone to theft so make sure to keep more valuable items near the back if at all possible.   Lastly, consider your condo storage locker as a staging area for unwanted clutter. Use the space to clear up space around your unit until you find time to sell or donate unwanted effects⁴.  

Sources

1 Grant, C. (2021, October 20). Assessing average condo size: Toronto paying more for less. Canadian Real Estate. Retrieved December 21, 2021, from https://www.canadianrealestatemagazine.ca/news/assessing-average-condo-size-toronto-paying-more-for-less-334871.aspx   2 Lue, A. (2017, January 09). 5 smart ways to maximize space in the incredible shrinking condo. Retrieved December 21, 2021, from https://storeys.com/5-smart-ways-to-maximize-space-in-the-incredible-shrinking-condo/   3 Breaux, A. (2020, January 10). This Tidy Toronto Condo is Packed with Organizing Ideas You'll Want to Steal. Retrieved December 21, 2021, from https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/organizing-and-storage-ideas-in-a-toronto-condo-tour-36701812   4 Assan, H. (2018, January 04). Living In A Condo? 4 Tips On How To Efficiently Use Your Storage Locker: Jiffy Self Storage Blog. Retrieved December 21, 2021, from https://www.jiffystorage.com/blog/storage-units/living-condo-4-tips-efficiently-use-storage-locker/