Last weekend we finally made the move to our smaller than the suburbs apartment in San Francisco city! I’m sure any city folks out there would agree that this exciting move comes with the challenge of keeping the space functional with minimum clutter! While I research high and low for clever solutions to make the most of our new apartment, I couldn’t resist sharing some of these ideas with all of you. Hope they come in handy the next time you decide to move and set up your new home :).

1) Purge

First and foremost get rid of old or extra stuff BEFORE you move into a new space. Trust me, a cluttered space clogs up your thinking too. If you haven’t used some items for the last year or two, donate or sell them so you don’t have to feel guilty about tossing them out. We donated several bags of clothes and sold some appliances and furniture (on Craigslist.com and eBay) before moving.

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2) Every corner matters

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Where possible, combine two functions together to save space.

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3) Use your walls

Walls can be used for more than just hanging art or pictures, Umbra’s floating bookshelves add some dimension and fun to these walls.

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Mirrors give a feeling of expansiveness to small spaces. Make a statement with one large one or mix it up with different shapes and sizes!

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4) Hidden storage solutions

Staircases are a treasure trove of storage if customized:

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Although we can’t live without technology, I find wires add unsightly visual clutter to desks and tv consoles. Tuck them away neatly using a clever wire management gadget like this one from Quirky.com:

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5) Transforming furniture anyone?

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Buy furniture that does double duty! Manufacturers like Resource Furniture carry some fantastic space saving solutions like this ordinary looking sofa which transforms into a bunk bed complete with a ladder! 

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• Painting or applying wallpaper to the ceiling is a great way to enhance painfully small rental bathrooms. I would also avoid using caddies which eat into your already bare minimum shower area. Instead, use clever solutions like this Umbra bath caddy which hangs on the shower head and holds your daily essentials.

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At the end of the day, don’t let small spaces cramp up your style. Make it work with the above tricks!

Feel free to check out my video post on compact flexible apartments if you’re looking for ideas on specific custom made solutions for your apartment.