Blog

Whether you've just signed a lease on a brand-new apartment or are looking to infuse your current apartment with a breath of fresh air, maximizing your space is key to a happier, calmer, and more productive year. Small apartments, in particular, require smart strategies to feel more spacious and functional. Here are our top tips for making the most of your apartment space in the new year.

Make a fresh start in your old apartment

Before you buy a single item or move a piece of furniture, take a moment to assess what you truly need and how you currently use your space.

Declutter and digitize

If you want to make your old apartment feel like a new apartment, start by getting rid of the old and undesirable bits and bobs. 

The one-year rule 

If you haven't used something in the last 12 months, it’s likely a strong candidate for donation, selling, or disposal. Be ruthless, especially with clothes, books, and kitchen gadgets.

Embrace digital 

Scan and shred old documents, bills and receipts. Move physical photos into digital albums. The less paper you have to store, the more spacious your space will feel.

Tackle the "junk drawer" 

A junk drawer is a catch-all space that’s a magnet for clutter. Dedicate 15 minutes to sorting it into categories: office supplies, batteries/tools, and trash. Organizing it will make it feel more functional and less chaotic.

Create zones

In an apartment, especially one with an open-concept layout or a studio, rooms often serve multiple purposes. To make your space feel more functional, treat each area as a designated zone so you can maximize its use.

Carve out a home office nook 

A small desk in your living room or bedroom can serve as a defined workspace. By using a simple room divider screen, a rug, or a strategically placed bookshelf, you can truly separate the area.

Earmark your bedroom for sleeping

It’s important to ensure your bedroom is only for rest. Keep laundry, work materials, and exercise equipment elsewhere if possible to promote better sleep hygiene.

Maximize your space with smart design

Whether you’re refreshing your current apartment or starting fresh somewhere new, these clever design tricks will make your apartment feel big and bright.

Use wall space

Floor space is precious and wall space is abundant -- especially in small apartments. 

Floating shelves 

Floating shelves are fantastic for books, plants, and decorative items and won’t add the bulk of a large bookcase. Be sure to check with building management before you install shelves of your own in case there are rules against that in your building or complex.

Over-the-door organizers

Over-the-door organizers are a must-have for bathrooms and closets. They’re perfect for shoes, cleaning supplies, and toiletries.

Invest in multi-functional furniture

Every item you house in a small space should ideally serve two or more functions to maximize space usage and reduce clutter.

Ottomans and coffee tables with storage 

Ottomans and coffee tables with storage can hide blankets, magazines, or board games while providing a place to rest your feet or a cup of tea.

Console tables 

A narrow console table behind a sofa can double as a quick standing desk or a breakfast bar.

Sofa beds/futons 

Whether you want to save space by not having a dedicated bed, or you host overnight guests regularly, a comfortable, high-quality sofa bed will serve double duty as a place to sleep and a couch. 

Play with light and reflection

When you’re making the most of a cozy space, it’s important to add the illusion of square footage. Here’s how:

The magic of mirrors 

A large mirror can instantly double the perceived size of a room. Place it opposite a window to reflect natural light and scenery.

Light colours and textiles

White, cream, and pale grey walls reflect more light, making a space feel open and airy. Use lightly coloured rugs and curtains to avoid absorbing light.

Sheer or high curtains 

Hang your curtain rods closer to the ceiling rather than just above the window frame. This draws the eye upward and makes your ceilings appear taller.

Infuse freshness and a touch of your personality

Your space should be more than just functional. It should also be a beautiful and inviting home. Use the new year as a chance to inject life and a bit of your personality into your home decor.

The power of plants

Indoor plants (like snake plants, ZZ plants, or Pothos) filter the air in your space and add vibrant, fresh colour. You can save surface space with hanging planters.

Artwork

If you don’t own any artwork, now is a good time to invest in some. If you do, you don't need to buy new art to change up the look of your space. Simply place your existing pieces in new areas of the apartment. Move a bedroom print into the living room, or rearrange a gallery wall for a completely new look.

Deep clean

Nothing makes an apartment feel new more than a truly deep clean. Whether you want to freshen up your current apartment or scrub down a new one before you settle in, you’ll feel the difference a deep clean makes.

Window washing

Sparkling clean windows let in maximum light, instantly brightening your home.

Get the gunk out 

The devil is in the details! Scrub your grout, wipe down your baseboards, and dust high-up ceiling fans to make a massive difference in the overall freshness of your space.

Starting the new year in a refreshed apartment sets a positive tone. By strategically decluttering, leveraging multi-functional pieces, and using light to your advantage, you can transform even the coziest space into a beautiful home.

Looking for a new place to call home in Canada in the new year? With apartments, townhouses and homes for rent across the country, we can help.