9 Essential Tips for Thriving in a Small Space with Kids

Living in a small space with kids can present unique challenges, but with a bit of creativity and organization, it can also be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. For the last year, my husband and I have lived in a 700 square foot space with our two year old daughter, our blue heeler dog, and our cat. Here’s how we have made the most of it all.

About Our Space

I have written a lot about our journey through real estate, investing, and airbnbing our home on this blog. In late 2020, a duplex came up for sale in our neighborhood. We were in the adoption process and we jumped at the chance to househack in a new way: a side-by-side duplex that was one bedroom/one bath on one side and two bedrooms/one bath on the other. We took the two-bedroom unit since this was still at the height of the pandemic and we were both working from home most of the time.

With a mortgage+escrow of ~1700 per month, we rented out the other side of the duplex for around 1200. This allowed us to continue living cheaply with low housing costs (it also means that when we finally move out of this space, the whole duplex will be able to cashflow/support itself comfortably). Meanwhile, we have continued renting our first property by the room. Learn all about that set up here.

Ideas for Living in a Small Space

We became parents to our daughter in May 2022 and now are officially pregnant and expecting our second kid (a boy!) in October 2023. We have had a lot of discussions about moving to a new and larger space, but in the meantime have had to figure out how make-do with this space.

From maximizing storage to creating multifunctional areas, here are eight essential tips to help you make the most of your small space while keeping your little ones happy and comfortable.

1. Declutter and Simplify

Living in a small space requires a minimalist mindset. Start by decluttering regularly and getting rid of items that are no longer needed or don’t serve a purpose. Keep only what is essential and consider donating or selling the rest. Embrace a simpler lifestyle, and you’ll find that less clutter means more space and less stress. (I guess that’s one other thing that’s helpful about moving every few years!)

We regularly sell clothes at Plato’s Closet or Once Upon a Child (both consignment-style stores that give you cash on the spot), and then we donate the rest. We were gifted so many wonderful clothes from friends and through our neighborhood Buy Nothing Group when we became parents, so we often will pass along clothes that our daughter out grows or will donate them to Salvation Army if we’re on a time crunch.

2. Utilize Vertical Space

When floor space is limited, it’s crucial to make the most of vertical space. Install shelves (we love these ones in our room and these ones in our daughter’s nursery), hooks, and organizers on walls to keep toys, books, and other essentials off the floor. There are all sorts of great closet organizers that make use of space that we have found to be helpful.

3. Optimize Storage Solutions

Invest in smart storage solutions to keep your small space organized and functional. Utilize storage ottomans, under-bed storage bins, and collapsible storage containers to hide away toys, clothes, and other items when not in use. In closets use clear bins (super helpful to keep you from hoarding things away or not knowing what it being stored where) or use labels to easily identify and access belongings. Maximize closet space by adding additional shelving or using hanging organizers.

4. Create Multifunctional Areas

Make your small space work harder by creating multifunctional areas. Combine a playroom with a study corner by using a folding table or a desk that doubles as a craft space. Use a convertible sofa, air mattress, or a murphy bed to turn the living room into a guest room when needed. Look for furniture pieces that serve multiple purposes to maximize the usability of each area.

For example, we don’t have a traditional dining room in this space, but instead we have a nook in our kitchen. We have a small table that typically sits against the wall with space for three chairs, but that can made larger if we have company over.

5. Embrace Minimalist Decor

When it comes to small spaces, less is more. Opt for minimalist decor to create a sense of openness and airiness. Choose light-colored furniture and paint to reflect light and make the space feel larger. Use mirrors strategically to enhance natural light and give an illusion of depth. Keep decorations simple and purposeful to avoid overwhelming the space.

6. Maximize Outdoor Space

If you have access to outdoor space, make the most of it. Create a small garden or play area where your kids can enjoy fresh air and engage in outdoor activities. Set up a patio table or a mini playhouse to extend your living space. Spending time outdoors can alleviate the constraints of a small interior and provide much-needed room for play and exploration. When it’s warm out, we regularly have dinners with friends on the patio or use a firepit (we have the solo stove and swear by it) in the backyard during the spring/fall. This makes our space feel much larger!

7. Foster Organization and Routine

Maintaining a sense of order and routine is essential when living in a small space with kids. Teach your children the importance of tidying up after playtime and having designated places for their belongings. Create a daily routine that incorporates both free play and structured activities to make the most of the available space and time. Regularly reassess and reorganize to adapt to your growing children’s needs.

8. Opt for Experiences Over Things

For holidays and our daughter’s birthday, we asked our family and friends not to give her gifts of toys and things. Instead, we requested that they donate to her college fund through Ugift, contribute to a membership to the local children’s museum, or get us tickets to the zoo. These memberships and tickets were especially helpful during winter days when we needed a change of scenery that was also warmer than outside!

9. Use Toy Rotations

Kids get tired of toys and things pretty quickly, and we have found toy rotations to be the BEST way to save space and to keep our daughter’s belongings fun and exciting to her. We stow a clear bin out of sight with the majority of her toys, books, and things. Every month or two, we will rotate toys from storage and into her room/play space. Then we’ll store away toys that she doesn’t seem as interested in anymore. This is something easily done with more holiday-themed or seasonal books, but we also do it with stuffed animals, puzzles, and every other toy you can think of!

Having Less Stuff is Actually Freeing

Living in a small space with kids can be challenging, but it’s not impossible– and it can even be freeing. Living with less stuff can have profound effects on our physical and mental well-being. By simplifying our living spaces and decluttering our belongings, we create a sense of calm and clarity. The physical effects are evident as we gain more open space, reduce visual distractions, and minimize the time and energy spent on cleaning and organizing. Mentally, living with less stuff can alleviate stress and encourage us to prioritize what truly matters, focusing on experiences and relationships rather than material possessions. Ultimately, the effects of living with less stuff extend beyond our physical space, transforming our lifestyle and mindset to one that is more intentional, fulfilling, and aligned with our values.

By embracing a minimalist mindset, utilizing vertical space, and following these other tips, you can create a functional, comfortable, and less stressful environment for your family.