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Maximizing Your Small Space: A Room-by-Room Guide
You can enjoy an organized, beauty-filled life no matter what size your space is. In this practical book, you'll learn how to perform an audit of your space to see if it's functioning at its best, make the most of existing storage space and find clever ways to add more, find creative ways to arrange furnishings and accessories that maximize space and bring harmony and style to the home, and live graciously in a small space with others. Whether you're an empty nester who's downsizing, a newlywed setting up your first nest, or someone who just needs some creative new ideas, you'll love these strategies, tips, and solutions.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
121 people are currently reading
422 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Bechen
9 books2 followersKathryn Bechen is an award-winning writer and bestselling book author who specializes in writing about home organizing and decorating. She has been featured and quoted in the media many times for her expertise. Visit her website at KathrynBechen.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
December 5, 2012
My husband and I live in small apartment - two small bedrooms, a tiny bath and toilet, kitchen, and living room all in 650 square feet. This book was not written for people like me.
If you have a more reasonably sized home and would like to minimize how much space your stuff is taking up there may be some tips you can use. Best if you own though, as a good chunk of the solutions would never get past the landlord, like completely reworking closets, putting holes in the walls, and adding under the counter glass racks.
The chapter that struck me as the most tone deaf was "Kitchen and Dining Delights". Bechen assumes you have space to work with... I don't. My total counter space is less than three foot square so her recommendations of keeping knives in a butcher block or lining up "colorful canisters" made me laugh. And lose half of my workspace? No way!
I wouldn't mind so much if she was squarely targeting empty nest couples moving into a smaller home, say, or people who need help sifting through a mountain of possessions. But right there in the first chapter she lists out her audience, including new college students heading to a dorm room and those "living out your jet-set fantasy life in a tiny studio apartment in a trendy and expensive area of New York, Tokyo, or Paris". Those people will have even less to learn from Bechen than me.
It's tempting to give one star but I did glean a couple of interesting tidbits so two it is.
If you have a more reasonably sized home and would like to minimize how much space your stuff is taking up there may be some tips you can use. Best if you own though, as a good chunk of the solutions would never get past the landlord, like completely reworking closets, putting holes in the walls, and adding under the counter glass racks.
The chapter that struck me as the most tone deaf was "Kitchen and Dining Delights". Bechen assumes you have space to work with... I don't. My total counter space is less than three foot square so her recommendations of keeping knives in a butcher block or lining up "colorful canisters" made me laugh. And lose half of my workspace? No way!
I wouldn't mind so much if she was squarely targeting empty nest couples moving into a smaller home, say, or people who need help sifting through a mountain of possessions. But right there in the first chapter she lists out her audience, including new college students heading to a dorm room and those "living out your jet-set fantasy life in a tiny studio apartment in a trendy and expensive area of New York, Tokyo, or Paris". Those people will have even less to learn from Bechen than me.
It's tempting to give one star but I did glean a couple of interesting tidbits so two it is.
November 20, 2014
Only slightly to moderately insightful I think... I think most people are aware that glass and mirrors can make a room look bigger and that plastic silverware trays help keep drawers organized. I did come away with the concept of a "sink skirt" but that's pretty much the only completely new idea I got.
Also, I never want to see an alliterative sub-heading again. Please.
Also, I never want to see an alliterative sub-heading again. Please.
February 26, 2019
Surprisingly. I disagreed with most of this book.
It teaches you how to organize, but not minimize and seems to focus on baskets and storage containers as your solutions.
The only part I felt any bit of helpful was the bathroom section where it talked about replacing makeup and cleaning your medicine cabinet, but even that didn't go into details.
It teaches you how to organize, but not minimize and seems to focus on baskets and storage containers as your solutions.
The only part I felt any bit of helpful was the bathroom section where it talked about replacing makeup and cleaning your medicine cabinet, but even that didn't go into details.
March 31, 2017
I am not the target audience for this book. It really wasn't helpful to me. We have lived in our house for over 9 years with four children and a dog. I think it's meant more for the college age, newly weds looking for their first small home or maybe those who are downsizing and want to start afresh with a new, smaller space with all new furniture. Her tone was pleasant though and she had lists that showed where you could find certain items to organize your home that might be convenient for some people.
February 14, 2017
Her idea of what a small space is and mine are radically different. I laughed out loud when I got to her suggestion about the "Bathroom closet." Sure, lady; in my dreams.
June 22, 2019
Helpful book of lists for organizing, no pictures. Each chapter has a list of resources & websites in the back.
January 26, 2016
January often brings the "urge to purge." We've gotten a new load of stuff at Christmas, maybe watched a few too many episodes of "Hoarders," and before you know it: ugh! We just want to get rid of some of the stuff that most of us in America have way too much of.
Kathryn Bechen addresses this is her book, "Small Space Organizing." She advocates living in smaller spaces, which is kind of an "in" sentiment, given the state of our economy. Current trends are actually to downsize and live in smaller spaces, and this book addresses that. What do we really need in an apartment, dorm room, studio apartment, or smaller home? How can we decide what to keep and what to give away, and how can we organize what we do have?
Kathryn's best small space organizing tips?
1. Keep your gadgets and appliances simple by buying only what you'll truly use.
2. Use all-white dishes and clear glassware to cut down on how many dish sets you buy. If a dish breaks, you can easily find a new similar white piece and not have to get a whole new set.
I found this book to be repetitive in spots and offer little in the way of earth-shaking, new ideas. But, it was helpful nonetheless in making me think about the objects I surround myself with: what's important and what's not? In the end, it's all just stuff, so we're best not to attach too much emotional sentiment to items. This would be a great book for a teen heading to college, for a couple getting married, or for anyone who's downsizing.
Kathryn Bechen addresses this is her book, "Small Space Organizing." She advocates living in smaller spaces, which is kind of an "in" sentiment, given the state of our economy. Current trends are actually to downsize and live in smaller spaces, and this book addresses that. What do we really need in an apartment, dorm room, studio apartment, or smaller home? How can we decide what to keep and what to give away, and how can we organize what we do have?
Kathryn's best small space organizing tips?
1. Keep your gadgets and appliances simple by buying only what you'll truly use.
2. Use all-white dishes and clear glassware to cut down on how many dish sets you buy. If a dish breaks, you can easily find a new similar white piece and not have to get a whole new set.
I found this book to be repetitive in spots and offer little in the way of earth-shaking, new ideas. But, it was helpful nonetheless in making me think about the objects I surround myself with: what's important and what's not? In the end, it's all just stuff, so we're best not to attach too much emotional sentiment to items. This would be a great book for a teen heading to college, for a couple getting married, or for anyone who's downsizing.
January 12, 2012
Kathryn Bechen is no stranger to small living spaces having lived in more than a fair share over the past 30 years. Instead of despairing Kathryn has allowed God to develop a talent at organization and style that make small space living livable and peaceful. As a mother of 4 children that home schools living in a 3 bedroom home that has a separate school room I am always looking a ways to maximize the space I have. My children are two to a room and there is furniture every where. Sometimes I feel claustrophobic even thinking about entering their rooms.
This book is just the book for a person like me. It is very practical, and well layed out making it an easy and enjoyable read. The down-side, if you could even consider it thus, is that you will feel motivated to tackle each room - even the ones that are pretty well organized. I particularly enjoyed the fact that she included helpful websites and products and that much of it was very reasonably priced.
This is certainly a book I would recommend - as it is helpful and does not leave you feeling utterly discouraged by the clutter you once thought was so very organized.
Thanks to Revel for this review copy.
This book is just the book for a person like me. It is very practical, and well layed out making it an easy and enjoyable read. The down-side, if you could even consider it thus, is that you will feel motivated to tackle each room - even the ones that are pretty well organized. I particularly enjoyed the fact that she included helpful websites and products and that much of it was very reasonably priced.
This is certainly a book I would recommend - as it is helpful and does not leave you feeling utterly discouraged by the clutter you once thought was so very organized.
Thanks to Revel for this review copy.
August 19, 2012
"Small Space Organizing" is a good read, and I got quite a few wicked storage ideas for my new place. I only wish there'd been a little more advice for apartment dwellers who can't paint a wall any color or install shelves right into a wall without giving up their security deposit. And maybe a little more budget conscious. The author obviously has a lot of experience with the subject, and she goes into detail about all the little ways she found to live better in small spaces. And ways she helped clients organize their small spaces too.
But she probably mentioned her glamorous high rise flat with an in-building gym about 10 times. The most my building can boast is a grocery store down the street!
I think the next time I purchase a book like this, I'll be going for something with pictures so I can see examples of storage ideas, rather than just descriptions.
I really did enjoy the book, despite these comments.
May 31, 2020
I really didn't like this book. It was all about getting rid of what you have and then how to buy a bunch of cute containers to store the rest of your crap in. I really didn't read anything new or inspired in the whole book. I live in a small older house on a tight budget and this book just wasn't for me.
May 12, 2022
If you find yourself living in a small space, and feeling overcrowded, this book is for you! Katheryn Bechen gives you hundreds of inexpensive and creative ideas for storing your belongings out of sight, and making the most use of space. Each chapter focuses on a different area or room of the house. You'll be inspired after this easy and fun read!
February 5, 2018
Not a bad read that will help you organize the small spaces in your home, but I’d rather stick to Pinterest.
June 15, 2022
if i had to hear about armoires one more time I was going to scream. it's supposed to be about small space organizing but all about getting more furniture. Ironic.
September 19, 2025
This book is designed for those who really enjoy decorating and don't have 12 children at home. When our family was moving into a camper I thought this might give some good ideas for getting organized in a smaller space. This is absolutely for those who want to live high end in a small space with smaller families. It is made for someone, just not me. Some of the tips she gave I may use when we are no longer mobile, but her over use of the word gorgeous makes me not want to read this again. With a large family and many boys, I'm not looking for gorgeous, I'm looking for practical. So thankful this book was only 50 cents.
January 30, 2021
Not illustrated, this book is a compilation of suggestions for the beginning organizer. Contains a list of resources at the end of each chapter on where to buy organizing items relevant to that chapter.
I suggest 'Good Things for Organizing' by Martha Stewart Living as a much more useful (and illustrated) beginners book.
I suggest 'Good Things for Organizing' by Martha Stewart Living as a much more useful (and illustrated) beginners book.
September 15, 2017
Found this book a little disappointing. No pictures!!!
I read it as an ebook, so lots of link, which is cool and helpful.
But I didn't encounter much that was very new or helpful.
Too jaded, am I?
I read it as an ebook, so lots of link, which is cool and helpful.
But I didn't encounter much that was very new or helpful.
Too jaded, am I?
December 27, 2023
great resource!
This book asks some great questions and provides good anecdotes for living small and downsizing. On my kindle edition, I would have like some additional visuals, but the information and guidance I hear is really excellent.
This book asks some great questions and provides good anecdotes for living small and downsizing. On my kindle edition, I would have like some additional visuals, but the information and guidance I hear is really excellent.
January 10, 2024
I wish this book was bigger print with pictures as visuals. Definitely had good ideas, but not sure if all of them are practical. It would be nice if this author published an updated version of this book.
October 1, 2018
Good ideas
I added a few new ideas to my list of ways to stay organized!
I would recommend this book for anyone.
I added a few new ideas to my list of ways to stay organized!
I would recommend this book for anyone.
December 18, 2018
Least useful organizing book I've read. Not well formatted, either.
June 16, 2020
not that great, no pictures. I found the websites listed in resources to be helpful, giving me options for organizing
October 26, 2020
Tone was patronising and twee.
October 23, 2021
think of your closet as a little "boutique". Unlike department stores, only items that are the cream of the crop make it into fancy boutiques.
March 31, 2024
Nothing earth-shattering: a couple of good ideas, lots of encouragement to entertain/fellowship regardless of space size and a way to redirect your thinking to simple and personalised.
May 31, 2024
This is a No-Photo shopping index. YAWN !!!
August 11, 2015
"Small Space Organizing: a Room-By-Room Guide to Maximizing Your Space," by Kathryn Bechen, is pretty much what it says on the cover. It's a well-written guide to living a full life in a small space.
I read 4 books on de-cluttering/organizing in a row, 3 1/2 of them in one day. (3 of them, including this one, were about Jesus; one was about Feng Shui/Reiki) This one was the best of the lot, and I wound up taking several pages of notes (including answering a long questionnaire) and rethinking how we use certain rooms in our apartment.
That said, the book largely assumes the reader is an older, established person who is downsizing a home by choice (although lip service is given to college students moving into a dorm/starter apartment, and hip young people living in a major city as they start their hip young lives) and not a working class person (with kids) muddling through too-small apartments for decades. There's a certain class of people the book is aimed at and largely that person is not me. There's a lot of talk about fine antiques and quality furniture and hiring interior decorators and beach views, for instance.
Bechen also, oddly, seems to advise using a car to store extra things? I don't... what? She also assumes one has closets, and possibly a storage locker/bay if one is in a condo/apartment (I haven't had one of those since 2005). She also mentions using checkbook boxes as drawer organizers-- who uses CHECKBOOKS?-- and mentions laptops and eReaders but not tablets, an interesting oversight given how recent the book is.
She also assumes one has a master bedroom/bath, has a spare room, and gives the breezy advice to "buy the best quality goods... BUT FOR LESS!!!!!!" Oh wow thanks, I never would have thought to use coupons/buy things on sale/shop at an outlet mall. GROUNDBREAKING ADVICE.
Frustrations aside, I enjoyed the bulk of the book, especially her keywords of LOOK, FEEL, and FUNCTION. What is the function of a room? How do you use it? How do you want to use it? What is preventing you from using the room the way you want? How do you want to feel when you enter your living space? What prevents you from feeling that way?
I live in a vintage apartment that has almost no closets (no hall closet/coat closet, no bathroom/linen closet, tiny bedroom closets, the large pantry is occupied by the furnace and the fridge, no storage in the basement). We have three adults, a child with a lot of toys, stacks of books, and just... general... STUFF. I've been on a quest to get rid of stuff and have purged a LOT (thank you, Marie Kondo and "the Life Changing Magic Of Tidying Up") but I'm still trying to figure out how to live the best life I can in this apartment, that we'll likely be in for at least another decade.
For all my earlier complaining, Bechen does a great job of asking incisive questions about what a person wants out of their home, how a person uses their home, and helps get them thinking about what they want and what they can change. I got a lot out of this book.
I'd really like more de-cluttering books that 1) were secular and 2) didn't assume you had money.
I read 4 books on de-cluttering/organizing in a row, 3 1/2 of them in one day. (3 of them, including this one, were about Jesus; one was about Feng Shui/Reiki) This one was the best of the lot, and I wound up taking several pages of notes (including answering a long questionnaire) and rethinking how we use certain rooms in our apartment.
That said, the book largely assumes the reader is an older, established person who is downsizing a home by choice (although lip service is given to college students moving into a dorm/starter apartment, and hip young people living in a major city as they start their hip young lives) and not a working class person (with kids) muddling through too-small apartments for decades. There's a certain class of people the book is aimed at and largely that person is not me. There's a lot of talk about fine antiques and quality furniture and hiring interior decorators and beach views, for instance.
Bechen also, oddly, seems to advise using a car to store extra things? I don't... what? She also assumes one has closets, and possibly a storage locker/bay if one is in a condo/apartment (I haven't had one of those since 2005). She also mentions using checkbook boxes as drawer organizers-- who uses CHECKBOOKS?-- and mentions laptops and eReaders but not tablets, an interesting oversight given how recent the book is.
She also assumes one has a master bedroom/bath, has a spare room, and gives the breezy advice to "buy the best quality goods... BUT FOR LESS!!!!!!" Oh wow thanks, I never would have thought to use coupons/buy things on sale/shop at an outlet mall. GROUNDBREAKING ADVICE.
Frustrations aside, I enjoyed the bulk of the book, especially her keywords of LOOK, FEEL, and FUNCTION. What is the function of a room? How do you use it? How do you want to use it? What is preventing you from using the room the way you want? How do you want to feel when you enter your living space? What prevents you from feeling that way?
I live in a vintage apartment that has almost no closets (no hall closet/coat closet, no bathroom/linen closet, tiny bedroom closets, the large pantry is occupied by the furnace and the fridge, no storage in the basement). We have three adults, a child with a lot of toys, stacks of books, and just... general... STUFF. I've been on a quest to get rid of stuff and have purged a LOT (thank you, Marie Kondo and "the Life Changing Magic Of Tidying Up") but I'm still trying to figure out how to live the best life I can in this apartment, that we'll likely be in for at least another decade.
For all my earlier complaining, Bechen does a great job of asking incisive questions about what a person wants out of their home, how a person uses their home, and helps get them thinking about what they want and what they can change. I got a lot out of this book.
I'd really like more de-cluttering books that 1) were secular and 2) didn't assume you had money.
January 17, 2012
Small Space Organizing by Kathryn Bechen
c. 2012 Revell
ISBN: 9780800720285
$12.99
Non fiction, self help
Kathryn Bechen is an award-winning journalist in the San Diego area. She specializes in lifestyle feature articles and has published several organizing and decoration ebooks. She blogs about timely lifestyle topics at www.KathrynBechenInk.com
After cleaning out my grandparents’ households, then moving my parents and inlaws, I knew I wanted to leave less behind. This book has fantastic tips and spaces for notes, as well as a treasure trove of resources.
I live in a big farmhouse now, but it was built in the 1850s—back when you hung your clothes on hooks and kept your couple of pots and crockery on a shelf in the summer kitchen and wouldn’t dream of having a privy in the house! Subsequent remodeling has given me four closets, two bathrooms, electricity and indoor plumbing. The kitchen is still the middle of the house with at least one door on every side, so the cupboards are minimal. I could have used this book when I moved in, even to this bigger home.
Bechen takes you on a trip around your house. Using examples from her life of moving, as well as years of experience, study, savvy and common sense, she helps the newly independent, the recently down-sized, the mobile modern family think about lifestyle in practical means that also take into account family mementoes.
She goes room by room to teach us to make the most of the tiniest living areas, and creating separate areas in a one-room apartment. Have no foyer, but always dreamed of one? Bechen shows you how to do it? Miniature bathroom? Bechen gives you hints about creating a spa experience no matter the size. Using small pieces of furniture creatively, nightstands, small dressers and multi-purpose pieces are favorites, the author uses space in clever ways for storage and décor that won’t seem crowded. I appreciated the area at the end of chapters to make notes to meet my needs, as well as resources to find the materials she discusses. Using clever rhyming alliterative headings, Behen makes even downsizing from a lifetime of memories seem doable.
My only quandary is that I’m short, and so uncomfortable thinking about using space vertically. Stepping stools take care of this, I know, but for aging or unsteady folks, that’s not always practical. Otherwise, Small Space Organizing is a fantastic tool for those on the go or thinking of downsizing which I’ll be happy to recommend.
“Available January 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
c. 2012 Revell
ISBN: 9780800720285
$12.99
Non fiction, self help
Kathryn Bechen is an award-winning journalist in the San Diego area. She specializes in lifestyle feature articles and has published several organizing and decoration ebooks. She blogs about timely lifestyle topics at www.KathrynBechenInk.com
After cleaning out my grandparents’ households, then moving my parents and inlaws, I knew I wanted to leave less behind. This book has fantastic tips and spaces for notes, as well as a treasure trove of resources.
I live in a big farmhouse now, but it was built in the 1850s—back when you hung your clothes on hooks and kept your couple of pots and crockery on a shelf in the summer kitchen and wouldn’t dream of having a privy in the house! Subsequent remodeling has given me four closets, two bathrooms, electricity and indoor plumbing. The kitchen is still the middle of the house with at least one door on every side, so the cupboards are minimal. I could have used this book when I moved in, even to this bigger home.
Bechen takes you on a trip around your house. Using examples from her life of moving, as well as years of experience, study, savvy and common sense, she helps the newly independent, the recently down-sized, the mobile modern family think about lifestyle in practical means that also take into account family mementoes.
She goes room by room to teach us to make the most of the tiniest living areas, and creating separate areas in a one-room apartment. Have no foyer, but always dreamed of one? Bechen shows you how to do it? Miniature bathroom? Bechen gives you hints about creating a spa experience no matter the size. Using small pieces of furniture creatively, nightstands, small dressers and multi-purpose pieces are favorites, the author uses space in clever ways for storage and décor that won’t seem crowded. I appreciated the area at the end of chapters to make notes to meet my needs, as well as resources to find the materials she discusses. Using clever rhyming alliterative headings, Behen makes even downsizing from a lifetime of memories seem doable.
My only quandary is that I’m short, and so uncomfortable thinking about using space vertically. Stepping stools take care of this, I know, but for aging or unsteady folks, that’s not always practical. Otherwise, Small Space Organizing is a fantastic tool for those on the go or thinking of downsizing which I’ll be happy to recommend.
“Available January 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
January 14, 2012
Title: SMALL SPACE ORGANIZING
Author: Kathryn Bechen
Publisher: Revell
January 2012
ISBN: 978-0-8007-2028-5
Genre: Self Help
More Americans than ever are choosing small homes. Some, due to economic reasons, some due to circumstance. And some just because of the “green” movement causing them not to take up more than their fair share of space. Whether you live in a cozy cottage, an apartment or a miniscopic dorm room, you need ideas for storing your stuff so that your home doesn’t look cluttered.
SMALL SPACE ORGANIZING is the book for you. Ms. Bechen is a self-proclaimed small space living expert, who started out her married life in a small house only twenty feet by twenty feet. This book is a self-help book that will assist you in knowing what you want, what you need, and how to organize it. At the end of each chapter are questions for you to answer, and a section included for notes.
There are suggestions included on how to down-size, going from room-to-room. Such as, throw out anything in the laundry room that is empty or fell behind the washing machine. In the garage, get rid of the mower, and yard tools, and keep only a hammer and a few nails. In the bedroom, get rid of anything that is dated, etc. Of course, if you’re moving someplace with a yard, you might want to rethink keeping outdoor tools.
Then the book talks about storage things such as a coatrack, that you can use to hold umbrellas and coats. No closet required! And dishes—you can eliminate all special china plates and use only white all-purpose dishes and clear glassware that will be good for everyday and entertaining. It gives suggestions for keeping clutter cleared, such as hanging your keys in the foyer, processing mail in the kitchen by the trash can, and storage.
Really, if you have no idea how to organize your clutter, this is the book for you. If you are looking for a tip on what you might consider eliminating, this book will work. If you are moving from a super-sized mansion to a tiny nursing home room, well, just eliminate everything. (smile) And Ms. Bechen uses some of her storage tips as decorating tips as well. A book that any small space dweller (or soon to be one) will need. $12.99. 234 pages.
Author: Kathryn Bechen
Publisher: Revell
January 2012
ISBN: 978-0-8007-2028-5
Genre: Self Help
More Americans than ever are choosing small homes. Some, due to economic reasons, some due to circumstance. And some just because of the “green” movement causing them not to take up more than their fair share of space. Whether you live in a cozy cottage, an apartment or a miniscopic dorm room, you need ideas for storing your stuff so that your home doesn’t look cluttered.
SMALL SPACE ORGANIZING is the book for you. Ms. Bechen is a self-proclaimed small space living expert, who started out her married life in a small house only twenty feet by twenty feet. This book is a self-help book that will assist you in knowing what you want, what you need, and how to organize it. At the end of each chapter are questions for you to answer, and a section included for notes.
There are suggestions included on how to down-size, going from room-to-room. Such as, throw out anything in the laundry room that is empty or fell behind the washing machine. In the garage, get rid of the mower, and yard tools, and keep only a hammer and a few nails. In the bedroom, get rid of anything that is dated, etc. Of course, if you’re moving someplace with a yard, you might want to rethink keeping outdoor tools.
Then the book talks about storage things such as a coatrack, that you can use to hold umbrellas and coats. No closet required! And dishes—you can eliminate all special china plates and use only white all-purpose dishes and clear glassware that will be good for everyday and entertaining. It gives suggestions for keeping clutter cleared, such as hanging your keys in the foyer, processing mail in the kitchen by the trash can, and storage.
Really, if you have no idea how to organize your clutter, this is the book for you. If you are looking for a tip on what you might consider eliminating, this book will work. If you are moving from a super-sized mansion to a tiny nursing home room, well, just eliminate everything. (smile) And Ms. Bechen uses some of her storage tips as decorating tips as well. A book that any small space dweller (or soon to be one) will need. $12.99. 234 pages.
January 22, 2012
Just about all houses could use a little better organization and efficiency. In Small Space Organizing, Kathryn Bechen shows the reader how to examine a room's level of function, to creatively arrange areas to be both efficient and inviting, and to optimize each space, no matter how small.
Small Space Organizing by Kathryn Bechen is a great resource for those of us that need a little extra help in getting/staying organized. One of my favorite things was that as the author went through each room she had long lists of specific ideas for organizing common items in each room. Then at the end of each chapter there was a place for thoughts, notes and ideas. I found the book very helpful, although I did not have time prior to writing this review to actually try out all of the ideas I want to implement. This book is also convenient to use. After you read the first few chapters, you can skip around in the book according to whatever area of your house that you are focusing on at that time. I highly recommend this book as I definitely see myself referring back to it time and time again.
Available January 2012 at your favorite book seller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Publishing, a division of Baker Publishing Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Small Space Organizing by Kathryn Bechen is a great resource for those of us that need a little extra help in getting/staying organized. One of my favorite things was that as the author went through each room she had long lists of specific ideas for organizing common items in each room. Then at the end of each chapter there was a place for thoughts, notes and ideas. I found the book very helpful, although I did not have time prior to writing this review to actually try out all of the ideas I want to implement. This book is also convenient to use. After you read the first few chapters, you can skip around in the book according to whatever area of your house that you are focusing on at that time. I highly recommend this book as I definitely see myself referring back to it time and time again.
Available January 2012 at your favorite book seller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Publishing, a division of Baker Publishing Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
January 12, 2012
Having lived in 13 small home spaces in the last 30 years, Kathryn Bechen shares her knack for organizing and enjoying smaller dwellings by finding the joy and beauty in its smallness.
Attitude is everything in realizing the blessing of living in a smaller space. She begins her book for those downsizing and taking a look at their possessions that may also need to be downsized. Recommending that people weed out things before the move to help with the transition.
She gives detailed ideas for small studio apt style living with just one main room. Ways to organize paperwork, to utilizing the one room for all of the various needs it serves, hobbies, living, dining and sleeping.
She then goes on to each area of the house bit by bit suggesting ideas for organizing and beautifying the space. She gives websites to view for ideas in purchasing different organizers, and beautification tools. Loved how she included an area for hobbies into the small living.
Great tool for getting organized in small spaces. More though for the idea of making the space you do have, work for you. Ideas that work for if you live in a small space or larger space to cut down on clutter and to create a beautiful home.
Attitude is everything in realizing the blessing of living in a smaller space. She begins her book for those downsizing and taking a look at their possessions that may also need to be downsized. Recommending that people weed out things before the move to help with the transition.
She gives detailed ideas for small studio apt style living with just one main room. Ways to organize paperwork, to utilizing the one room for all of the various needs it serves, hobbies, living, dining and sleeping.
She then goes on to each area of the house bit by bit suggesting ideas for organizing and beautifying the space. She gives websites to view for ideas in purchasing different organizers, and beautification tools. Loved how she included an area for hobbies into the small living.
Great tool for getting organized in small spaces. More though for the idea of making the space you do have, work for you. Ideas that work for if you live in a small space or larger space to cut down on clutter and to create a beautiful home.
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