Tips for Small Apartment Living with Kids

Thank you so much to Redfin for featuring my tip in this informative, fun read all about how to best organize yourself when living in small spaces with your children.

Small apartment living is one thing, but adding kids to the mix can make it all the more challenging. Organizing and storage is a must especially when it comes to small apartment living and It is important to create a space you are both comfortable in. We’ve gathered expert tips from all over the nation from San Diego, CA to Boston, MA, to share their insights on how to create a living space perfect for your family. From toy organization and getting your children involved in household activities, to cleaning methods and space-saving hacks, read on to see how to create a space that’s right for your needs.

Add a basket for your children to throw toys in after they play

Educate your kids to clean up after themselves or designate a “dump basket” that your child can have fun throwing their toys in and you can sort out later. I have a fun game with my son where I made him believe the vacuum would eat his toys. He thinks it’s funny and not funny at the same time, which proved to me that he is actually fully capable of cleaning his toys. – The Mommy Codes

Keep everything organized

Finding a place for everything to stay is important. Group the items in your home and keep them in one particular place or store them in a labeled box. Medicine with medicine, office supplies with office supplies, house tools with house tools. Easy, quick access and knowing the “map” of your own home is thrilling. When at a loss and if you can afford it, you’d be surprised at how an organizer can help you create space in your small space. – The Mommy Codes

Designate a dump basket

Educate your kids to clean up after themselves or designate a “dump basket” that your children can have fun throwing his toys in and you can sort out later. I have a fun game with my son where I made him believe the vacuum will eat his toys… He thinks it’s funny and not funny at the same time, which proved to me that he is actually fully capable of cleaning up his toys. – The Mommy Codes

DIY

There are plenty of activities for kids that can be DIY and used with what you already have at home. Sometimes it is hard to have many toys when space is limited and nothing better than keeping thing minimal, plus it keeps the creativity going, – The Mommy Codes

Empower your children with a healthy snack

Empower your kids with access to a healthy snack of clothes drawer. This will give them the independence and lets you breathe, and they learn self responsibility. – The Mommy Codes

Create an organization method perfect for your child

Sharing small spaces can be a challenge, as we all want our own space to call ours. Encourage kids to build their own autonomy around the space. Gamify picking up and organizing their toys. One way is to have them organize their toys differently each month and someone has to guess what the pattern is. The key is to bring joy and fun into the space.
– Kamini Wood, certified Life Coach

Save space by letting kids play with items around the apartment

Kids love to model what you are doing, use your things, and have fresh things they haven’t played with before. Give them access to use your things instead of buying toys and switch them out regularly. For example, let them play with your calculator and packaged food instead of buying them a cash register and plastic food. – Rebekah Keizer, Life Coach

Choose furniture with built-in storage

To make the most out of apartment living with kids, you must use these mom hacks of clever storage solutions to maximize your space. Choose furniture pieces that provide hidden storage, like storage ottomans to hide toys. Also, be sure to utilize unused storage spaces such as behind doors, under beds, and behind sofas. – Mom Hacks 101

Break down cleaning step by step

Small living spaces can be easier for kids to manage – big spaces can overwhelm them. Help your child manage the task of “cleaning their room” by breaking up the job into small steps. For example, you might ask your 5-year-old to start by picking up 5 items off the floor and putting them back in the toy box. – Katie Malinski, Parenthood Understood

Everyone should participate with chores

Small spaces are wonderful for creating intimacy and shared experiences. One of the best ways to share small spaces with children and grow as a family at the same time is for everyone to participate in household chores. Taking time to help out in age-appropriate ways teaches responsibility, encourages everyone in the home to happily work for the benefit of the rest of the family, and results in a cleaner, less cluttered, and healthier home. – Truth Love Parent 

Encourage your kids to help in the kitchen

Having kids help in the kitchen is important for them and to share family responsibility – but it isn’t always easy in small spaces. Fix the elbow room problem by setting kids up at the table instead of the counter. It’s a better height for them anyway, and everyone will enjoy their time together more if it’s less stressful. – Kids Cook Real Food

Read the full article by clicking here or on the button below! The Mommy Codes is BIG on gentle parenting and creating a fun, loving space whether it’s emotional or quite literally within your walls.