Small Space Hacks: These Chairs Double as Hangers!

Idea #1: Pretend You Just Moved In

Let's start with the idea that you just moved in by doing an inventory of your kitchen haul. Pull out the things that you don't use daily and find another place for them (maybe a closet or garage). Declutter and organize: Keep quality items, reduce plastic as much as you can, and find your inner minimalist by keeping the kitchen clutter-free by only storing essential items. Then decide where you could use organizers, dividers, and bins to keep drawers and cabinets tidy.

Pull-Out Cabinet Organizer

Pots & Pans Organizer

Elfa Over-The-Door Rack

Idea #2: Maximize Your Counter Space

Counter space is essential in a small kitchen, so shed any non-essentials sitting on top of it. Can you move a microwave you barely use to a small island? Your juicer into a cabinet? Choose smaller or multi-functional appliances to save on counter space, and install cutting boards that can slide over the sink or stove. Foldable or extendable counters that can be tucked away and used only when needed are another great idea for small yet functional spaces.

Yamazaki Kitchen Appliance Bottom Drawer + Side Table

Workstation Sink Bamboo Cutting Board

Appliance Lift

Bushore Kitchen Island

Idea #3: Play With Vertical Space

Think high when designing a small kitchen. Maximize vertical storage if you have tall cabinets. Use hooks or racks for pots, pans, and utensils to free up cabinet space. And add shelves for frequently used items to create an airy feel and make the most of wall space.

PB Manchester Brass Rail With Hooks

Heidegret Floating Shelves, Set of 2

Rejuvenation Under-Shelf Swiveling Hook Accessory

Idea #4: Embrace Light Colors + Reflective Surfaces

Light colors for walls, cabinets, and counters can make the space feel larger and bring more light in. Reflective surfaces like glossy cabinets, glass tiles, or stainless steel can enhance light too.

Luna White Ceramic Subway Tile

Favorite Benjamin Moore Whites

Idea #5: Install Layers Of Lighting

A small kitchen can really benefit from lighting high and low, especially if you're not graced with a lot of natural light. Look for a fun (but small) pendant, install under-cabinet lighting to brighten up your cooking stations, add wall sconces to add extra charm.

Schoolhouse Ray Pendant

Germantown Swing Arm Sconce

Idea #6: Keep Your Design Consistent

Beyond decluttering and organize, use a consistent style for containers, cookware and organizers to create a cohesive look and feel.

Greenpan Reserve Ceramic Nonstick 10-Piece Set

Idea #7: Label Everything

Label containers and shelves to keep everything organized and easy to find. Use clear containers too so you don't inadvertently double up on items. Now enjoy your clean and happy space!

308 Kitchen Pantry Labels

Anthropologie Kori Modular Armless Sofa

Great way to save space? Lose the arms! With this comfortable modular sofa you can do just that. We are digging this clay color too. It's 100% linen, has a tropical hardwood frame, and there's no assembly required on your part!

Castlery Hamilton Sofa (Performance Brilliance White)

This sectional is a minimalist lover’s dream while the removable cushion covers makes it easy to keep it clean. You'll receive the maximum amount of coziness without sacrificing the contemporary aesthetic you're going for.

LEISLAND Modern Sectional

Pet-friendly chenille fabric in a gorgeous blue will cheer up any small space. Two arm cushions make it extra cozy.

Albany Park Kova Sofa + Ottoman

Get sucked in for all your movie nights with this deep and cozy, cloud-soft sofa. The ottoman provides extra storage too!

Living Spaces Emery Chiffon Sofa With Reversible Chaise

This affordable sectional seats three comfortably and gives you the option to move your chaise from left to right and vice versa (the extension below the chair cushion is detached). Available with an optional storage ottoman too.

Novogratz Magnolia Sectional

Modway Revive Modern Upholstered Right or Left Sectional

Clean lines with mid-century vibes make this sleek sofa in a rich jewel tone an easy fit for your snug space.

UO Modular Velvet Sofa

Small sectional sofas should be super cozy and chic like this modular design.

Available in a bunch of candy-colored hues, this velvet sofa is super versatile, featuring three separate pieces that you can arrange to suit your space.

Ami Sun Sofa With Reversible Chaise

Soft, suede-like fabric make this reversible chaise sofa an elegant addition to any small space, from living room to office.

Geo 2-Piece Vegan Leather Sectional

This sleek silhouette, reversible sofa and chaise is made in vegan leather upholstery that's super easy to clean.

All Modern 2-Piece Reversible Chaise Sectional (Burnt Orange Performance Velvet)

This space-conscious sofa doesn’t overwhelm a room and it's upholstery stands up to sun and spills, win-win!

Etta Avenue Chella Upholstered Sectional (Gray)

This black velvet chaise lounge has a bit of Old Hollywood vibes. It's reversible and has a unique tufted feature on the back rest. Two round pillows included — score!

Eafurn Convertible Modular Sectional Sofa

This modular sofar is easy to assemble, super affordable, and comes in a soft corduroy upholstery.

West Elm Oliver 2-Piece Chaise Sectional

West Elm has great sofas and this one is totally affordable and small-space-friendly at just under 80 inches wide.

APT2B Harper Reversible Chaise Sleeper Sofa (Blush Velvet)

You’ll get to have one of the cutest sectional sofas out there while creating a sleepover situation with the sleeper option! It’ll be ready 30 days after you make your purchase because it’s made to order!

IKEA FRIHETEN Sectional (Skiftebo Blue)

Burrow Field 3-Piece Sectional Lounger

This compact, two-seater with chaise has deep seats, plush cushions, and comes with an ottoman (you can also add seating as you grow into a larger space).

Mario Capasa Feathers Sectional (Grey)

This washable sectional is water-resistant and stain-resistant and the feather-and-fiber blend batting make it so cozy.

Best Choice Linen Sectional Sofa w/ Chaise Lounge (Black)

For less than $800, you’ll be able to say that you have one of the best sectional sofas that doesn't require you to spend a ton of cash. I’m all about finding ways to save money so I made sure this linen beauty is at the top of my list.

It’s a modular sofa that comes with a reversible ottoman and is designed to fit three people comfortably. This works perfectly if you’re in the mood to catch up on Bridgerton Season 3 Part 1 with your besties.

Latitude Run 2-Piece Corduroy Sectional (Dark Green)

With its 4.8 rating on Wayfair, this is one of the best sectional sofas you’ll find under $1000. You’ll get free white glove delivery (such an advantage) so you can spend more time worrying about how many naps you can take on it.

It’s incredibly comfortable with its deep seating and has a moderate height that comfortably fits short and taller people. If it’s just you and your roommate or S.O., you should definitely consider this two-seater!

1. Actually Use Your Planner In 2025

We're not buying pretty planners just so they can collect dust on our desks or coffee tables anymore. Corry Frazier and Melissa Pepin want you to get serious because they feel "it starts with planning." They don't mean the kind you eventually flake on either.

"Effective planning is key to maintaining balance and reducing burnout. Whether you're mapping out tasks, meetings, or events, dedicated time for preparation ensures focus and reduces stress," they say. In other words, "the more intentional you are in planning, the more productive you'll be," according to them.

Ever since I've been blocking out my tasks by hour in planner, I've been able to get more done without feeling overwhelmed by splitting my time between writing and being in mommy mode. Frazier and Pepin suggest that you "set weekly planning sessions" that consist of "30-60 minutes each weekend to map out your upcoming week."

This eventually "reduces decision fatigue, fosters a sense of control, and helps you start Monday with clarity and purpose," they add. Yes, this is a sign that you'll be breaking up with the dreaded 'Sunday scaries' if you follow their advice. "You'll feel proactive and grounded rather than reacting to the week as it unfolds," they agree.

2. Embrace A "Fake Commute" When Working From Home

One of Kayla Baum's tips is to switch up your routine if you're a remote worker. Rolling out of the bed at the last minute before logging on for work sounds appealing until you realize you're uninspired by your days. But, what is a "fake commute?"

"It mimics the structure of a traditional commute to establish a boundary between work and personal life. This could mean taking a walk around the block, doing a 10-minute guided meditation, or even just changing clothes at the end of the day," Baum mentions.

Based on her experience, she's found that "it works because it provides a psychological buffer, helping to separate work and home life." She feels it's "crucial for positive mental health and boosting productivity at work (and at home)."

You can also create a separate work space that's not in your bedroom to get work done! That's helped me tremendously so I'm not sleeping and working in the same area.

3. Focus On High-Impact Tasks

Similar to planning your work days as best as you can, Frazier and Pepin want you to "prioritize the tasks that align with your goals." To minimize distractions, they want you to ask yourself:

• What is the most effective use of my time right now?

4. Stop Making Daily Decisions Hard

Tasks like your morning routine or figuring out what you'll eat don't have to take up a chunk of your time anymore. "Use productivity hacks, such as pre-planning meals or laying out weekly outfits," suggest Frazier and Pepin. They feel that "small routines like this eliminate unnecessary choices" to "make mornings smoother."

According to them, it's "especially helpful for families juggling multiple schedules." I couldn't agree more because I've spent so many frazzled mornings trying to make decisions about what myself and my toddler would wear or eat instead of planning them. With the help of my fiancé, we've cut so much time in half by being prepared ahead of time instead of 'winging it' before work.

5. Understand What Your Boundaries Are And Set Them

Worried that you'll be considered 'mean' if you tell your manager or coworkers what your boundaries are at work? Depending on your environment, it's 100% understandable. However, you're human and there's no reason you should be over-performing to your detriment. Frazier and Pepin say, "Set boundaries and communicate clearly. Adopt Brené Brown's mantra: 'To be clear is to be kind.'"

They encourage you to not only "be upfront about your schedule to manage others' expectations," but it's also so you can "avoid over-commitment." Say it with me: I will not make false promises just to appease others. Why?

Frazier and Pepin say, "Don't be afraid to say no to side projects or anything that doesn't align with your goals."

6. Ignore Emails Sent After Your Work Hours

I've been guilty of sending an email after work to acknowledge that I saw something, but I never expect other people to feel obligated to respond until the next business day. On the flip side, I've felt pressured to answer something that feels timely and I've gone to sleep thinking about the sender's potential follow-up email.

"Just because a coworker chooses to work late at night doesn't mean you must answer. One helpful trick is to include your working days and hours in your signature, explaining that responses may be delayed outside of those times," Frazier and Pepin say. They even have a prompt you can use if you're not sure what to type:

• "My working hours are [Your Working Hours, e.g., 9 AM - 4 PM ET]. Please note that these may differ from your local time zone. I appreciate your understanding and will respond to emails during my working hours."

I can't wait to start utilizing this...for research purposes only 👀.

7. Please, log off from work when it's time.

Unless you're scheduled to work late, take the time to log off from work and not think about it until the next day. Baum says, "Commit to fully logging off once the workday ends—no 'quick email replies' or sneaking in work over the weekend." I'm eyeing you Ms. "I just need to send a quick email" while you're on vacation or spending time with your significant other.

Baum says creating this separation works because "fully disconnecting allows your mind to reset and recharge" which ends up "making you more efficient, creative, and focused during actual work hours." According to her, you'll eventually "improve personal well-being" and "enhance long-term work performance."

As soon as my work day is over, I make a beeline for the shower so I can decompress. After that, I take my time with my skincare routine and keep my phone out of reach so I'm not tempted to look at anything work-related. I'm not always successful, but I've noticed a difference in my mood since making this shift.

8. Speak Up When You're Feeling Overwhelmed

And if you're 100% drained because you've been trying to tackle work tasks during and after hours, Frazier and Pepin want you to speak up. "If you're feeling overwhelmed with your workload, approach your manager with honesty and a focus on solutions," they suggest. Here's another prompt of theirs you can use:

• "I've been noticing that my workload has extended beyond regular hours, and maintaining balance is becoming challenging. Could we discuss prioritizing tasks or adjusting expectations to ensure I can deliver quality work without compromising my well-being?"