Rules to Live By #3: Find creative hiding places...

In a small apartment, you have to get creative. And I've realized that there is actually a lot of unused space lurking around, if you know how to use it.

Caveats:
--Remember Rules to Live By #4: But sort through stuff often!
--Keep track of what you hide where. Otherwise, you'll be frustrated when you know you have something that you can't find, as well as forgetting about a lot of what you have and then ending up buying more.
--This is not a license to be a packrat. I have to tell myself this often.
--This is not a license to be a packrat. I'm reminding myself again.
--Only hide things you use once in a blue moon! Efficiency is key. If I have to go through hoops to get to items I need more often, I get frustrated and give up.

One place that I've found to be especially handy is at the back of bookshelves. Most books aren't as deep as the bookshelf, which leaves a nice space for seasonal stuff, non-decorative but special occasion items, old paperwork that you only keep in case of audit, etc.

Another good option is behind any furniture items that are at a diagonal (thus creating a little triangle of space). Specialty boxes for your jewelry box, china, specific breakable items, etc. can all fit behind a tall bookshelf. You won't need these items until you move, so it doesn't matter that you can't access them until you move the bookshelf.

For other, shorter furniture, like sofas, chairs, or entertainment centers, the little triangular nook can be great for larger items (that won't fit at the back of a bookshelf) that you only need occasionally, such as extension cords, board games, and extra packs of soap, tp, etc.

Again, keep a note on the fridge, bulletin board, etc. that tells you where everything is. It is truly maddening to buy a huge pack of paper towels from Costco because you thought you were out, only to discover the rolls you already had stashed away but had forgotten about.

And make sure things are stacked neatly, in good, dust-proof containers, wherever you hide them. This will make it easier to vacuum and dust, and keep these nooks from becoming dumping grounds.