Optimizing space in your small Geneva appartments

Optimizing space in your small Geneva appartments

  July 10, 2017    Destination Leman - sejour tourisme, affaires

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New to Geneva, just moved here as an intern ? And all you could find was a studio or a small appartment or a room in a shared flat? Here are absolutely must-know solutions to make the most of the space available, and to make you feel more relaxed.


I recently seized the opportunity of a couple of days break to do some cleanup in my little studio
appartment. Let's face it, designing a comfortable setting in small Geneva appartments can be a
challenge. You need to find the right balance between having enough stuff, but also space to move around and not feel overwhelmed with pieces of furniture, clothes, etc.
In my case, I realized I was not ready to give up on some piece of clothes or bed linen, even though I
don't need them right now. I do not have the opportunity to store my belongings elsewhere, so I figured a couple of options to stay on top of space management.

1. Maintain a steady number of clothes: stick to buy 1 = donate 1

So one thing you can do is commit to give away one piece of clothes every time you buy one. It is easy in the beginning, when you get rid of they you didn't like anyway. But just keep on doing.

2. "Closet review" Every 6 months

That will help dig out pieces of clothes you don't need anymore. Before doing that, the Japanese method "Kon Mary" made popular by expert Marie Kondo on space management recommends that we "thank" the clothes for their services, so that positive energy continues to flow in your household... That exercise is also useful to find again clothes bought, thrown in a drawer...and forgotten.

3. Optimize every inch of free space available, use height and every inch of free space.

For example, I spent time looking for a very narrow piece of furniture made of  shelves that fits perfectly behind my entrance door without causing any inconvenience when the door opens. That allows me to make the most of the space available. I'll put my shoes on these shelves, in order to free up another cupboard for other things.
Another point here is to avail of the height, if you turn out to have a high ceiling.

*You will notice that convenient and cheap pieces of furniture are sold on Amazon. To understand how you can receive parcels from Amazon, read this article.

4. Use compactors or vaccum packing covers

This is an excellent solution to reduce the volume of clothing / bedding and also to protect them from
dust, insects and smells. Some are sold with a manual pomp (for those without vaccum cleaner).

5. Select space saving furniture
This is critical especially if you live in a small appartment. You cannot afford to waste space, and if
you need to store larger items, look for places where a high shelf could be put up.
Because you live in Geneva, make sure you will have all this stuff removed and the holes resealed before you check out the flat with the regie or landlord.