1. Storage, storage, storage!

Probably the most obvious solution for cramming things into a small space is storage. From dressers to shelves (and a few sneaky options, too!) there are plenty of options to pick from. My piece of advice is to work with every last inch of your dorm or apartment- is there a random corner that you don't quite know what to do with? Chances are, you can find something to stick in there. Are your walls looking a little bare? With the help of command strips, you can hook hanging shelves to the wall that will look cute and save you some space!

2. Buy adaptable items!

If you want to know how to be adapt to a small environment, you need to arm yourself with adaptable items! When you're shopping, be conscious of an items use- is there a similar (and equally cute) alternative that could double as something else? A classic example is to find coffee or end tables that have a second layer to double as storage. It's surprisingly easy to find such multi-use items nowadays, and they can do a lot to save some space!

Similarly, finding items that can be stored easily- such as collapsible chairs, tables, etc.- can go a long way, too! If you can say "there will probably be a significant chunk of time when I won't be using this," then try to find a version of it that can be easily stored away until you do decide to pull it out!

3. Bigger isn't always better!

I hate to burst a few bubbles here, but when it comes to decorating a small home, bigger definitely isn't better! It may seem logical at the time to purchase a large dining table or couch, but the reality is that those tend to take up a lot of space. Before picking out the items you'll need, ask yourself, "how much of this item do I need?" Your answer may surprise you!

When I transitioned from my house to my dorm, I had to learn to give up a comfy couch for a slightly-less-comfy chair. It may seem like a large sacrifice at first, but once you realize how much room you've saved, you'll learn to separate luxury from necessity. Bonus points if you can find a small table like this, which slides easily under a chair or couch!

4. You can't always get what you want!

My final (but perhaps most important!) piece of advice is that, to better your experience of living in a small space, you have to come to terms with it. Even an expert space-saving shopper has to put back a few items before going to the checkout, and that's completely normal. Every person has a dream expectation for their home, but it can take a while before that expectation becomes a reality.

One of the most valuable things when shopping for a small area is to separate your wants and your needs. Absolutely start with your necessities before your desires, and learn to let go of some of your wishes. The reality is that your small living area can be just as magical and cozy as a large one- you just have to want it!