Living in a tight space with someone else, even if they’re your significant other, can cause plenty of tension. Knowing how to manage a tight living space can alleviate and prevent tensions from building, regardless of where your home or residence is located. Remaining aware of your surroundings at all times will make it much easier to maintain a cohesive living space for all.
Organize Your Space
Keeping your space organized, tidy, and clean is essential, especially when you need to share your residence with another individual or more than one household member. Taking the time to organize and clean your surroundings regularly will also reduce the risk of fruit flies and other pests invading your living space. Invest in storage containers, drawers, and vertical storage solutions when you’re living in a tight home or apartment unit.
Designate Personal Space Areas
Whenever you’re living in a home or apartment that is tight or cramped, it’s highly advisable to designate personal space areas. Having space for your personal belongings will help you feel more at home without feeling as if you are encroaching on the space of others. Having designated personal space areas can also help you feel less claustrophobic or resentful, especially if you’re living in a tight location for an extended time with a spouse, significant other, or even multiple roommates.
Eliminate Clutter Regularly
Taking the time to clean your small home or apartment regularly is imperative to minimize tension in the household. Regular cleaning will minimize clutter, eliminate pest infestation risks, and help you feel much more at ease whenever you’re spending time at home. You can ensure you stay on track with the de-cluttering of any tight space you live in by implementing a cleaning schedule.
Give Each Other Space
If you want to remain married and live in a happy home, even when you are doing so in a small space, you will need to learn how to give one another space from time to time. In 2019 alone, it is estimated that there were more than 32,900 annulments and divorces filed across the state of Pennsylvania. When you do not feel as if you can have your own time alone, you are much more likely to feel resentment when living with someone else, including a spouse or romantic partner at the time.
Give Gifts to Show Appreciation
Giving a gift to your spouse, loved one, or roommate while living in a small space is a great way to show your appreciation while breaking any temporary tension you might be experiencing at the time. One gift to consider includes flowers, such as fresh roses or orchids, as plants can also provide additional oxygen to smaller spaces. Did you know that the worldwide orchid industry is currently worth more than 5.1 million around the world, according to Comfy Living?
Stay Sober and Free From Alcohol and Substances
When living in a small, cramped, tight space, it’s important to do so with the right mindset and mentality. If your home feels hostile or if someone living with you is constantly under the influence of drugs and alcohol, the atmosphere can quickly shift. If someone is also struggling with their mental health while simultaneously turning to alcohol or substances to cope, they may be dealing with a co-occurring disorder. Co-occurring disorders typically occur when an individual who has been diagnosed with one or more mental health conditions is also turning to substances and alcohol as a means of coping, according to Psychology Today.
Living in a tight space does not have to cause tension, especially once you have de-cluttered and organized your surroundings. Remaining cognizant of trash and clutter at all times can help to significantly reduce tension. Respecting the privacy of those who live with you and offering one another time alone can go a long way in ensuring a happy and harmonious household.