Organization isn’t just helpful in a small home—it’s essential. As Cathy Orr, co-founder of The Uncluttered Life and Hack Decks, puts it: “Space is at a premium.” While some people enjoy cozy, maximalist interiors, most still want their compact homes to feel open, airy, and peaceful. Fortunately, achieving that feeling often comes down to one powerful principle.
Certified professional organizer Sara Bereika calls it “The Rule of Importance.” Here’s how it works: for every item in your home, ask yourself, “How important is this—really?”
“In a small home, there’s extra pressure to ensure everything you own is truly worth the space it takes up,” Bereika explains. “You must choose: Do you want an organized, functional home—or a cluttered one that frustrates you daily?” She adds that letting go of excess items may mean owning less, but what you gain in mental clarity and calm is invaluable.
Think of it as setting boundaries—not just with people, but with your possessions. “A small home gives you clearer limits to live within,” Bereika says. “Without those, many of us would drown in stuff. Asking ‘How important is this?’ helps you protect your peace.”
If your space feels like it’s closing in, it’s time to make tough choices. “You might need to choose between your Harry Potter collection, 20 pairs of black pants, years of craft supplies—or your sanity,” she says. “What matters more? Compare items emotionally. If something truly resonates, you’ll know.”
To simplify decisions, Bereika suggests rating each item on a scale from 1 to 5—1 being least important, 5 being most. “If it’s below a 2, you can likely let it go. If it’s above a 3, keep it—but revisit after you’ve sorted everything else.”
This rule applies especially to decorative clutter. Diane N. Quintana, a certified professional organizer specializing in chronic disorganization, notes that too many knick-knacks make a room feel smaller. “Your home feels bigger when you keep only what you truly love or what serves a purpose,” she says.
Additionally, keeping surfaces clear reinforces this sense of openness. Barbara E. Tanaka, a strategic home design advisor, emphasizes this point: “When counters, tables, or floors are full, the space feels cramped. Clear surfaces give the room breathing room—and make it feel calmer.” Why? Because your eye can move freely through an uncluttered space.
By applying the small home organization rule, you’re not just tidying up—you’re reclaiming peace, function, and visual space. In a compact home, every object should earn its place. And when it does, even the smallest square footage can feel expansive.