In a small space, everything has to do at least double duty. There isn’t room to store single-purpose items or something that’s only used every once in a while.

Before I bring anything home, I ask myself if it has more than one purpose or if it can be used creatively to get rid of something I already have.

More Than One Purpose Rule in Action

The immersion blender makes soup and (seriously incredible) whipped cream.

Mason jars are food storage, bulk containers, and drinking glasses. They are also knick-knack holders and bathroom organizers.

The living room is also the dining room, entertainment area, and office. The kitchen is also a space to stretch out with some yoga or dry your clothes on a clothes rack.

The bed is for sleeping, but underneath is for a snowboard, golf clubs, winter clothes, and luggage. (And as much as I hate to admit it, it’s also frequently an extension of the office. I just can’t break the habit of working on the bed.)

Our padded stools are our kitchen chairs, office chairs, ottoman, step stools, and side table.

You get the point.

Why the More Than One Purpose Rule

I’m on a mission to make everything work twice as hard. If it’s going to take up space, it needs to earn its keep.

We’ve gotten creative with our stuff and stretched the “rules” of what things are for. It turns out that using your pots and pans as extra mixing bowls is great. Books are helpful beyond the knowledge or entertainment inside of them.

We’re slowly going through our stuff and taking a hard look at the items we have that only do one thing. Is that one thing really important? Is there anything else we can do with it? Can something we already own replace it?

As with any rule, there are exceptions. I don’t use my hair brush for anything than my hair. My toothbrush is also best left as a single purpose tool. But there are few items in my home that only do one thing, and they are all well worth the space they take up.

We have kept single-purpose items that truly add value to our lives, that make our lives easier. We have made room for the things we love and that make a noticeable difference.

Where to Start

There is a fascination with kitchen gadgets and dodads. Start by sorting through your kitchen drawers and realizing how many things can be replaced by a simple knife or something else you already own.

Once you get good at identifying things with only one purpose, you don’t have to stop at the kitchen. Are there apps on your phone that do the same thing as your notebook or a simple timer? Do you have pieces in your closet that can only be worn to one specific place or event? Do specialty items really make things easier or do they clutter your drawers and your counters and make it even harder to find what you are looking for?

You don’t have to eradicate all single-purpose items, but being intentional with the ones you keep will not only give you more room but also help you get value (or your money’s worth) out of them.