...gonna need to buy cocoa for that...but I like that idea.
Might also attempt some dangerous multitasking and make a small batch of cookies while cleaning. After the kitchen gets cleaned up some. (I mean, really just need to wash a couple spoons and my baking sheet for the most part...and maybe clear off and wipe down my small table so I can take some cute pictures also...

Mmmmm baking! I need to clean my kitchen this weekend too, I have a ham to make and other stuffs to cook for a pre-Christmas dinner.

Have legitimately scanned through like 50+ assorted articles on de-cluttering, clever storage and furniture arranging tips for small places (because the total square footage of my apartment is only around 550-600 if my math is right, and that's divided between living room, bedroom, tiny kitchen, tiny bathroom, and a decent closet), but I've lived here for around 6 or 7 years and I kind of want it to start actually feeling like home and not just the place where I sleep.
Starts with a thorough cleaning and de-cluttering (possibly even getting rid of some of my bulkier furniture items and electronics). Then I'll have to asses what look I want and figure out what storage and furniture items I really want/need. This will be the hard part as I am totally clueless with furniture arranging and interior decorating. XP And also because some things (like painting) are not allowed, so I can't do much with certain aspects and areas.

Send me a link to some of those articles, our apartment's not the biggest and I'd love to help this place feel better!

Er...uh...I didn't actually save any of the links. I just googled stuff like "how to de-clutter" and "how to arrange furniture in a tiny apartment" and then just followed links within some of the resulting articles (mainly from thespruce.com) to other similar articles.
And took screenshots of the ikea storage stuff that I like but might not be able to buy as the nearest ikea store is 2 states away, minumum.

Oof, there's an Ikea near me but it's hella expensive. <n<

A lot of the storage stuff they were suggesting in the articles was generally in the $25-50 range. It was fairly simple and plain items that could easily be customized with paint or washi tape. So...that appealed to me. If I can buy the stuff online and have it shipped, I might consider that option once I determine my actual storage wants and needs.
They also had a couple of really simple makeshift bike rack (for hanging your bike on the wall to free up floor space I guess?) ideas that I liked and might utilize.

I'll shop around the Ikea site lmao. I tend to look at the nice things and not teh stuff that's simple and customizable.

Lol. I'm kinda opposite mostly. I tend to go more simple yet elegant or stuff that can be modified if I need to.
Except for actual furniture like chairs. I am not re-uphostering furniture if I like the style, but not the material.
Although if something looks perfect and isn't too expensive, I have been known to occasionally splurge on items. Like my small stone mosaic topped kitchen table with faux leather covered stools (that have been pretty badly punctured/knicked by Shade who likes to lay on and knead them).

I wont lie the nicest thing i ever splurged was a glass coffee table and its a very nice coffee table.

I...actually really want a coffee table. Unfortunately, most don't offer the level of functionality that I require/would like. Because I have a shit ton of yarn and would love something that I could display and store yarn in, but which also is cat-proof because Batty likes to eat my yarns, but also isn't a bitch to get into.
XD
I'm too picky to get a coffee table. XD

Also, I just realized that probably 4 of my 5 storage idea screenshots are basically just different configurations and customizations of the same ikea cabinet.
O.O

I wish i could help, however ours is there b/c it looks good as opposed to being functional.

I mean...how it looks in the room is important too...

Sorry

8D
Was doing a search and found a pretty neat looking terrarium coffee table that (except for a couple little holes (as it is intended for plants) actually would be pretty nice! I could layer yarn cakes in it for a crafty/artsy look! The only downside is that I would have to have it shipped here (which being as it is mostly glass can be pretty risky) and it is around $300, not including shipping costs.
XD

De-cluttering in progress! Have removed 99% of everything from the closet. Everything except for the blinds that I took down when I put my curtains up, although some of them are pretty well destroyed and could be tossed, the 2 tubs of Disney ornaments that I love, but don't have a way to decorate with this year, and the suitcase/luggage bits that don't stink of cat spray from a previous, unpleasant, living arrangement, although tbh, I haven't really used the luggage stuff practically since I was given them, so I probably could just get rid of all of it.

Now to sort and put back only essential items...like clothes that I will be keeping and wearing and yarn projects that are in progress because I need to keep Batty from trying to eat them.