Thank you for the helpful feedback.

I think I’ve gotten so used to staring at all these empty boxes that I quit noticing them so I’m happy you did bc they’re taking up a lot of space and it’s an easy first step.
Great idea with storage under the bed, I’m going to do that!

There are lots of ways to minimize the look of a lot of stuff........Consider under furniture storage, placing high shelves in some rooms (about a foot from the ceiling) to store shoebox-sized storage boxes of seasonal or little-used stuff, or hanging storage on the backs of doors. I find Ikea is good for ideas and supplies, because they seem to specialize in outfitting small spaces.

Labelled totes ("sweaters" "hardware") can really help maximize the use of shelving units, though they're not particularly attractive; I've found cube open-backed storage (like Ikea's Kallax) are good, inexpensive options that look nice, and there are lots of inexpensive but good looking boxes to fill the cubes - I use one as my bedroom dresser, with some open shelves for t-shirts, and boxes in some cubes for underwear and socks. (I moved from a place with a custom closet to a place without, so I didn't own a dresser; it was also a smaller place, and I didn't have room for this Kallax unit, so - voila - Kallax became my bedroom dresser).

Even if you don't (or can't) buy from Ikea, look at their website for ideas - I'm constantly amazed at how the put together extra storage spaces in unusual ways.

1. get rid of ALL empty boxes immediately

2. work towards getting one space (kitchen or living room or bedroom) tidy with some cleared-up space to give you some breathing room

3. plan for long term storage and/or reduction of belongings. You don’t say what your expected length of stay is in this place. For a few months? For an unidentified length of time? That info should help you decide whether you need to get rid of stuff, store stuff off-site, or arrange for on-site long-term storage like under-bed, shelving units, etc

Another good storage item are the vacuum sealed storage bags for soft items. If you have seasonal clothing, pack items into these bags, suck all the air out and they shrink! Wonderful! If you have other soft items that don’t get regular use - it could be seasonal bedding - vacuum seal them to!

Before you think about adding storage, remedy the box situation first so you can see what is left and sort.
Moving is often a rush to get from A to B so now you’re at B, you have time to now sort things out. some might stays, some might go, thereby reducing what is needed to be stored. As you sort think about what would be the best way to store - solid sided containers, or vacuum. If in a container, is the size right? Will the container be filled or will there be extra space? Sorting and crating items sounds good until you have half empty crates of sorted items taking up space!
Once sorted, When it gets to thinking about any purchases you can be more effective in your selection and know what you need. Ultimately it would be nice to see the floor and some walls, so you might not need to cover every inch of wall space with shelving to be effective with your solutions.

Looks like you have a balcony, can you add a large Rubbermaid type cabinet outside?

I have a friend whose living space looked like yours. It got out of hand when they were recovering from surgery, and then it got overwhelming (sound familiar?) It didn't make them a bad person, and it doesn't make YOU a bad person. I applaud you for already getting rid of clothes and kitchen items!

My friend bit the bullet and asked me for help. Just having another person do something like haul out empty boxes made a huge difference, and together we were able to free up enough floor space to have room to organize and put away other things that had piled up.

Do you have a friend or relative who could help you for a day?

It seems like the biggest issue is that you have too much stuff (which I think you already know). Is the small apartment a short-term or long-term situation? If you will be moving to a bigger place in a year, it makes sense to hang on to things - otherwise, you need to do a huge purge. Here is where another person could help you make decisions about what is most necessary to keep, and what to let go.

Do you have a garage? That's an ideal place for longer-term storage of tubs. If not, perhaps you could rent a small storage unit.

The fact that you reached out here suggests that you are ready to tackle this project. Set small, realistic goals for yourself (remember how to eat an elephant - one bite at a time). You can DO this!

Emily! Hope your day is a little bit better today :)) one step at a time. What stood out to me is that the "stuff" might be holding you back from some fun times, such as playing with your dog! Start in the place where you're sitting and grab the first box within reach - take a look at the contents and decide what brings you joy, what has a function or purpose...and if it's neither then let it go :)) We're all very attached to our things, when push comes to shove most things can disappear and we'll never miss them. If you're not ready to let go 100%, tuck those things into a storage locker if you can and give yourself a time limit - if you didn't need it let it go. Literal burden off your sholders :)) good luck, let us know how you're doing!!

Do everything step by step:

1. Take everything out of boxes.
2. Flatten boxes, thus making more space- put in your car or outside until you can take them to recycling place.
3. Place bedroom items in one corner of bedroom.
4. Living room items in one corner.
   5 . Kitchen items in corner of kitchen and so forth…
5. Prepare three essential areas, place of rest ( bedroom), bathroom ( to feel refreshed when need be), small kitchen area for quick meals and coffee etc)

With all that done- you are now set to get into action each day with one room each time- hope this helps, take care!