Stephen Anderson
Table of Contents
Living in a small space can feel limiting, but it doesn’t have to be! With some clever solutions and a dash of creativity, you can transform even the tiniest home into a functional and beautiful oasis. As an interior design enthusiast who has lived in my fair share of studios, apartments, and tiny homes over the years, I’ve discovered numerous smart storage hacks for making the most of every precious square foot.
In this guide, I’ll share my 12 favorite storage tricks and space-saving ideas to help you organize and declutter your humble abode. We’ll cover innovative solutions for every room including the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and more. I’ll also offer tips on how to take advantage of awkward nooks and vertical space.
With a little effort and imagination, you can create a comfortable, tidy, and livable small space you’ll be proud to call home. Time to get clever with your storage!
Rethink Your Furniture
The furniture you choose plays a big role in a small space. Bulky, oversized pieces gobble up precious real estate and make rooms feel cramped. Seek out smart multifunctional furniture that pulls double or triple duty.
Murphy Beds
Murphy beds, or wall beds, fold up neatly when not in use to free up living areas. Come nighttime, the bed folds down to provide a comfortable sleeping space. Murphy beds are ideal when floor space is extremely limited.
Storage Ottomans
Look for ottomans with internal storage space to stash blankets, games, toys, and media accessories. Using ottomans instead of bulky coffee tables opens up floor space.
Nesting Tables
Nesting tables stack together when not in use. Pull them apart for extra surfaces when entertaining or doing projects. They can serve as end tables, nightstands, workstations, craft areas, and more.
Build Up with Vertical Storage
In small spaces, it’s essential to take advantage of vertical real estate. Floor space is precious, so go vertical whenever possible.
Wall-Mounted Shelving
Install floating shelves or mounted shelving units on walls to display decor, books, and everyday items. Use sturdy brackets and anchors to ensure shelves don’t fall.
Floor-to-Ceiling Shelves
Maximize vertical storage space by installing shelves from floor to ceiling. Use the upper shelves for infrequently used or seasonal items.
Over-the-Door Storage
Hanging storage racks and shelves over doors offer a quick way to add storage. Use them for pantry goods, tools, or bathroom supplies.
Hack Those Awkward Nooks and Crannies
Take inventory of every unused niche and awkward space in your home. Little nooks beg to be filled with clever storage solutions.
Under-Bed Storage
Lifting up your bed frame creates an ideal spot for plastic bins and organizers. Use them to store off-season clothing, shoes, linens, or hobby supplies.
Under-Stair Spaces
Under stairwells often get ignored. Fill them with closet systems, drawers, or open shelves to maximize every inch.
Corner Shelving
Take advantage of wasted corner space by installing layered corner shelves. Spinning “lazy Susan” corner shelves make items easy to access.
Get Organized with Bins, Bags, and Boxes
Affordable storage containers allow you to corral everyday items and keep your space tidy.
Clear Storage Bins
Stackable clear plastic bins help organize pantry foods, craft supplies, toys, seasonal decor, and more. Label bins so you can easily find what you need.
Hanging Storage Bags
Clear vinyl pouches with grommets can be hung in closets or on pantry doors to hold snacks, toiletries, office supplies, and small gadgets.
Decorative Storage Boxes
Attractive covered boxes can be used to conceal unsightly cords, remotes, cleaning supplies, and clutter. Look for boxes that complement your decor.
Take It Outside With Outdoor Storage
Don’t overlook your outdoor spaces when looking for extra storage potential. Patios, balconies, and garages offer unused real estate.
Vertical Bike Racks
Save interior floor space by storing bikes vertically on a freestanding or wall-mounted bike rack on your patio or in your garage.
Deck/Patio Storage Benches
Benches with interior storage compartments allow you to keep outdoor living essentials handy while providing extra seating for guests.
Freestanding Garage Cabinets
Prefab metal cabinets on casters can provide workshop space or storage for pool supplies, camping gear, or seasonal items in garages.
Use Multifunctional Furniture
Furniture that serves multiple purposes helps maximize efficiency in small spaces. Seek furniture that goes above and beyond.
Storage Coffee Tables
Coffee tables with shelving or drawer storage provide surface space plus storage for remote controls, books, blankets, and more.
Storage Headboards
Upholstered headboards that open to reveal shelves are handy for stashing books, alarm clocks, reading glasses, and personal items.
Cabinet Beds
Some clever cabinet beds feature built-in nightstands, drawers, and shelving in the base for keeping clothes, linens, and bedroom essentials close at hand.
Take Advantage of “Lost Space”
Look for forgotten voids where you can sneak in storage. Wasted space offers prime real estate for organization.
Inside Closet Doors
Install storage hooks, mesh pockets, or shelves on the inside of closet doors to hold small clothing items, accessories, or toiletries.
Under Kitchen Cabinets
Make use of the void under kitchen cabinets by adding slide-out trays, spice racks, or vertical paper towel racks.
Dead Space Behind Furniture
Slide narrow shelving units into the gap behind sofas, beds, and dressers to hold books, office supplies, or small decor.
Organize Your Entryway
The entryway sets the tone for the rest of your home. An organized mudroom looks pulled together.
Wall-Mounted Coat Racks
Coat racks with shelves above allow you to hang outerwear while stashing bags, gloves, scarves, keys, and sunglasses.
Cubby Storage Benches
Entryway benches with built-in cubbies keep shoes, bags, and other everyday essentials organized yet out of sight.
Freestanding Shelving Units
Narrow shelving units or bookcases give you a place to put bags, helmets, leashes, sports equipment, keys, and mail.
Get Smart In the Kitchen
Kitchens require a lot of specialty storage. Make the most of kitchen cabinets and pantries.
Lazy Susans
Spinning “lazy Susans” in corner cabinets make items accessible. Great for spices, canned goods, or baking supplies.
Vertical Dividers
Vertical cabinet dividers double your storage capacity by allowing you to effectively use shelf height.
Under Sink Pull-Outs
Install pull-out trays or baskets under kitchen and bathroom sinks to neatly organize cleaners, sponges, soaps, and more.
Q&A About Storage Hacks for Small Spaces
What are some tips for decluttering and getting organized?
1. Start by purging unused and unwanted items. Be ruthless. Donate, sell, recycle.
2. Categorize what’s left and find logical homes for those items.
3. Use baskets, bins, and organizers to corral everyday essentials.
4. Only keep frequently used items readily accessible. Store seasonal items elsewhere.
5. Maintain organization by putting everything away in its designated spot.
Where can I find more unique storage furniture and solutions?
1. Check out sites like Wayfair, Ikea, Amazon, and specialty storage retailers.
2. Look on Pinterest and DIY blogs for custom storage project inspiration.
3. Salvage and repurpose items like crates, tins, and luggage into functional storage pieces.
How can I maximize closet storage?
1. Install double closet rods to double hanging space.
2. Use hanging shoe organizers on the back of the door.
3. Stack sweaters on shelves using storage cubes.
4. Transfer out of season clothes to under bed bins.
What are some ideas for bathroom storage?
1. Add floating corner shelves in the shower for products.
2. Use an over-the-toilet ladder shelf for towels and toilet paper.
3. Install shallow pull-out cabinet organizers for beauty products.
4. Use wall-mounted boxes or mesh pouches to corral hair styling tools.
Where are some unexpected places I can add storage?
1. Under sofa cushions or ottomans
2. Inside nightstands and headboards
3. Under crib mattresses
4. Inside hollow table legs
5. Behind artwork or mirrors
6. Under chairs or benches
Key Takeaways
- Seek out multifunctional furniture like Murphy beds, storage ottomans, and nesting tables.
- Build up with vertical storage using wall-mounted shelves, over-the-door racks, and floor-to-ceiling bookcases.
- Hack awkward spaces like under stairs, inside closets, and behind furniture to add storage.
- Use bins, baskets, and boxes to neatly organize everyday essentials.
- Add storage on patios, balconies, and in the garage.
- Choose furniture that goes above and beyond like storage coffee tables and cabinet beds.
- Organize your entryway with coat racks, cubbies, and shelving units.
- Maximize your kitchen with lazy Susans, pull-outs, dividers, and more.
- Get creative and think outside the box for your small space!
With some clever solutions and innovative thinking, you can create a tidy and livable small space tailored to your unique needs. Use these storage hacks as inspiration to make the most of the square footage you have. You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish in your petite palace!
