Living in a small space means you really need to organize your belongings. You may struggle to find enough storage for your family’s needs.
Fortunately, there are creative solutions available that can help maximize the available space in your home while keeping it organized.
We’ll start with general tips, and then after that, we’ll go room by room.
1. Use vertical space
When space is premium, you really need to take advantage of vertical storage opportunities. Install shelves or floating cabinets on walls to maximize storage without taking up valuable floor space.
Use tall bookshelves or wall-mounted organizers to store books, toys, and other items.
2. Go for Storage Ottomans and Tables
When it’s time for new furniture, choose multi-functional furniture pieces that come with storage options. For example, choose a coffee table with built-in drawers or ottomans with hidden compartments.
These versatile pieces can help you free up space while serving their primary purpose.
You can also choose beds with built-in drawers. Platform beds with integrated drawers offer valuable extra space without taking up additional floor area.
Coffee tables that feature bottom shelves or lift-up tops provide convenient storage for books, magazines, remote controls, and other living room essentials.
3. Under-bed storage
The area under your bed is often just wasted space. Take advantage of this space by using under-bed storage containers or drawers to store items such as linens, clothing, or shoes.
Maximize the space by using vacuum-sealed bags to compress bulky items.
4. Install pegboards or grids
Pegboards or grid organizers are versatile and can be customized to fit your needs. Install them in your home office, craft room, garage, or even your kids’ rooms to hang frequently used items.
You can hang utensils, tools, craft supplies, and more. Not only does this free up drawer and countertop space, but it also keeps everything easily accessible.
5. Declutter regularly
Regularly go through your belongings and declutter. Donate or sell items that you no longer need. Removing unnecessary items frees up space and makes it easier to stay organized.
You can also rent a storage space if you have items you want to keep but simply don’t have room for. Save it for items you rarely need, like seasonal decorations.
6. Categorize and label
Assign specific storage areas for different categories of items. Make use of labels or clear containers to easily identify what’s inside. This ensures items are quickly accessible and reduces the likelihood of clutter.
7. Maximize closet space
Closets often have vertical space that goes unused. Invest in closet organizers like hanging shelves or over-the-door storage to make the most of this space.
Use hangers with multiple hooks to hang scarves, belts, or purses. We’ve actually got a whole post about organizing your closet.
8. Create designated zones
Assign specific areas in your home for different purposes. Create a designated play area for your kids with proper toy storage, a study or work area for yourself, and ensure everything has its place.
9. Repurpose old furniture as Storage Space
Give a new life to old furniture pieces by repurposing them as storage solutions. Convert an old dresser into a TV stand with storage compartments.
Or transform an unused bookcase into a pantry for your kitchen supplies. The possibilities are endless!
10. Use mason jars
Mason jars are not only trendy but also practical for storage. Use them in your kitchen to store dry goods, such as grains or pasta.
You can also attach them to a wooden board or the underside of shelves to free up counter space.
11. Create hanging storage
Hang baskets or fabric organizers from hooks or rods to store items like scarves, hats, or gloves. This is a great way to make use of vertical space on closet doors or walls.
12. Build floating shelves
If you’re handy with tools, consider building your own floating shelves. They are a stylish and practical addition to any small space. Install them in your living room to display decor or in your bathroom to store toiletries.
13. Over-the-door organizers
Over-the-door shoe organizers or hanging baskets provide an excellent solution for storing small items like toiletries, cleaning supplies, or accessories.
Creative Kitchen Cabinet Storage Solutions
Small kitchens are tough because they have limited cabinet and countertop space. However, with some clever storage hacks, you can make the most of your kitchen area:
- Use the insides of cabinet doors: Attach adhesive hooks or magnetic strips on the inside of cabinet doors to hang measuring spoons, pot lids, or even small pans.
- Install a pegboard in the pantry: A pegboard on the back wall or back of the door of your pantry can keep frequently used items visible and easily accessible.
- Use tension rods under the sink: By placing tension rods horizontally, you can create extra vertical storage for cleaning supplies or spray bottles.
- Under sink shelves, baskets and drawers can also make better use of that space.
Maximizing Bathroom Space
Here are some ideas to help you maximize your bathroom storage:
- Add shelves above the toilet: Install floating shelves or a small wall-mounted cabinet above the toilet to store towels, toiletries, or extra rolls of toilet paper. Freestanding shelves are also available.
- Hang baskets on towel racks: Utilize vertical space by hanging baskets on towel racks to hold toiletries or rolled-up towels.
- Invest in an over-the-toilet organizer: These units fit neatly over the toilet tank and provide shelves or cabinets for storing various bathroom essentials.
- Install a second tension rod next to your shower curtain rod to create a whole new place to hang towels and other wet textiles.
Creative Closet Organizers
Closets are notorious for becoming cluttered and disorganized quickly. Take advantage of these creative closet organizers to tame the chaos.
- Use hanging shoe organizers for more than just shoes: These organizers work wonders for storing small accessories like scarves, belts, socks, and even cleaning supplies.
- Install a second clothing rod: Double your hanging space by adding a second rod below the existing one. This is ideal for shorter garments like shirts or skirts.
- Incorporate stackable storage bins: Stackable bins allow you to make the most of vertical space and keep items categorized and easily accessible.
DIY Storage Hacks
If you enjoy getting creative, here are a few DIY storage hacks that can add a personal touch to your small space:
- Repurpose old wooden crates: Stack them vertically or attach them to the wall for rustic and functional storage options.
- Create storage shelves from wooden pallets: Sand down and paint wooden pallets before mounting them on the wall to create unique shelves for books, plants, or decor.
- Turn mason jars into bathroom organizers: Attach the lids of mason jars to the bottom of a shelf or cabinet, then screw the jars onto the lids. This creates handy storage containers for cotton balls, Q-tips, or makeup brushes.
Making Use of Nooks and Crannies
Small spaces often have awkward nooks and crannies that seem useless. Here are some ideas for making use of those tricky areas:
- Convert under-stair areas into cozy reading nooks with built-in bookshelves or transform it into a mini office space with a compact desk and shelving.
- Install floating corner shelves to take advantage of otherwise wasted space. These shelves are perfect for displaying small decorative items or storing essentials like extra toiletries in the bathroom.
Embracing Minimalism
Sometimes, less is more. By adopting a minimalist lifestyle and decluttering regularly, you can make your small space feel more open and spacious. Consider these tips:
- Donate or sell unused items regularly: Be ruthless when evaluating what you truly need in your living space. Let go of items that no longer serve a purpose.
- Invest in smart storage solutions: Choose furniture pieces with hidden storage compartments or sleek designs that don’t overwhelm your small space visually.
- Keep surfaces clutter-free: Embrace the mantra of “a place for everything and everything in its place.” Make it a habit to tidy up regularly and find homes for items that tend to accumulate on surfaces.