13 Ideas For Creating Storage in Small Spaces

Just because your home is small doesn’t mean that you have to live sparingly when it comes to belongings. It just means that you have to be smart and creative about organizing your space. Whether you live in a shoebox apartment, small house, or are just trying to sort out a cramped bedroom, here are tips and ideas on how to make the most of the tiniest living quarters.

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1. Utilize vertical space.

Image Source: The Container Store

You can put hanging racks on walls and the backs of doors to create ample space to store items. Hanging racks work especially well in the office, studio, bedroom, and kitchen areas. Check out this door and wall rack from the Container Store.

2. Decorative furniture with storage.

Image Source: Abby Manchesky Interiors

A living room doesn’t need an ottoman. But this decorative piece of furniture can actually offer hidden storage space. Look for one on the smaller side with a lift-up top and storeroom inside like this Threshold Tufted Round Storage Ottoman from Target.

3. Nooks and crannies.

Image Source: Pinterest

It’s important to consider ALL areas of your tiny home, even the nooks and crannies. They can used to hang shelves, put a storage bench, and other items so they are out of view and not encroaching on your physical space.

4. Replace closet doors with curtains.

Image Source: Pinterest

In order to open the closet door, you had to move your bed about two feet out into the room. By removing the door and hanging fabric curtains, you can move your bed snug up against the closet and free up space. For ideas, visit the blog A Thoughtful Place.

5. Use the ceiling.

Image Source: Bike NYC

If you live in a city and commute by bike, chances are you also have a small apartment with no room to store your bike? Make the best of the situation and hang it from the ceiling close to the wall. Check out these stylish bike storage ideas, which will work in the smallest apartments.

6. Store clothes and linens under the bed.

Image Source: Simple Details

Clothes, towels, sheets, seasonal items and more can be stored under your bed. To make the most of this valuable space, invest in a bed with built-in storage drawers like this one from Ikea, or storage containers that slide easily under you bed.

7. Turn your bed into a loft.

Image Source: Apartment Therapy

Remember being impressed by the neighbor in your college dorm who converted their bed into loft. Compared to your room, their room seemed HUGE. Use this college dorm room hack to create space in your tiny home. Follow this DIY project to make your own hanging bed or check out loft bed from IKEA.

8. Turn a closet into an office.

Image Source: Brit + Co.

Here’s an idea if you do not have a proper room for a home office? Think about turning a closet or nook into an organized office. Brit + Co. offers great ideas on how to make a cool, little workspace where you’ll actually want to sit down and get things done.

9. Headboard with storage.

Image Source: Decorpad

Headboards with shelves and compartments are not only a great way to create storage space, but they also add a decorative element to the bedroom. Use the area to put books, magazines, framed photos, and tchotchkes. Check out this headboard with bookcase from Walmart.

10. Room under the stairs.

Image Source: Design Sponge

For those lucky enough to have a stairs in their tiny home, think about transforming the area into an organized and functional space. This spot can be used to put shelves for books and storage bins for shoes and sports equipment. It can even be used for a home office, bar, or an extension of the dining room. Design Sponge has rounded up some genius ways to make the most out of the space under your stairs.

11. Stacking storage units.

Image Source: The Container Store

Rather than investing in one large cabinet with drawers, buy a bunch of small units. They are versatile and can be stacked and easily moved around the room. You can’t go wrong with the authentic dairy crate.

12. Pots and pans.

A tight living space usually has an even tighter kitchen. This wall mounted pot rack is a great storage solution and the at-home cook will love that everything is within arm’s reach.

13. Install sliding shelves in the kitchen.

Image Source: A Beautiful Mess

Give the archaic shelving that divides up your kitchen cabinets a modern update by installing sliding shelves. They provide organization and accessibility by creating spaces for snacks, spices, coffee, etc. Visit the blog A Beautiful Mess for ideas on how to improve your pantry and cabinets.

It’s time to stop hating your tiny, cluttered apartment. With some planning and creative thinking, you can turn it into a stylish and organized home of your dreams.