Hey everyone! Let’s take a trip down memory lane. Imagine what my first “real” apartment after college would look like. My tiny studio flat in the big city was such a pride for me. What I was not aware of was that my thrill would soon be eclipsed by… stuff. Everywhere. It felt like the walls were closing in on me all the time whether it was my dear books, my ever-expanding set of kitchen gadgets or my clothes. Sound familiar?
A small footprint is always in a war with clutter. But after some years, I learned a secret that changed everything. It is not having less space but being a genius with the space that you have.
It’s all about turning troublesome, weird corners into useful, attractive storage.
Thus, if you are ready to say bye to the clutter and hello to a calming and organized oasis, you’re at the right place. If you’re looking for some real tried and tested small space storage hacks then you should check out what I did in my last house. Let’s dive in!
The Golden Rules of Small Space Storage ✨
Before we get into room-specific tricks, let’s go over the basics. If you consider these, you will begin to see the possibilities in your home.
Think Vertically
This is the number one rule of small-space living. We often think in terms of floor space, which can be hard to visualize. But don’t be fooled. Your walls are a treasure trove of storage possibilities, just waiting to be uncovered. Putting up shelving, stacking units, and wall organizers draws the eye upwards and frees up floor space, making rooms feel bigger.
Go Multi-Functional
In a tiny house, each piece of furniture must do double or triple duty. If it only serves one purpose, it’s not earning its keep. Imagine beds with storage drawers, coffee tables that can be used as desks, and ottomans that can hide way your blankets.
Use Hidden Spaces
There are many little corners inside our houses that remain completely untouched. You might find one underneath a bed, above a doorway, or inside a cabinet. These are places to hide away the things you don’t use every day to keep your living spaces uncluttered and stress-free.
Declutter First, Organize Second
You can’t organize clutter; it can be stressed enough. Get rid of any clutter before you start buying more bins and baskets for all your stuff. I started implementing the “one in, one out” the rule a few years back – If I purchase a new sweater, I will donate an old one. If you make this a habit, the clutter won’t creep in as slowly and what remains will be a million times easier to organize!
Kitchen Hacks: The Heart of the Home (Without the Clutter) 🍳
Small kitchens are notoriously tricky. If you want cooking to be enjoyable, you require ample counter space and spacious cabinets. Let’s reclaim your kitchen!
Embrace the Magnet
Your refrigerator is more than just a place for photos. Magnetic spice racks on the side of it free up an entire cabinet or drawer. Mounting a magnetic knife strip to the wall will get that big knife block off your counter for good.
Go Under the Shelf
This is one of my favorite, inexpensive hacks. Little baskets go right under your cupboard for twice the storage space for mugs, small plates, or food wrap. No tools required!
Install a Pegboard
There’s a reason Julia Child’s kitchen is so iconic. A pegboard mounted on the wall allows you to personalize your storage. You can hang pots, pans, utensils and small spice shelves also. Compacting your kitchen supplies transforms them into a piece of wall art that can serve a function. Use slimline rolling carts.
Is there an awkward 6 inch space between fridge and wall at your home? Don’t let it go to waste! A slim utility cart that rolls fits well in these spots. I use mine for cooking oils, vinegars, and extra spices. It rolls out when I need it and disappears when I don’t.
Cozy Living Room Solutions That do not Cramp Your Style
Many of your clients that will be walking in won’t even get out! After all, no one likes looking at junk.
The Magic of a Storage Ottoman
If you only make one change, let it be this. An attractive ottoman not only allows a place to rest your feet; it is also a fantastic hiding place for extra blankets, pillows, board games, or kids’ toys. It’s the ultimate multi-functional hero piece.
Float Your Shelves
Bulky bookcases can eat up a ton of floor space. Unlike the other shelving solutions, floating shelves can serve a similar purpose of offering space for books, plants, and other objects keeping your floor clear. Which results in a much larger looking room. They draw the eye upward and add a modern, airy feel.
Choose a Smarter Coffee Table
Choose a coffee table with a drawer, shelf, or one that has a top that lifts up. If you enjoy working from the couch, the lift-top table you have chosen will also serve as a pleasant workspace and you won’t need a desk for your small studio.
You Might Also Like: How to Make Your Living Room Feel Calm With 5 Minimalist Decor Swaps
Creating a Peaceful and Roomy Bedroom Sanctuary
Your bedroom should be a place to rest, so keep it clutter-free. Here’s how to make that a reality, even with a tiny closet.
Get a Hardworking Bed Frame
Your bed takes up the most space, so make it work for you. A classic choice is a frame with drawers underneath. If you’re looking for more space in your bed, a hydraulic lift bed works perfect for you. The hydraulic mechanism makes the mattress of the bed lift up to furnish space underneath. You may also store your seasonal wear clothes, extra bedding, and suitcase under the hydraulic lift bed.
Wall-Mount Your Nightstands
Floating nightstands are a game-changer for small bedrooms. These offer a place for your table lamp and book without taking up any room on the floor making the space feel much wider and less cramped. It also makes vacuuming underneath so much easier!
Use the Back of Your Door
Don’t neglect the back of your bedroom or closet door! It can be used for storing all sort of items, including kids’ toys and craft supplies. I use one in my closet for scarves, belts, and clutches. In a kid’s room, it’s perfect for small toys. In a craft room, it can hold supplies. The possibilities are endless.
Bathroom Brilliance: Taking Control of Your Space 🛁
A small bathroom can feel like an impossible task, but here are some tricks to give yours a spa-like feel.
Go Over the Toilet
An etagere is a ‘over-the toilet’ storage unit, and they are classic for a reason. It’s uses the vertical space above your toilet for towels, toiletries, and decorative baskets. This adds a ton of storage without taking up any floor space.
Use Tension Rods Creatively
With S-hooks, you can hang up all sorts of items on a secondary tension rod in the shower—bath toys, loofahs, washcloths, and more. You can also put one under the sink to hang spray bottles by their triggers, leaving the cabinet floor free for other stuff.
Think Like a Magnet (Again!)
Stick tiny but strong magnets at the back of your tweezers, nail clippers, and make-up (single eyeshadow, blush, etc). After this, stick them to the cover of the medicine cabinet. It’s a clever trick for keeping small metallic things from getting lost in the drawer.
Got Small Space Questions? We’ve Got Answers!
How can I add some storage to a small space without drilling?
This is a huge one for renters! Focus on solutions that use tension or leverage. Tension rods in closets and under sinks are amazing. Over-the-door organizers are a must. You can enhance your storage area with vertical shelving and slim cart units. Don’t ignore adhesive hooks and adhesive shelves. They can hold an amazing weight.
What is the best way to store clothes in a small bedroom?
Begin a strict declutter routine and think about a capsule wardrobe. Tight on space? Use vertical hangers so you can hang multiple items in the space of one. Use vacuum-sealed bags to create more space under your bed for bulky off-season things like winter coats.
How do you make a small room look bigger with storage?
The key is to create an illusion of space. Choose storage furniture that’s “leggy” or up off the floor—think of floating shelves and console tables with long legs. This shows more floor and makes the room feel airier. Pick storage furniture in shades similar to your wall color. Mirrors can also be used to double illusion your space.
What is the “3-item rule” for small spaces?
It’s a simple guideline to prevent surface clutter. Try to limit the decorative items to a curated group of one, three, or five things for any flat surface-like a nightstand coffee table or shelf. An odd number is more visually appealing. You have to think about where things go and stop things getting out of hand.
Are open shelves a good idea for small spaces?
They can be! Using open shelving can lessen the visual weight of heavy cabinets, allowing rooms to feel less cramped and more spacious. However, they require discipline. Be sure to reserve open shelves for your prettiest and most-used items – that coffee cup you love or the classic book that you read often. Use nice baskets and bins for the rest.
You’ve Got This!
Living in a small space doesn’t have to be a compromise. A little creativity and a willingness to rethink how you use your space can help you achieve a home that is organized, functional, beautiful and most importantly personal. Start with one hack, one corner, one room. You’ll be amazed at the potential you unlock.
