Maximizing Storage in Small Spaces
Storage space is often a precious commodity in any home, and it seems to be the first thing we run out of. We’ve all experienced the frustration of trying to put something away only to discover there’s no room left. You might attempt to rearrange items to create a little extra space, but that often proves futile. It’s clear that we need more than just a simple ‘shuffle to the side’ approach.
It’s time to get serious about maximizing your storage space.
Finding Your Ideal Storage Solution
Building an additional storage shed or moving to a larger house may not be feasible right now, but you can make a change. What you need is more storage space, and you need it quickly. I completely understand; I’m constantly experimenting with different organization and storage methods myself.
When you discover the right storage solution, it will cater to your needs for years and adapt seamlessly to your evolving requirements. It will be a true storage paradise!
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Understanding Storage Solution Nirvana
So, what exactly is storage solution nirvana? It refers to that perfect storage solution that meets all your needs for a specific area.
For example, in my home, we have a designated TV nook in the family room. When we first moved in, we had a glass, open-shelf TV stand that held the television and all its related components. No matter how frequently I tidied the open glass shelves, everything appeared cluttered.
After years of searching for the ideal cabinet (seriously, three to four years!), I was ready to give up and ask my father-in-law for help in building one.
The Discovery of the Perfect Cabinet
Then one day, while running errands in a nearby town known for its fantastic furniture store (The Old Cannery), I decided to take a look around. They also have a delightful fudge shop—need I say more?
As I walked around a corner, there it was! The perfect cabinet, as if someone had taken the image from my mind and placed it right in front of me. I purchased it on the spot.
The cabinet fit snugly in the nook, and we nearly had to remove the trim to get it in place, but it slid in perfectly without any hassle. It features drawers for hiding DVDs and shelves behind textured glass for storing the TV components.
The shelves are spacious enough to accommodate baskets along the entire bottom row. I use these baskets to organize extra cords and miscellaneous items related to the gaming systems. I even have a basket dedicated to cleaning supplies for the electronics.
This stand keeps everything I need right where I need it, and effectively out of sight.
15 Creative Ways to Increase Storage
Now it’s your turn to discover your storage nirvana. Whether you choose one, two, or all of the suggestions below, you’ll find ways to expand storage in your small space.
1. Declutter and Purge
Yes, I went there right away! While I usually prefer to ease people into it, sometimes it’s best to confront the elephant in the room directly. There’s no need to delay reaping the benefits of additional storage space, so let’s tackle this.
Clutter is a significant issue in most homes, regardless of size. It’s astonishing how much stuff people accumulate without realizing it. This accumulation leads to items being crammed into random drawers or stashed away in forgotten corners until there’s simply no room for the things that truly matter.
Rather than lecturing on clutter, I will simply say that decluttering problem areas and purging duplicates, broken items, or unnecessary belongings is one of the quickest and most cost-effective ways to free up storage space in any room. Imagine the space you could create by decluttering your kitchen or clearing out random items from your bathroom.
- Download our decluttering guide for over 100 items you can declutter from your home today!
2. Eliminate Junk Drawers
Right now, get up and open your junk drawer. If your response is ‘which one?’, you’re likely wasting more space than you realize. For now, focus on the closest one, and you can tackle the rest later.
Open that junk drawer and identify items to remove: duplicates, things that haven’t been used in years, items that belong elsewhere, or things you’re unsure about. If anything remains that doesn’t fall into these categories, redefine the drawer’s purpose to store those items and look at all that additional storage space you’ve freed up!
3. Add Shelving to Existing Cabinets and Closets
This is one of my favorite and most practical tricks for creating additional storage. Customize the interiors of your current cabinets, closets, and storage spaces by adding extra shelves. Many modern cabinets come with adjustable shelving, allowing you to modify the height according to what you’re storing.
Arrange the shelves thoughtfully, leaving enough room to easily access the items stored within. If there’s extra space left, consider adding another shelf instead of opting for stackable, raised storage caddies. This technique is particularly effective for dinnerware cabinets, under-sink storage, closets, buffets, hutches, and pantries.
4. Utilize Double-Duty Items for Increased Storage
Double-duty items are those that serve a primary purpose but can also help store additional items when not in use. A clear example is a large food storage container that holds smaller containers or their lids, enabling you to stack them inside one another.
Other ideas include using a decorative pitcher or vase on the kitchen counter to store cooking utensils or storing measuring cups in a mixing bowl. You can even tuck your salad tongs inside the salad bowl or use your Instant Pot to keep its accessories organized.
Consider placing a decorative box near the door for keys and wallets as you leave. Double-duty items are equally useful in the bedroom, where we have numerous storage hacks for maximizing small spaces.
5. Go Vertical
Make the most of your vertical spaces to add storage without expanding your floor area. You can enhance storage by installing shelves that run vertically up a wall, along the sides of cabinets, or even behind the toilet.
Another option is to place seldom-used decorative holiday platters and bowls on top of cabinets, adding both decor and freeing up space. Maximize utility room and garage shelving by extending it all the way to the ceiling.
6. Utilize Wall Space
Similar to going vertical, using wall space is a great way to create additional storage. Consider placing spice and storage racks on kitchen walls, cabinets or shelving above the toilet, and extra storage above your washer and dryer. You might also install mirrored cabinets over the sink or add shelving in empty corner spaces.
Installing hooks or racks is another excellent idea. For instance, I use command hooks to store our snorkeling equipment. This method saves space and keeps items conveniently out of the way.
7. Select Double-Duty Furniture
Double-duty furniture refers to pieces that serve more than one function, particularly those that help maximize storage in your home.
Entertainment Stands
These stands not only support your TV but also provide storage for your media library, satellite components, gaming systems, and cleaning supplies for electronics.
Hutches, Sideboards, and Buffets
These furniture pieces can significantly increase storage in small spaces. If you have a separate set of china, consider using a hutch to store it instead of taking up valuable kitchen cabinet space. I keep most of mine in a glass display case, while the bottom section houses my liquor stash—shh, don’t tell anyone!
A buffet or sideboard can also serve as extra counter space when hosting guests.
Storage Headboards
If your bedroom is compact, consider a headboard with built-in storage. Some feature open shelving while others have enclosed cubbies, perfect for storing decorative items and tucking away other belongings.
Storage Ottomans
Storage ottomans are incredibly versatile and can significantly enhance storage in your home. For example, I have one at the foot of my bed that serves multiple purposes. It holds extra linens, is where I lay out my clothes during my evening routine, provides a seat for putting on socks, and even helps my cat reach the bed.
When entertaining, it transforms into extra seating for guests. This piece truly does more than just double-duty!
Under Bed Drawers
Many platform beds come with built-in storage underneath. If yours doesn’t, consider getting drawers on wheels to increase storage under your bed. This space is perfect for seasonal clothing that occupies too much closet space during off-seasons.
Nightstand With Drawers
Another great option for increased storage is a nightstand with drawers. This gives you a place to tuck items away and keeps the surface relatively clear.
8. Use Open Floor Space to Enhance Storage
The floors of closets and pantries often go underutilized. It’s time to change that.
Pantry
Utilize the pantry floor to store larger, heavy appliances that aren’t used frequently, such as the Instant Pot, Crock-Pot, or electric roasting pan. While it may be slightly more challenging to lift them (use your legs!), it prevents them from weighing down your pantry shelves.
Linen Closet
Instead of placing clean linens on the floor, use this area for larger items that don’t require shelf space, such as extra toilet tissue or foot spas.
9. Use Command Hooks
Command hooks can provide additional storage in areas where other storage solutions may not work. I use them in my bathroom instead of a towel bar for wet towels, on the back of my pantry door for my apron, and on a narrow wall in my spare bedroom for my resistance bands and snorkeling gear.
They can also be placed on the inside of cabinet doors to hold pan lids, measuring cups, and potholders.
10. Add Storage Between the Studs
Consider installing storage cabinets between the studs in your home. Interior walls are the best choice to avoid disturbing insulation.
Mirrored Cabinet
Transform your bathroom mirror into a storage cabinet nestled between the studs, offering extra space for toiletries, hygiene products, and hair care items.
Ironing Board Cabinet
Install an ironing board cabinet within the wall of a bedroom or laundry room to keep your ironing board out of sight until needed. The possibilities are endless; you just need to unleash your creativity!
11. Use the Insides of Doors
Maximize your storage space by installing storage systems on the insides of cabinet and closet doors. You can hang measuring cups and spoons on a cabinet door or store sponges and dishrags in a caddy attached to the inside of a base cabinet.
Consider a shoe organizer or custom storage shelf on a door’s inside to hold smaller, lighter items such as spices, foil, saran wrap, seasoning packets, and disposable utensils.
12. Install Shelves in Corners
Creating storage space in corners can yield significant results. Use corner shelves for storing decorative candles and family photos instead of letting them stack on tables or buffets.
These shelves also work well for housing books, CDs, DVDs, and other small items.
13. Create Storage Cubbies or Drawers Under Staircases
Channel your inner tiny home spirit and make the most of every hidden nook and cranny. Add cubbies beneath staircases or drawers to each stair riser. Depending on the staircase’s location, it could serve as a fantastic mudroom-style bench.
14. Select Appropriate Storage Containers
Choosing the right storage containers is crucial; otherwise, they can contribute to clutter. Select containers that fit your space and the items you’re storing.
If you want to store soup cans in a double row, but the storage container isn’t wide enough, you’ll waste a full can-width of space. This extra room leads to items being added, turning your organized pantry back into a chaotic mess.
15. Utilize the Attic or Shed
When all else fails and you find it challenging to part with something, consider storing it in the attic or shed. These spaces are great for seasonal items that you only access once a year.
Achieving Storage Solution Nirvana
We’ve discussed the importance of decluttering and purging, explored a variety of vertical and hidden storage solutions, and examined options for double-duty items and furniture. Lastly, we touched on the classic strategy of utilizing attic or shed storage.
With all these options at your disposal to increase storage in your small space, it’s time to get busy. Go out and discover your perfect storage solution, and don’t forget to use your decluttering checklist!