7 Smart Space-Savers To Steal From Tiny Houseboats

If you want to know about rhinestones and country music, ask Dolly Parton. For insight into small spaces and storage, go straight to boat owners and people who live year-round on houseboats. They’ve got tons of solutions to suit even the tiniest spaces, and we could all stand to pick their brains for a minute or two. Here are seven products you regularly find on boats that even land lovers can put to good use at home.

These natural buckets are made of very strong but pliable canvas with secure handles, which makes great storage for magazines, toys, towels, etc… They fold down when not in use.

When it comes to storing like stuffed animals, toys, toilet paper — or other soft items — think about cargo nets or woven nylon hammocks. They keep stuff off the ground and out of the way.

Boat cleats can serve as bathroom hooks, curtain ties, or unruly cord storage in the garage.

Boat hatch hardware is made for marine life, but also works well in small kitchens and bathrooms. Flush hardware takes up less space, and it adds a certain utilitarian charm.

Rubber boating straps, stretched between two screws, turn any surface into a flexible storage system for sunglasses, menus and what have you.

Dish racks are a necessity in most kitchens. But if you don’t have much counter space to devote to one, try a wall-mounted dish rack, or one that folds up when not in use.

Folding countertops or dining tables add extra prep space that can be tucked out of sight when not needed.

Re-edited from a post originally published 3.17.15-NT