The 10 Best Storage Ideas for Small Spaces
Living in a small space comes with its own set of challenges, often including an overall lack of storage. That means you regularly have to come up with creative solutions to store things, whether it be adding a multi-functional piece of furniture or reimagining the way you currently use each room of your home.
It’s all about finding ways to cleverly use the square footage you have or making sure you are bringing in items that’ll actually help, not hinder, your storage needs. Below, find the 10 very best small space storage ideas, along with actual product recommendations to assist you in making these solutions a reality in your own home.
1. Utilize vertical space — from the walls to the doors.
Unlock more of your home’s storage potential by going vertical. Pegboard, floating shelves, cube organizers, and even storage ladders can instantly give you more room without eating up square footage.
And don’t forget to use the space behind your doors (including the cabinet doors!). An over-the-door rack, hanging pocket organizer, or even adhesive hooks can open the door to more storage in these often underutilized areas.
2. Buy furniture that doubles as storage.
When you’re limited in space, your furniture needs to pull double-duty. In a studio apartment, you could use a dresser for three purposes: clothes storage, TV stand, and room divider. For the entryway or living room, get a shoe rack that doubles as an entryway table to hold your keys, wallet, and pet leashes.
As for the bedroom, you could turn a storage table into an end table or nightstand (like AT Shopping Writer Alexa Casanova did) or invest in a smart storage bed with drawers to hold all your out-of-season clothing.
3. Hang hooks.
This might be obvious to some, but hooks really are the simplest, yet smartest way to add storage to any space. Try adhesive hooks inside closets, on doors, and in any room as an instant solution to corral clutter.
They can be temporary or permanent, a singular hook or an entire rail of hooks, and simple or even whimsical, depending on your needs.
4. Put storage containers everywhere.
You’re going to want to think about maximizing every empty spot in your home and that includes up high, like the highest shelf in your closet, or down low, such as under the bed.
Store out-of-season clothes in storage containers (bonus points if they’re see-through!) above your closet or inside under-bed storage bins that have handles or wheels to make them easy to grab.
5. Make use of magnets.
Magnets are a great way to boost your storage — from magnetic shelves to magnetic knife racks, which can be affixed to a wall.
Additionally, there are a lot of magnetic spots in your home that can be repurposed into storage hubs with the right organizer. Magnetic hooks or spice racks can be added to the sides and front of the fridge, for instance. Meanwhile, that eyesore utility panel can be covered up with a magnetic bulletin board.
6. Create instant kitchen storage.
For the kitchen, consider a small kitchen island with hidden storage to tuck away medium-sized appliances, dinnerware, and more.
Alternatively, tiered storage racks or even a IKEA PAX wardrobe system can become an instant pantry or storage spot in your kitchen.
7. Get storage on wheels.
Storage on wheels makes it easier to move it in and out of a space when you need it.
A slender cart, like this one, can tuck neatly between the sink and toilet, offering a spot for toilet paper, extra toiletries, or cleaning supplies. Just slide it out when you need it.
8. Use the space above your toilet.
Small bathrooms often have minimal or no storage space at all. That’s why you need to be creative, and utilizing the space above the toilet is pure genius.
You could install shelves or get an over-the-toilet storage cabinet, which is such an easy, renter-friendly solution. Plus, there are many different options to match your aesthetic — from practical, sleek options to ones that are beautiful to boot.
9. Think outside the box with storage.
Sometimes the best small space storage idea is the one that’s totally unconventional, especially when dealing with a unique home layout.
Reimagine everyday items in a new light: A curtain rod can be hung on the ceiling or on the wall for storage, a garden hose holder can become a hub for items, and even a dryer sheet holder can be repurposed as a trash bag container or mail slot.
10. Store things in vacuum bags.
Maximize your storage by minimizing the amount of space your items, especially bulky clothing and bedding, take up. You can do so by using vacuum bags to dramatically shrink down and contain them.
What’s more, vacuum bags are also a great addition to your travel, allowing you to pack smart and efficiently every time (especially when you are going somewhere with cold weather and need to pack big coats!).
