Living in a small space comes with its own set of challenges, but it also offers the chance to get creative with your storage solutions. When we built our home, we underestimated the amount of storage we would need and don’t have the closet space so I need to get creative with storage as well. From the kitchen to the bedroom to the laundry room, here are 33 innovative storage ideas.
1. Floating Shelves: Utilize Vertical Space
Store your dishes in plain site. Floating shelves are a fantastic way to store items especially when you don’t have room for large enough cabinets. They can be installed in any room—living room, small bedroom, or even a small kitchen—to keep things organized and within easy access.
Take advantage of any unused space like this little area at the end of the cabinets. It’s not big enough for an additional cabinet but perfect for adding shelves.
The area under your bed is often overlooked. Use bins or thrifted dresser drawers to store extra items like seasonal clothing or extra bedding. Add wheels for easy access. This is a great way to make use of little space effectively and with easy access.
Over-the-door organizers come in all shapes, sizes and structures. (pockets, shelves, hooks, you name it.) A shoe organizer is not just for shoes anymore! They can hold everything from cleaning supplies to hair accessories to wrapping paper/ribbon, toiletries, toys etc. and can be used in any space from bedrooms to pantries to linen closets. They’re an easy access solution for any small space.
Tension rods can be placed in closets, under sinks, or even inside kitchen cabinets to create additional storage. They’re a versatile and inexpensive way to organize small items and make the most of vertical space.
Magnetic strips can be attached to walls or inside kitchen cabinets to hold metal items like spices, tools, or utensils. This keeps them organized and easily accessible while saving drawer space.
Investing in multi-functional furniture, like a bed with storage drawers or an ottoman that opens up, can provide extra storage and reduce clutter in your small bedroom or living room.
Storage ottomans are a great way to add extra seating and storage to your small living room. They can hold blankets, toys, or other items while providing a comfy place to sit.
Or Bookcase Room Dividers
Bookcase room dividers can be used to separate different areas in a small room while providing extra storage space. They’re perfect for creating defined areas in a studio apartment or small living space or even a large space like a basement.
8. Use Collapsible Hangers: More Space Than You Think
9. Wall-Mounted Baskets: Decorative and Functional
Wall-mounted baskets are a great way to store small items and free up counter space. Install them in the kitchen, bathroom, or entryway for easy access and extra storage.
10. Closet Organizers: Optimize Small Closets
Custom closet systems allow you to design storage that fits your specific needs and space. They can include shelves, hanging rods, and drawers to maximize closet space in a small room. You don’t need to spend a fortune, though. You can DIY it by using closet organizers like hanging shelves, shoe racks, or double rods to make the most of your small closet. These solutions help to create more storage space and keep everything neatly arranged.
You can see here how we designed our own DIY closet system for our primary bedroom.
Corner shelves make use of often-unused corner spaces in small rooms. They’re perfect for displaying books, plants, or other decorative items, and they help to free up more floor space.
Rolling carts are versatile and can be used in any room for extra storage. They’re especially useful in small kitchens or bathrooms, where they can be moved easily and tucked away when not in use.
Install wall hooks in the entryway, bedroom, or bathroom to hang coats, bags, or towels. This is a great way to keep these items organized. We had this shallow wall in our mudroom and it was the perfect place to add hooks for coats. You can see the easy DIY mudroom wall makeover here.
14. Built-In Shelves: Custom Storage Solutions
Built-in shelves can be designed to fit the exact dimensions of your small space. They’re a great way to take advantage of a small nook and add storage to any room, from the living room to the bedroom.
If you have stairs in your home, use the space underneath for storage. Install shelves or cabinets to keep items out of sight and make the most of this often-overlooked area.
Use drawer dividers to keep utensils, office supplies, or other small items organized. This is a simple yet effective way to make sure everything has its place and to maximize storage space plus it’s just easier to find things.
Murphy beds fold up against the wall when not in use, freeing up floor space during the day. They’re an excellent solution for small bedrooms or multipurpose rooms.
18. Bedside Caddies: Handy Storage for Small Bedrooms
Bedside caddies can be hung on the side of your bed or headboard to keep books, phones, and other small items within easy reach. They’re a great way to add storage in a small bedroom without taking up extra space.
19. Over-the-Toilet Shelves: Utilize Bathroom Space
This space is often missed in the ideas for storage. Install shelves in the empty space above the toilet in your bathroom to store toiletries, towels, or other essentials. This makes use of vertical space in a small bathroom and keeps items organized and easily accessible.
Command Hooks and other adhesive wall hooks come in all shapes and sizes and can hold a lot. Take advantage of the wall space in your kitchen, bathroom or any room and hang up utensils, towels, blankets, jewelry, you name it. It’s a great small space hack when you have just enough space and it’s one of my favorite cheap storage ideas. Great for dorm rooms, too!
Ceiling-mounted racks are perfect for storing items like bikes or seasonal decor in the garage or basement. This is a great way to utilize overhead space
One of my favorite small space organization ideas is a simple storage bench in a banquet. Storage benches are a stylish and super practical addition to a kitchen nook. They provide seating and hidden storage for items like linens or extra kitchen tools.
Install pull-out trays or shelves inside kitchen cabinets to make it easier to access items at the back. This is a great way to utilize every inch of cabinet space and keep things organized.
Floating nightstands are mounted on the wall and can be tucked into smaller spaces. They provide a spot for bedside essentials and can help make a small bedroom feel less cluttered. Plus you can add baskets underneath for more storage.
25. Under-Shelf Baskets: Extra Storage in Kitchen Cabinets
Add baskets or bins under shelves in your kitchen cabinets to create extra storage space for small items like spices or utensils. This helps to keep everything organized and easy to access.
If you don’t have room for a full desk or to store your office or school supplies, try a fold down desk with some shelves above it. Tuck it away when not in use.
Pegboards are perfect for organizing tools and other items in the garage but have you thought about them in other parts of the home?? They are also great for toys, office supplies, kitchen items and so much more. They help to keep everything visible and within easy reach, making the best use of wall space.
Built-in storage beds come with drawers or compartments underneath, providing extra storage space in your small bedroom. They help to keep the room tidy and organized.
29. Hanging Baskets: Utilize Vertical Storage
Hanging baskets can be used in the kitchen, bathroom, or closet to store fruits, vegetables, or other small items. They help to free up counter space and keep things organized.
Smaller old TV cabinets can be found at flea markets and garage sales. Add a few shelves and you got new storage. You can see a whole post on how to use old tv cabinets for storage.
We used one of ours for storing some of my home decor items. We also use one for a makeshift office and another for a pantry.
31. Hanging Pot Racks: Free Up Cabinet Space
Hanging pot racks keep pots and pans off the counters and out of cabinets, making them a great way to save space in a small kitchen.
This is one of my favorite creative ideas for storage! I love this look! Not enough room for floating shelves? Try a plate rack in a smaller area with some extra wall space. It’s a great place for various sizes of plates and cutting boards for a pretty storage solution. You can see a whole post on creative ways to store cutting boards in your kitchen here.
Maximizing storage in small spaces doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With these 33 storage ideas, you can transform your home, bedroom, kitchen, or any other area into an organized and functional space. From utilizing vertical space with floating shelves to making the most of hidden areas with under-bed storage, these solutions offer a range of ways to keep your small spaces tidy and clutter-free. Embrace these creative storage solutions and enjoy a more organized and efficient home.
