Having space to store what you need while living in a small space can feel impossible. In this blog post, we show you that it’s not! Let us take you through our favorite storage hacks that we use for small spaces.
Let’s be honest, storage is a luxury, especially when it comes to smaller spaces. When you have a limited living area, you need to plan and buy intentionally.
From multi-tasking furniture to functional decor, we will give you all the best storage hacks to make the most of the space that you have.
If you liked this blog post, then be sure to check out this one, which is all about small home organization tips!
This blog post is all about storage hacks.
Smart Storage Hacks
1. Keep it clean
When you have a small space, it cannot be overstated how important it is to keep it clean. If you want the ability to add storage to your space, then you need to keep it very clean. Clutter not only collects very easily in small spaces, but it often piles up in the spaces where you could be using for storage instead.
In order to get the most out of your small space for storage, you should have a weekly cleaning routine where you declutter your space. If you have a small space, it can’t take that much time!
2. Throw out what you don’t need
This goes nicely with the previous tip. When you have a small space to work with, you need to be very selective about what you hold onto. You need to be honest with yourself and throw out anything you don’t need or use. If it’s that important to you, then you need to look into having a storage container outside of your home.
Just like cleaning your space, you should also be going through your stuff and getting rid of what you don’t need on a regular basis. Getting rid of items that you don’t need and keeping your space clean are the two most important storage hacks that should leave you in a perfect spot to implement the following.
3. Use clear containers
If you have the space to keep your items in containers, then the best type of container to use is clear. It helps you easily see what’s inside the container without opening it up and having to rummage around in it to find what you need.
4. Label every container
If you don’t have clear storage containers, or even if you do, this is a great storage hack to use. It will save you time and effort. You should label every single one of your storage containers with a one or two-word phrase describing what’s in them. And remember to be specific.
For example, don’t just write “holidays”, make sure you write “Christmas tree decorations” or something that will prevent you from searching through all of your containers labeled “holidays”.
5. Keep lists of items for large containers
This storage hack is incredibly helpful, especially if you are using decently sized containers. When you are filling each container, make sure to write down what specifically is in each box, and I want to reiterate the word “specific”. This will be incredibly helpful for you when you are looking for that one item that you just can’t find.
You can either keep it inside the box, right on the top, so you can see it as soon as you open it. Or you could also tape it to the outside of the box. If you keep it inside the box, it will definitely keep better than the outside, but whatever works best for you is what you should go with.
6. Opt for furniture with storage
When looking for ways to add storage to a small space, one of the best storage hacks is definitely choosing furniture with storage. Regardless of the room or the area in your home, there’s plenty of furniture ideas that typically include storage.
Some good examples are ottomans, side tables, coffee tables, sofas with armrests that open, and benches that open up. If you’re someone with a studio, you should think about having a sofa bed or a Murphy bed.
7. Use your vertical space
Using your vertical space is another easy way to create more storage, working with what you have. It’s hard to do this without your space looking too cluttered. That’s why we recommend adding floating shelves or hangers to your walls. Additionally, if you’re into bookshelves or cabinets, opt for the taller ones rather than the short and wide options.
8. Add an organizer
If you want to take advantage of all of your space, then purchase some over-the-door organizers. Most people tend to think of these as great additions to their kitchens, but they work amazing in almost any room where you need more storage space.
From your bedroom closet to your office, adding these can add a decent amount of storage. Even if they’re not the most aesthetic piece of decor you could have, they’re incredibly helpful.
9. Find “hidden” space
This storage hack is all about finding the “hidden” spaces in your own home. Every home has some space that you’re not thinking of, an area that could be used as storage. For example, is there any space under your bed? Do you have a pretty tall closet that has a shelf at the top that you don’t use because maybe you can’t reach it? Are there spaces on top of cabinets, shelves, and other taller areas? If the answer is yes, then you have some hidden storage!
10. Add hooks, shelves, and more to your cabinets
This storage hack is pretty self-explanatory. Just like you should utilize all of your larger doors with organizers, you should also try to add as much storage to your cabinets as possible with hooks, shelves, and more. This is typically referencing your kitchen cabinets, but if it applies to other areas in your home, then add some in those as well! When you’re working with a smaller space, the more storage the better.
11. Add a ladder shelves
Ladder shelves are one of those great pieces of functional decor. This is a really cute piece of decor, but it also doubles as a form of storage for items that you want to show off or that you don’t mind showing off. A popular option is placing one in your bathroom to utilize it for hand or bath towels or adding it to your living room for blankets. You don’t have to stick to just those two areas, but just be mindful that it doesn’t clutter your space.
