Living in tight quarters requires creativity. Once you’ve cleared the clutter and made a sizeable donation to charity, it’s time to make the most out of living in a small space. Every inch counts when it comes to storage solutions.
Closet Redo
Double your space by attaching a second hanging bar to the first. Shirts, blouses, and jackets hang on top while pants and skirts are stored below. Leave a small space open for dresses and other longer items. Next, check the space above the hanging bar. Oftentimes, there’s room for two shelves. Finally, add a shoe rack, hat rack or jewelry organizer to the back of the closet door.
Vertical Storage Solutions
Do you have empty wall space above a dresser or nightstand? Hang shelves above it and store extra items in decorative boxes or baskets. Have a bicycle you need to get off the floor? Securely install hooks in your ceiling and hang the bike overhead. Time for a new piece of furniture? Purchase strategically, with storage in mind. Choose a bed with built-in shelves or drawers, a tall chest of drawers rather than a squat dresser, or a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf rather than a chest-high piece.
Fill up Wasted Space
Use the space underneath beds and other large pieces of furniture to store out-of-season clothes, holiday decor, gift wrap, or anything else you don’t need on a regular basis. Take advantage of tall kitchen cupboards by adding wire racks or hooks to better utilize the empty space. Install magnetic strips in the dead space between the kitchen counter and cupboards and hang cutlery or display spice containers.
Double duty
Fill your home with items that perform multiple functions, requiring you to own less. A daybed can be used for sleeping but also as a couch. A kitchen table doubles as a home workspace. A TV stand with shelving can double as toy storage, and an ottoman with a lid makes a nice footrest while providing storage space, but can also be called into service as extra seating.
Get creative
Stack suitcases to create a makeshift nightstand or end table. Fill the suitcases with items that are rarely needed. Store linens and towels under your mattress.
Get help
If budget isn’t a concern, consider hiring a professional organizer or design specialist for tips and ideas. Otherwise, tap into the wealth of ideas on idea boards such as Pinterest, where low-cost storage solutions are plentiful.
Related – No Closets, No Problem
