13 Small Space Storage Ideas That Find a Place for Everything

Those of us who live in small spaces know all too well how easy it is to make a small apartment or house look busy very quickly. This is because there's simply not enough room to keep everything neat and organized. Or at least it seems that way when we're not being creative enough with the space we have.

"Living in a small space doesn't mean compromising on style or organization,” says Liz Williamson, founder and CEO of Lifestyle Management Co. "You’re not just optimizing your square footage but also turning your cozy nest into a functional and aesthetically pleasing haven. Living in a smaller space doesn't mean sacrificing style or order. As a professional organizer, I've witnessed the magic that creative storage solutions can bring to petite living spaces." Some of these small space storage ideas might revolutionize how you look at your home.

Utilize Under-the-Bed Space

Elevate your bed, literally and figuratively, by utilizing the space underneath. "Invest in stylish storage bins or drawers to stash away off-season clothing, shoes, or even extra bedding. This not only declutters your room but also adds a touch of chic functionality to your sleeping haven," says  Williamson.

Conquer With Folding Furniture

Folding furniture is a small space game-changer. "Invest in foldable tables, chairs, or even wall-mounted desks. When not in use, these items can be neatly tucked away, creating a more open and versatile living area. Folding, after all, is the art of creating space on demand," says Williamson.

Add Shelving 

Shelving is a great asset to a small kitchen to create more storage. "Most kitchen cabinets only come with a few shelves, but you can add more by simply cutting wood to the size of the shelf and creating more storage in your kitchen," says organization expert Jessica Litman.

Remember Walls and Ceilings

When it comes to small-space storage, don't forget about storing things on walls or ceilings. "Hang bikes on the ceiling or walls of your garage. Create a book wall with floating bookshelves that can hold books," says Litman.

Bring Out the Rolling Carts

Rolling carts can be great for storage. "Rolling carts can come in a variety of sizes, so you can use them for those small areas to store extra items. In the bathroom, use a rolling cart to store all your beauty products and then roll it out of the way when not in use!" says Litman.

Use the Backs of Doors

When you are dealing with a small space, organization is key to making it feel more spacious. "A great way to maximize storage space is to take advantage of free wall space and utilize the back of doors," says Morgan Ovens, founder and expert organizer at Haven Home Wellness. 

Use Furniture With Storage Options

You can also purchase furniture with storage in mind. "For example, a lift-up bed frame is a game changer because you can store bulky items like comforters or seasonal jackets. I have also seen pull-out sofas with a storage ottoman to store linens and pillows," says Ovens.

Add Hooks

Those who live in rentals will be hooked on the idea of hooks. "Perhaps my favorite temporary solution that works in a variety of spaces is 3M hooks. I’ve used these in hundreds of projects for items like hats, reusable bags, dog leashes, cooking utensils, keys, and even on the back of a cabinet door to hang a small lint bin. You can be really creative here, and the best part about them is that they won’t mark your walls if you ever need to remove them in the future—great for renters!" says Ovens.

Break Up Your Space by Section

It's important to use sections when organizing a small space. "Use sectional organizing to divide your space into areas based on specific activities," says Nicole Gabai, founder of B. Organized and the author of The Art of Organizing: An Artful Guide to an Organized Life.

Think about what activities you plan to do in each area so you can easily gather and store items that belong together in each section. "This way, similar items will be grouped together. For example, if it's a small dorm room, decide where you'll have your study section, your lounging section, your dressing section, etc.," says Gabai.

Establish Zones

Next, it's helpful to establish zones. "It's crucial to prioritize frequently used items and keep them in the most accessible location, which is zone one," says Gabai, who puts items used less often in zones two or three. "Sticking with the small dorm as an example, in the study section, you would want things in zone one (your desk) that you will be using each time you're in that section, such as your computer, pen, and notepad, and things you might not often use such as a textbook you only need to reference occasionally can go in zone two, which can be a small bookcase," says Gabai.

Take Advantage of Vertical Space

Something else that's important to consider is the vertical space. "The goal with any space is to make better use of the height so you're not wasting valuable vertical space. For example, you can use command hooks to hang your hats along the wall or add additional shelves," say Gabai.

Opt for Shelf Extenders

If you're organizing a small kitchen, shelf extenders are a great way to add more storage space and take advantage of the vertical space within the cabinets. "Large, cavernous cabinets can easily become cluttered and disorganized when there isn't enough shelving. Shelf extenders maximize the usable space inside the cabinets so you can see everything and access it easily," says Gabai.

Remember, Less Is More

Being understated is actually quite a statement. "When you live in a smaller space, it is so important to simplify your home and commit to keeping it decluttered, simplified, and organized. Many times, this is a blessing to have a smaller space because you have no choice but to fill it with items that truly matter to you," says  Christina Giaquinto, professional organizer and brand ambassador of Modular Closets.