Blog Post

Ample Home Organization Ideas for Small Spaces

George Chowanec • October 16, 2020

Small homes often bring storage issues. Instead of being organized and tidy, they tend to look overcrowded and cluttered. Not only does this detract from the aesthetic of the home, but it makes it difficult to find items when you need them.

There are ways to adequately organize items in your small home. Sometimes you need to get creative like storing high, under the bed, creatively organized closet spaces, using dual-purpose furniture, and looking for unexpected areas for storage.

If you are looking to explore different home organization ideas for your small home, stay tuned, because you’re not going to want to miss this!

Start with the Purge

Small spaces can feel cramped and cluttered with excess items. Before you begin organizing the area, you must first purge your belongings. Purging is a painful but necessary process. The Container Store explains that purging will allow you to get rid of anything that is broken, old, or is no longer of value to you.

Start by going through your items. Decide what to keep, what to donate, and what belongs in the trash. You can use labeled boxes to help you move through each room quickly.

Don't get stuck in the "I may need this eventually" mentality. When you find yourself debating whether to keep an item, ask when is the last time you used it. If you can't remember, then it's time to toss it out.

Purging your home is not a one and done thing. Needs and interests change, and eventually, you'll find clutter creeping back into your life. So, you'll need to go back through your belongings and ruthlessly decide what goes and what stays periodically.

Go High

With a small space, you have a limited footprint. Storage boxes and bins are great at organizing things. However, they take up much-needed floor space and make the area seem even more cluttered. Instead of going out into the room, Abby Lawson of Just a Girl and Her Blog recommend that the solution is clear, just look up and take advantage of:

Vertical storage: Bookcases can work to store more than just books. With a few well-placed bins, the bookcase can act as a storage solution for toys, trinkets, and office supplies.
Ladders: Decorative ladders display items in your small space and use little floor space. Using ladder shelves for plants and books is a way to spruce up a small space. Blanket ladders are a great way to store and display blankets, so they are within reach but out of the way.
Utilize Wall Space: Using available wall space, you can free up space in your closets and shelves for other things. Use hooks to store hats, coats, and other items neat and orderly. Pegboards can add a decorative touch. The boards also double as storage for jewelry, art supplies, and tools. Add baskets and brackets to store clothes and linens. If you don't like hooks or pegboards, canvas wall organizers can give you the added space you need with a fresh style.
Above the Bed: While most people use the bed area to display art or have a headboard, another option could be adding extra built-ins for supplemental storage.

Store Under the Bed

Going high might not be the answer. You have another option for storage without your rooms looking cluttered. Go underground, or at least under the bed. There are several types of containers that are designed for use underneath the bed.

If you use a dust ruffle that shields you and your visitors from seeing what is under your bed, clear plastic containers might be an ideal solution. The plastic protects against dust dirt, and moisture.

Woven baskets and wood crates are two additional stylish options that look and offer similar protection for your items. These containers are ideal if you have no way to hide what is under your bed from view.

Creatively Organize Your Closets

Have limited space in your bedroom? Your closet might be the best place to store excess items. If you have a large enough closet space, you may consider moving your dresser inside. Put it under your hanging clothes to keep it out of the way and make your closet more look organized. Add baskets and hooks to your closets to add storage for items while keeping it looking nice.

Bedroom closets aren't the only place that you can use for storage. If your kitchen doesn't have a large pantry, consider turning a nearby closet into your pantry instead. An entry closet lined with shelves can give you the space to store pantry items without being cluttered. Entry closets can also keep your kids' toys or be a makeshift mudroom if it's deep enough.

Dual Purpose Furniture

Single-purpose furniture is what most people have. However, adding a few pieces that include hidden storage areas can be a creative solution to tight places. Some ottomans double as a storage space for blankets and magazines. A bonus is that most of these ottomans not only have storage, but are large enough to act as seating for children when you have company over.

PapernStitch.com recommends swapping the traditional window seat for a storage bench. Storage benches are also a great way to add seating and storage at the same time. Hide books, blankets, and other items within reach so you can lounge by the window and not have a cluttered space.

Go for the Unexpected

Look for creative ways to add storage to your space. Behind the door is one option with many door hanging designs available, such as shoe racks and hooks for garments. Add magnetic baskets to the side of your fridge to store frequently used kitchen essentials without cluttering up your counters.

Get creative with how you use storage as well. Over the door shoe racks can hold belts or scarves. In the laundry room and bathroom, these holders can store cleaning supplies and shower essentials.

Most people have seen behind the mirror medicine cabinets in their bathrooms. However, you can find stylish behind the mirror storage options big enough to keep your vanity clear of clutter.

Conclusion

Just because you have a small home doesn't mean you have to live a life of clutter. Purge your home of unwanted, unnecessary, or broken items. Then get creative in using the available square footage in your home by going up the walls and below the bed. Don't be ashamed to have furniture that serves more than one purpose and look for room in unexpected areas of your home.