You don’t have to have a huge home to be organized. Maybe it's on the smaller side. The key to home organization isn’t how much space you have, but how you use that space. The big question then becomes, what's the best way to maximize it, specifically in a small home?
Here are some key ideas & tools to get you started:
- Built-ins
- Go vertical
- Hidden surfaces
- Nesting furniture
- Use the doors
- Under stairs storage
- Hidden hallway hacks
- Banish closet clutter
- To hang or to fold
- Unconventional sleeping spaces
Read on to discover how each clever idea will make your small home appear twice as big!
Built-Ins
If you are limited on space, the first thing you want to look for is furniture that can double as storage. If you have a window seat or space for one, Houzz suggests custom seating with storage under the bench area. Pull out drawers or cabinets below, or a lift-up lid under the seat can store extra pillows, blankets, seasonal clothing, and more.
Go Vertical
If your space is limited, look up! In a small kitchen, hanging pots and pans can free up cabinet space for bulkier, less frequently used items. Use a pot rack or hooks to hang cast iron pans or stainless steel pots and save the cabinets for large roasting pans, crockpots, and bakeware.
Justagirlandherblog.com offers up several creative options, including:
- Stackable containers
- Racks
- Rails
- Pegboards
- Rolling carts
- Trash cans
Hidden Surfaces
Pull-out and fold-down surfaces are perfect for maximizing the use of space in your home. Need a table just for writing, or a laptop workstation? Options include:
- Pull-out surfaces
- Foldaway tables
- Hidden secretary
A pull-out work surface is awesome because it can double as a cutting board in the kitchen, according to the pros at Houzz. It can also be used as a hidden “secretary,” and do double duty as a mini-storage space for office supplies tucked in wall cubbies.
Nesting Furniture
Look for furniture you can pull out when needed then tuck away. Nesting tables & benches can provide seating and surface area when you need it and stored easily when you require more room. A coffee table can nest under bench seating in your living room, and be stored away when not in use.
Use The Doors
The back of doors is an often overlooked option that can easily be converted into storage space. In addition to hooks and over-the-door racks in your bathroom to hang towels and robes, other over the door organizers can be used to store:
- Toiletries
- Shoes
- Pantry items
- Scarves
- Jewelry
- Winter hats, mittens, gloves
Under Stairs Storage
If your home has stairs, you likely have space underneath that you're not using. Under stairs spaces can be converted into a wide range of uses. For example, does your home contain stairs that are open on one side? Look at investing in “smart stairs,” with pull-out drawers and hinged cabinet doors.
That empty under stairs space need not be limited to storage cubbies, either. Get creative with a built-in laundry “room” and pet cubby for your favorite furry friend! Home pro Bob Villa has some ultra-creative tips on how to turn that normally wasted under-stair space into mini “rooms,” each with their own ambiance.
- Reading nook
- Kids mini playroom
- Home office
- Indoor dog house
- Bar area
Hidden Hallway Hacks
Your hallway doesn’t have to be wasted space. Even in the narrowest areas, you still have the ability to store, hang, & display items. Sure, you can use hooks to create a wall-mounted coat rack in an entryway, but there are plenty of other more creative options for making the most of that particular space, such as:
- Narrow dressers
- Slim bookcases
- A vertical hat rack
- Picture rails to display art
- Floating cabinets
- Wall-mounted shoe racks
Banish Closet Clutter
Closets are notorious for wasted space and clutter. How can that be? It’s because they're hidden away and are quite easy to overlook. The best way to banish closet clutter is to get things off the floor and make use of wasted space under your clothes, in addition to:
- Slide in a small dresser
- Get shoes off the floor
- Use baskets and bins
To Hang or to Fold?
When arranging your wardrobe, first determine which garments are best stored on hangers versus being folded. A good rule to remember is that anything that can stretch should be folded and anything that can wrinkle should be hung.
Clothes that should be hung, include:
- Dresses
- Blouses
- Dress shirts
- Jackets
- Ties and scarves
Clothing that should be folded, includes:
- Sweaters
- Jeans
- Socks
- Workout gear
Unconventional Sleeping Spaces
From full-size mattresses to furniture that doubles as a bed, check out these space-saving ideas for unconventional sleeping arrangements:
- Slide-away beds
- Loft beds
- Sofa beds
- Ottoman beds
Conclusion
Living in a small home doesn’t mean you have to live with clutter. As so many people are realizing, there are many ways to have an organized home with little space. Take advantage of vertical space, bring in multi-purpose furniture, and for goodness sake, clean out your closets!
Sources
- https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/17-clever-uses-for-the-space-under-the-stairs-46247
- https://www.houzz.com/magazine/9-organizing-lessons-we-can-learn-from-small-spaces-stsetivw-vs~114979867
- https://www.houzz.com/magazine/12-smart-designs-for-small-space-living-stsetivw-vs~34663907
- https://justagirlandherblog.com/how-to-get-organized-when-you-live-in-a-small-house/