Make your space count with these Creative Storage Solutions for Small Houses!
Make your small home work beautifully for you with these Creative Storage Solutions for small spaces, and easy hacks to make tiny homes feel bigger!
Are you cramped for space?? I know what you’re going through! Over the years, our family has lived in some really adorable, really teeny-tiny homes. With little kids and lots of clutter, we were forced to get creative with our storage solutions!
Finding new Home Organizing Tips and Tricks is always fun, and you won’t believe how much of a difference these organizing hacks will make! If you’re ready to say so long to clutter, these simple tricks will help you maximize every inch of space in every room of your home!
So are you ready to take control of that clutter? With my top personal tips, plus more tricks from your frugal friends, your home will be clutter-free in no time! So let’s get started! Here’s what you need to do…
Creative Storage Solutions for Small Houses
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Storing Blankets Ideas:
Lisa said: “I have small closets and one room has no closet. I lay my winter blankets between my mattress and box spring. It even gives the bed a little extra padding and height!”
With a comforter with long enough sides, no one will ever even notice…
Mary said: “Use wicker hampers as night stands. They can hold seasonal clothing and blankets, or beach towels.”
Wicker Hampers
Closet Storage Ideas:
Ronnie said: “A friend gave me a great suggestion for weeding out clothes and easy closet organization. First, go through your closets and put the hangers backwards on the rod. When you wear something and wash it, hang it with the hanger the correct way. At the end of season, any outfit still hung with the backwards hanger was never worn and should be removed and sold or given away. For every new item purchased going forwards, you must remove one of your old to be given away, sold or thrown away. You can declutter your closet with little effort in just one year.”
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Melissa said: “For creative storage solutions, I use plastic baskets and tubs, and reusable shopping bags to organize our closet. What doesn’t get hung up has its own place. I keep out of season clothes in a storage tote… when it is time to get them out (and put the other clothing away), I weed out items I no longer want.”
Andrea said: “I use Space Saving Bags for all my daughter’s old clothes! They really work! Also… use a Lazy Susan to make your stuff accessible and look tidy.”
Pantry Storage Ideas
When it comes to pantries, it’s easy to just close the door and hide the mess, right? But let me tell you… having an organized pantry is such a wonderful feeling! I finally tackled mine a few years ago, and it’s stayed so tidy and organized ever since! Check out my top pantry organizing hacks here…
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Storage Furniture Ideas:
Glenda said: “Be sure to have furniture that does double duty. For example: we have a coffee table that has 10 drawers and the back half lifts up to store blankets or larger things. And yes, it really IS a coffee table.”
Kelly said: “We have coffee and end tables with storage; I label all the shelves in the kitchen; My hubby built an island out of recycled fencing material and an old butcher block table top (looks just like the $400 one at IKEA); We use shelves out in the garage w/ labeled bins; We don’t hold on to stuff we don’t need… we sell it; Put dressers in closets; And I recently bought closet organizers and use them as nightstands for our ridiculously tall 4 poster bed.”
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Shelly said: “Add a portable kitchen island with storage drawers. And use storage ottomans in the living room. Both of these things really help.”
Designated Donation Baskets: To ensure you’re not keeping things you no longer use, and reducing that clutter on an ongoing basis, designate a special basket as your Donation Basket! Having a pretty ‘donate box’ will allow you to keep it out in the open, and will greatly reduce that clutter!
Annalisa said: “Leave a basket by the front door for donation items and take the basket once a month to Goodwill or your favorite place for donations.”
Rope Storage Baskets
Storage Ottomans
Andi said: “Our small guest room is also the nursery. In order to fit a full size bed, a crib, a rocker and a night stand, we took the doors off the closet and put the long dresser in there. The dresser doubles as a changing table and even with all that furniture, this tiny room doesn’t feel crowded!!”
Creative Storage Solutions for Small Bedrooms
Got small bedrooms? Here are some fun ways to make small bedrooms feel bigger!
Mirrors and Mirrored Closet Doors! One of the EASIEST ways to make a space feel twice as big is to add mirrors. The light and reflections bouncing off mirrors instantly make a room feel so much larger! I like the combination of both mirrors and mirrored closet doors to add the illusion and feeling of a big space. They’re easy to keep clean with this frugal Homemade Glass Cleaner Recipe!
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Suspended Beds: Suspend beds from wall to add loads of space to a child’s bedroom!
Daybeds: Daybeds are such an efficient use of space, and will make your small room feel so much larger! I personally love using daybeds to increase the space in tiny bedrooms. Or another option is to turn your office into a study / guest room…. office on one side, daybed on the other!
Daybeds for Small Spaces
Bunkbeds: It’s true… bunkbeds are one of the easiest ways to efficiently add space to any bedroom. Plus… kids love them!
Bunkbeds for Children’s Rooms
Loft Beds: No need for that extra bunk? Opt for a loft bed, and use the extra space underneath as a desk/reading area!
Loft Beds to Maximize Bedroom Space
Dorene said: “I have Bed Risers under all my beds that provide an extra 9 inches of space. Instead of using drawers, I use under the bed storage boxes. My daughter’s room doesn’t have a closet, so we use a thick wooden curtain rod to hang all of her dresses on.”
Bed Risers for Extra Storage Under the Bed
Mandy said: “We are getting a bed frame with drawers underneath.”
Lisette said: “I used to live in a super small home (less than 1100 square feet) and for creative storage solutions we converted the hall closet into our office. It fit both a small desk and chair, and we also hung up a cork board on the closet wall and added a mail-sorter to the side wall. When it was not in use, we just closed the door and the office was hidden 🙂 We always got compliments on that being a smart idea to save space and still have the office.”
Home Office Storage Ideas
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Mudroom Storage Ideas
Entryway Organization: Collecting clutter in your entryway? No mudroom? No problem! Use an Entryway Storage Bench with Coat Hooks to efficiently contain the clutter and keep your entrance to your home nice and tidy!
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Entryway Storage Benches with Coat Hooks
Rhonda said: “We put shelves all the way to the ceiling in all the closets, bought furniture that has ton of storage capacity, shelving and peg board from floor to ceiling in the laundry room, and clear bins with a legend in a binder of what is where in my sewing room (15 bins & 9 drawers full). Space is a limited so my husband built attic space in the carport and lets me use his shed for my “overflow.” I know where all my stuff is!!!”
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Denise said: “I store our off season clothes in our Suitcases.”
Monica said: “We made a table out of a new metal trash can (lid removed), and covered with a 24” round of plywood. I covered the table with a long round tablecloth, and it looks just like a “decorator” table (and stores an enormous amount). No one would ever guess what it’s made from. It’s been in different rooms, and has held things like blankets, Lego’s, and out of season clothing! :-)”
Mary said: “Bookcases! I buy the bookcases that you put bins in and use those for my clothes instead of dressers. You can fit sooo much more in them.”
Christa said: “I rotate my kids toys. I store the extra toys on a shelf in the basement and bring up “new” things (if Lego’s come up, then the Lincoln Logs go down). If they haven’t played with something in awhile, I trade it for something else. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just throw half of everything in a garbage bag or bin, and hide it from the kids. The best part is the kids can pick up their toys without getting overwhelmed, and they actually “play” with their toys! I’d recommend this for even to those that have a big playroom, you’d be surprised how the kids gravitate to something they haven’t seen in awhile!”
Debbie said: “I found the clear empty VHS cases perfect for all my cords I have lying around the office. I just label the cases to identify the contents (i.e. video camera, cell phone, etc.) and line them up on the book case.”
DVD Organization: Over the past few years, we have personally bought 3 sturdy DVD cases, and transferred all of our DVD’s into these. By tossing the cases, and just storing them in binders, it’s incredible how much space it saves!
DVD Storage Binder
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Sally said: “We are a family six, and our house is only 1200 sq.ft. Since I have not gotten rid of any baby clothes (because we still need them), we have packed them (literally) into every nook and cranny we can find in the house. The are in, under and on top of any space that can possibly hold things!!!”
Wall Storage Ideas:
Jennifer said: “Never forget vertical storage for creative storage solutions!!!”
Laundry Room Storage Ideas:
Use That Wall Space! I love finding ways to use every square inch of space to double as storage space. Don’t forget the walls! A simple Wire Storage Rack in the laundry room can double as a great catch all for laundry bags, dustpans, feather dusters, and more! Baskets on top of your laundry shelves can add even more storage as well! Don’t forget to keep a Folding Step Stool handy to reach everything you need!
Vivian said: “Get a stackable washer & dryer, place a shoe rack over the door, use a table that folds down on the sides.”
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Dawn said: “I got tired of picking up all those stuffed animals, so I painted a huge tree on one wall and put up more than 50 hooks. Now its a game, and home to all the animals. They are moved around quite often, but are NEVER on the floor.”
Sarah said: “We have wire closet organizers that have 2 bars for hanging clothes, one above the other (summer clothes on one and winter on the other). I also use old book shelves in the garage for extra shelf space.”
DIY Pot Rack Tutorial
Danielle said: “Use lots of shelving!”
Playroom Storage Solutions:
If you’ve got kids, you know how fast messes can happen in the playroom or game room! With two boys, I’ve seen it first hand… every day! However, a tidy playroom is possible… trust me! Go check out these creative ideas to organize your playroom today…
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Erin said: “I store my kids’ books and toys in plastic dish pans and colorful plastic file crates.”
Maggie said: “I love those over the door shoe organizers (with the pouches). I use them for EVERYTHING. One on the inside of the pantry for office supplies; one in the nursery for powder, lotions, clippers, etc.; two in my daughters room for hair accessories; and another for art supplies under her loft bed.”
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Debbie said: “Creative storage solutions? 1) Don’t hoard, 2) No one needs 12 pair of jeans, 3) Make use of hidden storage (such as under the bed), 4) Add shelving to closets, 5) Add hooks to inside of doors (closet/cabinets).”
Melinda said: “Minimize! It turns out the kids don’t need so many toys! ;)”
Naomi said: “Don’t be a clutter bug! Be willing to get rid of stuff on a regular basis.”
Patti said: “If you haven’t used it in a year, Throw It Out! (unless it’s a keepsake or heirloom)”
Mercadies said: “Hold a bi-annual garage sale and price your stuff to SELL. It’s extra money and clears out a lot of space. Do one sale in the Spring and another one in the Fall. Go through every room, and if you find something you don’t use and have outgrown, sell it! If you don’t have garage sales, take everything you want to purge to the Goodwill and donate it!”
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Rachel said: “Sticky clips and hooks help make use of wall space. Just put the clips up on the side of the cabinet for toothbrushes. You can also place hooks on the stairwell wall for jackets.”
Melissa said: “3M Command hooks. For apartment use they come off with no damage. Keys by the door. Necklaces on the closet walls. Brooms and dust pan on utility room door. Paintings hung. IKEA bookcases with the rattan/wicker cubes also hold a ton out of sight.”
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Elizabeth said: “Living in 300 sq. ft. and having 3 kids under 3, we have learned about this!! We live in a camper, by choice, til we sell our house. We recently moved and plan to buy a house where we will live for my husband’s new job. You don’t need as much space as you think you do!!! Most people wear the same things over and over again, so donate the extra clothes. Minimize toys and be creative with storage. Boxes, sticks and pie tins are more fun and encourage creative play, which is very important.”
Creative Storage Solutions for Small Bathrooms:
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Sheryl said: “For creative storage solutions, take down the traditional towel rod in the bathroom and use hooks instead. You can hang more towels in the same amount of space and it is great for kids. Putting a towel on a hook is easier than folding it over a bar. Hooks can be as simple or fancy as you like for your decor. This is also great for multiple kids – each child has their own hook for towel, robe, washcloth.”
Beth said: “Take all your old cabinet knobs that you’re not using and screw them to strips of wood (I actually used a paint stirrer). Paint them or don’t, then mount them to the wall for a pretty display for necklaces, bracelets, hair-ties, whatever… and you can get rid of your jewelry box. (earrings/rings can be stored in ice trays in a drawer, or in plastic craft bead compartments.”
Jewelry Organization: One of my favorite tricks for keeping my earrings and necklaces organized is using an ice cube tray! Weird, right? Each little compartment is the perfect size to hold a ring, pair of earrings, etc! I just keep it in the top drawer of my bathroom, and no more hunting for a matching pair of earrings in the morning!
Jewelry Organization in an Ice Cube Tray
Bathroom Pocket Organizer: An over the door shoe rack with pockets makes the perfect addition to any tiny bathroom. Simply use each pocket to store your bathroom essentials. This also works great for small bathrooms with pedestal sinks that lack storage space.
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Laundry Drying Rod Solution for Small Spaces
Alyssa said: “Use an extra paper towel holder for organizing headbands! It’s a pretty way to display them, and takes almost NO space.”
Hair Clip Organizer Tutorials
Amanda said: “I just light a match when it gets too cluttered and start over…lol…just kidding! ;)”
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So what are your Creative Storage Solutions or space saving tricks for Tiny Houses and Small Homes?
Share with us in the comments below!
Patty says
I use sticky tack from the dollar store to hold measuring spoons and small items on 3M hooks on the inside of my kitchen cabinet doors. That way I can move things around whenever I want to reorganize things without having to buy expensive replacement 3M tape. I do the same thing to hang jewellery on the back of my closet door.
Heidi says
That’s such a great idea, Patty! Thanks so much for sharing your kitchen and jewelry organization tips! 🙂
Rebecca Dillon says
love these tips! My rooms are smaller than I’d like and I love how these ideas make the rooms feel bigger while also providing storage for all my stuff!
Heidi says
I’m so glad you found these tips helpful, Rebecca! 🙂
Julie Hegner says
I cut an x in the plastic lid of my plastic coffee can to put plastic grocery bags in. The cool thing is as you push the bags through the x cut in the top, the air is let out of the bag allowing more space for the bags. I then fill each coffee can and then donate the bags to my area charitable resale shop to help them so they do not have to buy bags ,which now gives them extra containers to sort things, and bags to put things in at the store.
It s a win ,win and no waste! We must conserve our resources and recycle as much as possible,and the plus is your helping your community in more ways than one!
Diana Wallace says
Lovely storage ideas! I just moved to a new place and I’m currently trying to organize the storage space according to my needs. The suggestions you’ve given look very good and seem to fit perfectly to my plans. Thanks for the great ideas!
Sharlene Frazier says
I use a lamp shade for my necklaces. Using a hat pin to hang them, I stick the pin into the top of the shade. You can hang many, many necklaces. Just spin the shade to choose the necklace for the day.
Cheryl K says
If you have two towel bars, one above the other, on the back of a spare bedroom door, guests have a place to hang their bath towels away from the bathroom. It’s more personal, especially if they’re sharing a family bathroom.
Also, replacing the single rods in closets with closet organizers more than doubles the space. I still have a couple of closets that need organizing and this post has reminded me to do just that!
linda welling says
wow such great ideas to be keep ones home so very clean,and orderly..thanks..
linda welling says
wow some clever ways to be neat and tidy around house!!Some i had not thought of while few suggestions i knew of..but still so very useful to all…in keeping a home neat and tidy…
JJ says
We have 950 sq ft, no basement and 6 people. We build a lot of our furniture to suit our spacial limitations. Our entertainment center is wide and tall but shallow. It fits 12 of those 12×12 cubes. We store tons of toys and my yarn in them. Low impact on the floor space but huge organization impact. Bonus, the kids can’t touch our tv.
Eugenia Read says
We are in a bachelor sized apartment designed in the late 60’s early 70’s. Our linen closet (which has bi-folding doors, so, no extra space there) has to allow for extra pantry items (flour, canned items, pasta, extra box of oatmeal pkgs., etc.), laundry supplies, sheets, towels. I made my own tool holder from a small cardboard box, poked some holes in it to fit each tool and screwed it to the inside of the kitchen sink cupboard. It holds my multi-head screwdriver, pruners, hammer, pliers, wire cutters and an olfa knife. Winter clothes are in suitcases or in space saver bags which get swapped with each season’s clothes. I am also a quilter, knitter, crocheter so had to be creative with all my hobby supplies too, such as making cardboard shelving unit from Eggo waffle boxes and contact paper for fabric storage. Then there’s the filing bin for quilting projects (an idea I got from You Tube). Oh, I almost forgot to mention all my good crystal, china and other memoirs that are in an off-site storage facility. We have enough stuff to fill a proper house and need to get brutal about down sizing some more. My organizational adventure continues which should go well with all these on-line ideas I continue to find.
Laura says
Love these ideas!
Schellb says
I have so many spices that I used to keep in a cabinet but hardly could see all of them. So now I put them in a kitchen drawer laying down with label face up in a row was able to make 3 rows using the glass containers and a row of smaller plastic spice containers. I put them in alphabetical order. Now able to see all my spices.
Becky says
We bought a dresser at a resale shop and we are using it as a tv stand. We took the top row of drawers out to have a shelf for the cable box and DVD player. The rest of the drawers are used to for storing DVDs, games, and a few extra blankets.
Maagan says
I have a ton…I use a sm.bookshelf for with bins for toys, hanging closet shelves for the kids socks diapers etc, expandable hooks from $1tree for purses, baskets an bins everywhere, esp stackable ones for the pantry…. most everythin is from dollar stores an ikea
Darlene says
I use a spice rack for my nail polish, small bottles of perfume, creams,etc in my bathroom, taking little space all looks neat and orderly..
Angie in Austin says
I have another to share. Take a French Memo Board, the fabric covered memo board with ribbons all criss crossed on it. Get decorative pins and stick up necklaces or hang dangly earrings off the ribbon. It’s pretty and organizes. Makes jewelry easy to find in a hurry.
Angie in Austin says
I have many lotion and shower gel fragrances and love using them. To keep them in sight, I use a decorative antique cake plate (the pedestal kind). It sits on my bathroom counter without hogging counter space.
Margaret Hoyle says
At our $ store they sell what looks like a glass plate ( size of a dinner plate) it is a lazy susan, it can be spun around for whatever you need., it looks attractive being clear, sits close to the counter,. it has little suction cups on the bottom so when you spin it it doesnt move but easy to re-positioned. .what a deal at $2..
Betsy says
We are a family of 6. Our home is the place where 4 of us do school full time, 2 of us run businesses, and all of us entertain! One of the best tips I was given is to budget my space. For example, I have 3 bins in the attic for Christmas stuff. No matter how much Christmas paraphernalia we get over the years it must fit in those 3 bins. If something gets added, something else has to go. I do that with all of my clothes, books, utensils, dishes, you name it. If something seems crowded or overflowing I either have to reorganize it, pitch it or both.
DAnn W. says
I hang all my necklaces on a man’s tie rack, the kind meant to hang on a closet rod. I hang the tie rack on a hook on an inside closet wall next to the closet door, where it doesn’t interfere with the hanging clothes. When I want a necklace, i just reach in, take down the “necklace rack”, hang it on a clothes hook (on the inside of my closet door where I also hang PJs, recently removed clothing) and can choose what I want–then put it back. No more tangled chains or forgotten/unseen jewelry! The same idea works for scarves and circle bracelets, using belt holders instead of tie rack.
Robin says
Me too, but I use the wall mount kind that are an accessory for wire closet shelving systems. I group the necklaces by color! Great system, easy to grab exactly what I want.