Whether you live in a small New York City apartment or a ranch-style house in Texas, you’ve probably experienced your closets bursting at the seams, filled with all the items you may or may not remember buying. Perhaps you’d like to find new ways to store and organize your things. Or maybe you’re just looking for more space to accommodate a new piece of furniture or make room for new hobbies. Either way, we have some ideas to help you.
Many people struggle with minimizing clutter and turn to renting storage units, but fortunately, there are plenty of simple, effective ways to make the most of small spaces.
When you declutter and rearrange your home, it’s not just about making space for your belongings. It’s also about creating a peaceful environment. In fact, cleaning itself can be therapeutic, providing a sense of control over your environment and reducing feelings of stress. On the other hand, living in a cluttered space can increase your stress levels and make it harder to focus on tasks.
So whether you’re launching a new passion project and need more space—or you’re simply seeking a more organized home—read on for some of the easiest storage ideas you can implement.
Big-Picture Storage Ideas
Creating more storage space at home doesn’t always require a complete overhaul or major renovations. Sometimes, all it takes is a bit of creativity and a fresh perspective on using the space you already have.
1. Decluttering: The First Step
Before looking for ways to add more storage, your first step should be decluttering with intention. This means taking inventory of what you have, getting rid of what you know you don’t need, sorting through what’s left, and assigning everything a designated spot in your home. Not only are you creating more physical space—you’re also helping to keep stress levels down. Plus, you’ll have less stuff to deal with, allowing you to focus on the items that matter.
2. Go Vertical Where You Can
Start thinking vertically. Too often, folks limit their storage solutions to ground level, forgetting about unused space on walls and ceilings. Consider adding shelves above desks, tables, or counters. Shelves are great for providing additional storage while also keeping items easily accessible. Similarly, using hanging organizers on doors or inside closets can be a great way to store smaller things.
3. Look for Multipurpose Furniture
You can’t go wrong with multipurpose furniture when it comes to maximizing storage space. Consider the following:
- An ottoman with a removable top can double as a storage compartment.
- A bed frame with built-in drawers underneath discreetly provides space.
- Even a coffee table with shelves, or one that lifts to reveal storage space, can be a great place to stash items.
These solutions can make your living space look tidier and more organized, contributing to a more relaxing atmosphere.
4. Add a Storage Structure
If you’ve maximized the storage space inside your home and still need more, consider adding a storage structure. This can be an excellent solution for storing oversized items like lawn equipment, bicycles, or seasonal decorations.
One option is to add on to your garage. This could involve installing overhead storage racks for items you don’t use regularly or adding a lean-to for extra storage space. If a full addition isn’t feasible, a detached, pre-built shed from a reputable seller might be the perfect solution. It gives you extra space without the hassle and cost of a major renovation. Likewise, adding a metal carport can be a great way to store vehicles, boats, or RVs, freeing up space in your garage.
Tips for Storage Room by Room
Every room in your home offers a new way to create storage solutions. Approach each space individually, considering its specific use, style, and the items typically stored there. By evaluating each room independently, you can identify the best ways to increase your overall storage capacity and enhance functionality.
5. Kitchen Storage Ideas
The kitchen is one of the most used and important rooms in any home and can quickly become cluttered. Here are some tips formaximizing kitchen storage:
- Use risers: Shelf risers can double your storage space in cupboards by vertically stacking dishes, cups, or food items.
- Install pull-out shelves: These allow easy access to items at the back of your cabinets, using all the available space.
- Use door space: Install racks on the insides of your cupboard doors to store spices, foil, or cling wrap.
- Add undershelf baskets: These hang from your shelves, adding storage space for items like mugs or small dishes.
- Use drawer dividers: They help keep utensils and other small items organized and easy to reach.
These simple additions make cooking and cleaning up so much easier.
6. Bedroom Storage Ideas
Bedrooms can also benefit from creative storage solutions. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Under-bed storage: Invest in bed frames with drawers or purchase storage bins designed to slide under the bed.
- Over-the-door organizers: These are perfect for storing shoes, accessories, or kid’s toys and plushies.
- Wall-mounted shelves: Install shelves above the bed or desk for books, decor, or other items.
- Closet systems: With customizable closet systems, you can add shelves, drawers, and rods at different heights to make it right for you.
- Furniture with built-in storage: A bedside table with drawers or a headboard with built-in shelves keeps essentials nearby and organized.
Maximizing the storage space in your bedroom gives you a refreshed and organized space to relax in.
7. Closet Storage Ideas
Closets are the catch-all storage spaces for your various items, and you can take them to the next level in multiple ways:
- Shelf organizers: These are perfect for separating stacks of clothes, linens, or accessories. They prevent piles from toppling over and keep items neatly arranged.
- Matching hangers: Invest in matching hangers that are slim and space-saving to make your closet more organized and visually appealing.
- Double-rod organizer: This allows you to hang shorter clothes like blouses and skirts above longer items like dresses or coats, doubling your hanging space.
- Hooks for accessories: Hang hooks inside your closet to keep items untangled and easy to find.
With these organizational tools and hacks, you can turn your closet into a functional and visually pleasing space.
8. Small Bathroom Storage Ideas
Finding enough space in a small bathroom for all of your cosmetics, toiletries, and towels can be a big challenge. Here are some tips to create extra space that will help keep your bathroom looking clean:
- Attach baskets inside cabinet doors: Plastic or wire baskets can be attached to the back side of cabinet doors to store small items.
- Install shelves on the walls: A floating shelf is a perfect place to place items that normally clutter your countertops. Or add shelves to stack clean towels in order to free up space in your cabinets.
- Add a mirror with a hidden medicine cabinet: This is a perfect place to keep medicine and cosmetics out of sight and out of reach of young children.
- Add hooks: Hooks on the wall or the back of the door are a great place to hang towels.
Just remember that your bathroom tends to be more humid than any other room in the house, so it’s not a great place to store items that are prone to mold.
9. Living Room Storage Ideas
As one of the most communal spaces in your home, you want your living room to feel comfortable and inviting. Here are some creative tips for incorporating storage:
- Furniture with built-in storage: Opt for coffee tables with drawers or storage space, ottomans with storage compartments, or entertainment centers with built-in shelving.
- Wall-mounted shelves: These can house books, photos, or decorative items. They also free up floor space and make your walls more visually interesting.
- Baskets and bins: These can be tucked into corners, set under tables, or placed on shelves. They’re perfect for storing blankets, toys, or other items that are frequently used.
- Behind-the-door storage: If your living room has a door, use the space behind it. A slim shelf or hanging organizer can store various items without taking up much room.
With these storage solutions, you can create a clutter-free living room that everyone feels good in.
10. Garage Storage Ideas
The garage is more than just a place to park your car—it’s a precious and versatile storage space. Here are some tips to help you maximize your garage storage:
- Use wall space: Install wall-mounted storage solutions to free up floor space. This might include shelves, hooks, or a slatwall system.
- Categorize items: Organize your things into categories and store them in labeled bins or drawers.
- Vertical storage: Consider freestanding or ceiling-mounted racks to make use of vertical space.
- Customizable systems: Invest in a complete storage solution that can fit your specific needs, like wall-mounted cabinets or workbenches with built-in storage for tools and supplies.
If your garage still feels cramped, consider adding a carport or detached garage on your property where you can move one or two vehicles. A carport can provide significant additional space for storage. Alternatively, you could install a detached one-car garage to be used solely for storage. There are plenty of other clever garage hacks and ideas that might work for your space if you need more inspiration.
With these storage ideas and tricks, you can work towards making the most of every room of your home and maintaining an uncluttered, peaceful environment you’ll enjoy.
