Small Space Living: 5 Affordable Solutions To Help You Live Smarter (and more organized)
When it comes to small spaces, it’s not enough to just be well designed – they also have to be smart. And the best way to do just that? Make the most of every square inch with clever (and easy) solutions.
We’re sharing some of our best tips (and products) to make sure you’re taking advantage of all the corners, unseen areas, and hidden spots in your small space. With solutions for every room, from a cramped kitchen to an overcrowded office, to an itsy bitsy bathroom, there’s no space you can’t make more efficient and smarter. And even if you don’t have a small space, you can definitely still apply these tips to your home!
Keep scrolling to see all our ideas (and shop the products to need to make your space smarter).
Looking for other small spacesolutions for your home? Check out our posts Under Bed Storage: Our Best Solutions To Maximize Every Inch and Small Spaces, Big Problems: Your Most Asked Questions
Photo: Yamazaki
STICK-ON A Shelf
For spots that aren’t being utilized, simply stick on a smart magnetic shelf for instant storage. You can apply a shelf to any magnetic surface- with no installation required. It’s perfect for your fridge door to hold essentials, your washer for keeping laundry detergent and dryer sheets at hand, or even above your stove with this shelf (no tools required) to stash spices!
Want even more ideas for home DIYs? Be sure to check out 5 Easy Improvements You Can Make At Home.
Photo: Container Store
Hang It OVER THE DOOR
You’re probably already familiar with using over door storage to hang shoes in your closet. But have you thought about all the other ways you can utilize this solution in a small space? Any door can become an easy place to store, well, just about anything! This organizer (which is only $10) has clear pockets which makes it easy to see everything and will help you stay organized. Keep extra bathroom essentials at the ready, office supplies out of sight, or even store tools, cleaning products, and extra cords on the back of a hallway closet door.
For ideas ton how to make the most of your space, check out 5 Easy Ways To Improve Every Room In Your Home
Photo: Yamazaki
KEEP STORAGE Slim
For small spaces, slim is in (especially when it comes to storage). You’ll be amazed at how much you can store in narrow shelving units that tuck right into compact spaces. Slim shelves (on wheels which are under $50) are perfect for holding cooking supplies in the kitchen (and can fit conveniently between a stove and counter). And a thin bookcase can tuck into the corner of a living room or bedroom to provide plenty of storage, without taking up much space.
Check out some of our favorite bookcase options to optimize storage here.
Photo: Brooklinen
Go Under THE BED
If you’re short on closets or lacking drawer space, under the bed is the perfect place to look for extra space to keep clothing, shoes, or anything else that needs to be organized. With just a few extra inches below the bed, you can use boxes, bins with easy access lids, and bags to keep things contained. So instead of just sitting vacant, put the space under your bed to very good use!
For even more under bed storage tips, check out our post Under Bed Storage: Our Best Solutions To Maximize Every Inch
Shop Underbed Storage
PUT UP A Pegboard
Got an empty wall? We’ve got a solution for putting it to use. You can easily apply pegboard for under $25 to most surfaces and create a simple system for hanging anything you need to keep close. A pegboard makes an excellent spot to store pots, pans, and utensils in the kitchen, office supplies above a desk, or even all your coats and hats in an entryway. And there are also lots of different hooks and baskets you can use to optimize your board for any area and make it fully customized for your space.
For more entryway ideas, check out Mixing It Up: 7 Entryway Pairings (That Are Big on Style & Storage)
Hi – Would you tell me where to buy the first slim shelf one posted on your most recent web page – the on with a wooden top. Thank you
You can purchase that shelf here. Thanks you for reading. xx-B
LOVE this. Currently trying to re-do my room before I start uni in sept to be a midwife. I haven’t had a shelf in my room for years but deffo going to get one now. Maybe circular? For a bit of variety?- S, Norwich UK x
Thank you and congrats on starting University! Go for whatever shelf system works for you and your room but go vertical to increase the amount of storage without taking up a lot of space. xx -B
Hi Bobby,
Can you tell me where you got the brown pegboard that is on display in the kitchen? Thanks! Hope you and the rest of the Fab 5 (and your families!) are doing okay at times like these!
Hey I’m in Scotland UK and I’m trying to gather as much ideas from the fab5 for my house but I don’t know where to look here in the UK. Everything’s kinda half finished. I have two girls a 3 year old and a 3 month old and there room is driving me crazy!
I know it can be challenging to design a kid’s room. I would check out Room To Grow, Ikea, and Wayfair UK for Kids furniture and accessories. I love John Lewis for classic furniture and lighting as well. I hope that helps! Thanks for your comment. xx -B
Hi Bobby,
Would you consider writing a similar article on attic apartments? 🙂 Or have any suggestions on smart storage (especially clothes) in attic apartments?
Thank you in advance!
Kind regards,
Iulia
If you’re lacking clothes storage, a compact clothes rack is always a good idea. I like this modern option and this modular system you can configure to your needs. Thanks so much for reading. xx -B
Thank you! It’s difficult creating good organization systems when renting, not wanting to mark the walls. This article was quite helpful, and I appreciate the product recommendations. Often in other articles the author is vague about systems and they’re typically not affordable for renters. Your article is actually helpful in practicality for form, function, and affordability.
Thanks love! I find it easiest to show ideas through real products. If you can envision something helping you in your space, that’s the true takeaway. xx -B
Please post ideas for small laundry rooms!!!