A tiny home has its advantages, such as ease of cleanup and low electricity usage and costs. That said, it also comes with its challenges, a major one being limited storage space. So, finding room for belongings and even organizing them in a small living space can get tricky. To make the most out of the available storage room, one can try a few common space-saving hacks for small spaces.
1. Using multi-functional furniture
One of the most creative storage solutions for tiny homes is opting for furniture designed to add to the overall storage space. These multi-purpose pieces help in keeping a small space free from clutter. For instance, a popular multi-functional piece to invest in is a set of nesting coffee tables. Often considered to be among the best furniture pieces for small apartments with limited space. A typical set here has two or three parts, which are tables of different heights that can be separated to serve multiple purposes. One could use one of the tables as a regular coffee table and another as a side table. Some nesting tables also have built-in bottom shelves that can easily accommodate magazines, books, baskets, and other knick-knacks. Another multi-functional unit to consider is an ottoman with storage. If looking for hidden storage ideas for small living rooms, one can place the ottoman in the seating area and use it to hold things like blankets, pillows, and throws. Such pieces are often considered the best furniture for small apartments as they help increase storage space.Â
2. Utilizing walls for storage
Another clever storage idea for small apartments is getting the most out of the empty walls. For starters, one can free up their closet by hanging and organizing bags, scarves, hats, jewelry, coats, and other accessories on the walls. To hold these things, one can mount floating shelves or hooks on the walls. Additionally, one can invest in wall-mounted drawers and TV units or shelves. These spaces can easily store things like books, keepsakes, picture frames, cables, small electronics, and more. In this way, one can create storage space out of nothing and reduce clutter in their living space.
3. Re-organizing the kitchen
In small apartments, the kitchen can get difficult to work in when not organized well. For those who like to cook on a regular basis, the limited number of cabinets can often run out of room for pots and pans, cutlery, dishware, glassware, or even spices. This issue makes kitchens in small homes seem too full and cluttered. To solve this problem, a couple of smart storage hacks for the kitchen are re-organizing the whole space and clearing up the cabinet as much as possible. One must start by making a list of items that need to be stored inside, within cabinets, and those that can be placed on countertops or open shelves. For example, pots and pans that are used regularly can be hung on wall-mounted hooks or placed on open shelves. Similarly, a pegboard can be used for hanging spatulas, strainers, aprons, kitchen towels, and other such items. Finally, for the cabinets, one can use organizers and sorters to separate things. For instance, one can organize silverware, fancy crockery, and small kitchen appliances inside the cabinet using distinct bins that can be pulled out when necessary.
4. Maximizing underutilized spaces
When trying to come up with storage ideas for small apartments, it is easy to overlook a few spots, like the space underneath or right above big furniture. In such living spaces, recognizing and making the most of these unused spaces can solve a lot of storage and clutter-related problems. For instance, a smart DIY storage hack for small spaces is utilizing the room under the bed or even the couch. Here, one can store bulky, rarely used items or out-of-season clothing using containers or bins designed for the space under the bed. Additionally, the tops of cabinets can be used for storing items that are used only a few times in the year, like holiday decor. These things can be stored inside boxes, which can then be placed on the top of cabinets. This ensures that the belongings are out of sight, reducing the risk of visual clutter. Along with this, one can get the most out of corners, which are often underutilized in homes, by installing corner shelves.
5. Using baskets and bins
When organizing a small apartment on a budget, one cannot go wrong with placing baskets and bins around the house. This is a smart, flexible, and cheap storage idea. Oversized baskets and bins, typically made of fabric, wood, or wicker, can be visually appealing. These units can be placed right on the floor anywhere in the room, on shelves, within cabinets, or under the bed or table. The baskets and bins can easily be moved and accessed to clean up all kinds of clutter—from takeout menus to random objects like toys and knick-knacks lying about the house. Alternatively, one can be intentional while using baskets and bins for storage. For instance, one can have separate bins for laundry, blankets, shoes, and seasonal clothes. Bins can also be placed in bathrooms to store robes and towels.
