At one time or another we’ve all been faced with the same age-old predicament: finding space for all our “stuff” with what seems like negative space! Whether you find yourself living in an apartment, small home, or are just simply looking for ways to better organize your belongings with the space you have, keep reading for 5 key tips and suggestions for maximizing your storage impact with minimal space.
1. STORAGE BINS AND BOXES ARE YOUR FRIENDS
Okay – this may sound like an obvious one, but is nonetheless the most effective. Start by taking a quick mental inventory of how many open bins, baskets, bags, or loose items you have stored in closets or on shelves. If the answer couldn’t be counted on just one hand, that could be precious wasted space!
I try to fit whatever I can within a bin and, let’s be honest, there’s just something satisfying about opening your closet and seeing everything neatly aligned with its own designated space (at least to neat freaks like me!). Depending on what you’re storing and how tall your shelves are, stacking can provide 2-3x (or more) space, not to mention making it much easier to find things.
sources: The Container Store // Target // The Container Store
2. STOCK UP ON SHELF RISERS
Removable shelf risers are my second favorite space-saving tip. I recently stocked up on these when organizing my pantry (something I am endlessly grateful for in my NYC kitchen), and they are perfect for stacking just about anything.
Large pantries: line a few risers adjacent to one other and use to store containers (for rice, pasta, cereal, etc.) on top and canned goods on the bottom. If you have the pantry space, take it further and install real shelving!
Small pantries: set a few on your shelves where space allows, and store canned goods, baking ingredients, and other smaller loose items that don’t otherwise have a natural spot.
Of course, risers aren’t just reserved for pantries and are also perfect to use in regular closets and under-the-sink bathroom vanities!
sources: The Container Store // Amazon // The Container Store
3. COMBINE DESIGN & FUNCTIONALITY
Living in an apartment presents its additional challenges, where closets can be scarce (especially in newer builds – they offer shiny new hardware, but only 1 closet?!). Over the years I’ve made an effort to balance my desire for a beautiful home while choosing furnishings that also provide some functionality. To accomplish this, I’ve found the following pieces to be secret space savers:
- Credenzas: while they can remain sleek and styled on top, the cupboards provide great storage space. I use mine to store wine glasses, games, and extra decor.
- Open shelving units: these allow you to still present your beautiful books, picture frames, and vases (or whatever you want to show off!), but when used wisely you can store boxes or baskets on the bottom shelf to house more messy belongings. I’ve personally used the bottom shelves to store filing “cabinets” (boxes), a basket of dog toys, and even a printer!
- Opt for a storage bench vs. console table for your entryway: I love a beautiful entryway as much as the next person, but in small spaces you can still achieve a welcoming entrance using alternative pieces, like a storage bench. Dress it up with some decorative pillows, a throw blanket, ceramic floor vase filled with branches, and a round oversized mirror to make up for the larger overhead wall space.
- Nightstands: I’ve been guilty of using drawers in my nightstand as a catch-all for junk (anyone else relate?) but I encourage you to try and purge any actual junk that may be sitting there…you’ll be surprised by the space you can create for treasured knick-knacks, old journals, and anything else you’ve been having a hard time finding a home for!
sources: Article // Zola // Wayfair // Target
4. FOLD IT LIKE MARIE KONDO
I know by this point everyone has probably heard of Marie Kondo (and for good reason!) – she is the ultimate master of organization. If I had to pick one practice of hers I will forever commit to, it’s her famous folding technique (watch it here). I was SHOCKED by how much space it actually saved in my drawers – and I’m confident it can be a game changer for you too!
Bonus tip: if you feel your drawers need a little extra organization and separation, check out these dividers (also love these and these for a cloth option).
source: The Container Store
5. UTILIZE THE BEHIND-THE-DOOR SPACES
This tip obviously depends on the type of door your home has – pocket, bi-fold, regular, etc., but regular door closures are most ideal for utilizing as double-duty storage. You can hang a classic over-the-door hook rack for purses, scarves, or jackets in your bedroom, or more of a caddy-style rack for extra space in your bathroom or pantry.
Another amazing space saver is a larger over-the-door organizer in your closet, which can be put to so many storage uses – shoes, hats, or pretty much anything you can think of! Get creative with multi-utility organizers like this one from The Container Store. An over-the-door rack is also a great solution for the bottom doors of your kitchen or bathroom cabinets!
In addition to over-the-door organizers, don’t be afraid to use the space behind the door as well. You could install narrow bookshelves (also perfect for nurseries), a hanging jewelry organizer, or use the spare space to hang a mirror.
source: Etsy
I hope you were able to find some of these tips helpful, and be sure to leave any comments or additional ideas below!
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