Small house living can be both a blessing and a challenge. Small homes feel cozy and effortless to maintain, but storage is often a hard thing to come by. For many families, there is not enough space to keep their rooms neat. The great news is that with some clever planning and a creative approach to storage – there are plenty of inventive solutions out there – even the smallest homes will feel tidy, fresh and spacious. Here we look at 10 simple but creative ideas to achieve more storage in small homes.
1. Use Vertical Space
Look up One of the greatest small-space tricks is to look up. Walls are often underused. Mounting high shelves, hanging cabinets or attaching pegboards can create space and keep belongings within easy reach. For instance, floating open shelves above the kitchen counter or bed will brighten up space while storing books, jars and decorative items without clunking up the room.
2. Go for Multi-Functional Furniture
Furniture that multitasks is the best friend of a small home. A bed with drawers underneath, a couch that becomes a bed, and even a coffee table with storage space inside itself are prime examples. These ideas not only save space; they add extra storage without the need for more furniture.
3. Hidden Storage Solutions
Secret storage to prevent your home from looking cluttered. Ottomans with storage, a dining table that collapses to hide clutter or stairs built with drawers can be a great use of space in smaller living areas. It can even be a table and a storage unit in the form of an isolated trunk.
4. Declutter Regularly
If your home is jammed with stuff you never use, no storage trick will help. Get in the habit of decluttering every couple of months. Cull everything you don’t need or love. Donate or recycle unused items. The practice opens up space for the essentials.
5. Use Mirrors and Light Colours
Mirrors and light-coloured walls don’t store items, of course, but they can make your space feel larger. A light, expansive-looking home makes you feel less cramped even when storage spaces are at a premium.
6. Organise with Boxes and Baskets
Little things can make a big mess in tiny spaces. Utilize labelled bins, baskets and drawer dividers to keep things in order. It fits clothing, toys, kitchenware and even documents quite nicely.
7. Maximise Corners and Odd Spaces
Corners and tight spaces tend to be overlooked. Utilize corner shelves, narrow trolleys or hooks to find space even in the nooks. There is even space behind the doors for racks for shoes, cleaning supplies or bags.
8. Smart Kitchen Storage
In small homes, the kitchen can easily become crowded. Hang racks for utensils, magnetic strips for knives or stackable containers for dry goods. Additional flexibility can be added with a pull-out pantry or rolling cart.
9. Bedroom Storage Hacks
The ideal bedroom is a peaceful haven, but the reality is we keep so much there’s nowhere to put it all. Consider under-bed storage boxes, wall-mounted side tables or a headboard with shelves. A wardrobe with organizers such as hanging shelves and dividers can help you double your storage space.
10. Bathroom Space Savers
In small houses, bathrooms are generally teeny little things. Hang over-the-toilet shelves, wall-mounted baskets or corner shelves. Even a single hook on the back of the door can accommodate towels and robes.
Final Thoughts
It’s easy to make small houses appear larger when storage is designed creatively. Anything — a corner, a wall, even a piece of furniture – can function as storage if it is done well. The key is to be organised, keep only what you need and find creative solutions. With these simple tricks, small homes appear neat (and not small).
FAQs:
Q1. Short of buying new furniture, how can I add storage?
Wall shelves, hooks and baskets or boxes can be added. Another trick, he said, is to repurpose a trunks or crates.
Q2. What are some good furniture options for small homes?
And, multi-purpose furniture such as sofa-beds, storage beds, folding dining tables and footstools with space inside are perfect.
Q3. How often should I clean out a small house?
You should have a good clear out at least every 3 to 4 months. This makes the house clean and tidy.
Q4. How do mirrors work for small homes?
Mirrors reflect light and create the illusion of a space that is larger and brighter, more expansive.
Q5. Yep, corners can be storage spaces.
Yes, corners can entertainingly harbor shelves, trolleys or racks that actually serve a purpose rather than being squandered spaces.
