How to Create Storage in a Small House

By Sam Iontton02/05/2023
How to Create Storage in a Small House

By Sam Iontton -16/03/2021

Small homes have many benefits, but storage space isn’t often one of them. It can be tricky to find a place for everything, and small rooms can easily feel overcrowded.

When you’re struggling for storage space, things can get untidy quickly! But luckily, there are lots of smart storage ideas for small homes that help to combat clutter. It’s all about being clever with the space you have.

Here are some ideas for how to create storage in a small house and make the most of every nook and cranny.

Maximise Under Bed Storage

Beds take up a lot of floor space. So in a small home, you need to choose them wisely! Beds with under-bed storage are essential for saving space in small homes. Avoid divan beds and opt instead for a tall bed frame with space underneath. Better still, opt for a bed with built-in storage. Ottoman storage beds or bed frames with fitted draws are both great options for small homes.

Underbed storage boxes

Under the bed is a great spot for storing bulky items like suitcases, spare bedding and shoes out of sight, saving you lots of cupboard space elsewhere. Keep your belongings dust-free by opting for clothes storage boxes and bags.

Utilise Wall Space With Shelves

To maximise floor space, make use of your walls. Wall shelves will give you lots of surface space for books, plants and trinkets. Plus they add a nice decorative touch to a room! They look great in spots like alcoves, above the bed or creating a feature wall in your living room.

Short on cupboard space in the kitchen? A wall shelf is a great option for mugs and small plates too. To make the best use your walls:

  • Opt for twin-slot shelving to utilise all your vertical space.
  • Use corner shelves in awkward areas.
  • Add a shelf in the space between a door and the ceiling for clever storage space.
twin slot shelving
tiered ladder shelving units

Choose Slimline Shelves & Cabinets

Banish bulky furniture from your home and opt for tall, thinner designs instead. Think up rather than out. Slimline shelves and cabinets are both smart storage ideas for small houses because they save floor space and are much easier to slot into tight spaces.

Ladder shelves are a stylish option for your living room, while a tall cube shelving unit can be a great option for the bathroom.

Store Bulky Clothes in Vacuum Bags

To save space, store away seasonal clothes in vacuum bags. Perfect for bulky items like winter coats and jumpers, these handy, inexpensive items are a must-have for small homes! Vacuum packing your clothes to a fraction of their former volume makes them much easier to store in a cupboard or under the bed.

Get Creative With a Cork Board

When you lack space, keeping surfaces free from clutter is important. Cork boards come in handy here. They’re a clever storage idea for small homes because they can hold everything from necklaces to your house keys. You can also pin important letters and to-do lists to them, all the while keeping your countertops and coffee table clear. If you have a narrow entranceway, they’re a great alternative to a bulky side table.

cork noticeboards

Opt for a Double Clothes Rail

Low on wardrobe space? A double clothes rail is a great space-saving solution. Two-tier clothes rails take up minimal floor space but provide double the clothing space of a single rail. Win-win for small homes!

As well as hanging clothes, you can use a hanging clothes storage organiser for clothes you want to fold. Alternatively, use a hanging accessory organiser to organise and store belts, scarves and jewellery.

double clothes rails, two tier clothing rails
over the door storage hooks and racks

Over-door storage hooks and shelves are both great storage ideas for small homes. With no need for a drill, they’re perfect for renters. Simply hang them over a door and you have instant space for coats, towels, bags and hats.

Over-door storage shelving racks are another great option for any room. Small kitchens and bathrooms can be tricky to organise, but these are an instant fix. Hang one over your bathroom door to keep your toiletries tidy and one the kitchen sink cupboard for cleaning products.

Struggling for shoe storage? Your problems are solved with an over-the-door shoe rack.

Choose Dual-Function Furniture

In a small property, you need to be smart with your furniture choices. Choose furniture that offers extra storage space or serves a dual purpose. A coffee table with drawers provides additional space for household items, while a storage stool can house books or board games and act as extra seat space.

Cube shelving units

A dab hand at DIY? Why not turn a cubic shelf into a seating bench? If you’re on a budget or love an upcycling project, there are many creative storage ideas for small homes you can try.

Use Hanging Baskets

Hanging baskets are another great hack. Kitchens in small homes are often lacking storage space, so keep your cupboards free and surfaces clear by storing fruit in hanging baskets. In your living room or bedroom, use them for extra storage or decorative trailing plants.

hanging storage baskets

Create Countertop Space

And finally, if your cupboard space is lacking, make the most of your countertops with mesh shelf organisers. Great for cups, saucers and breakfast bowls, they’re ideal for adding extra storage in a small kitchen. They’re also ideal for helping declutter a desk. You can use these handy storage solutions on any tabletop.

 

Follow these top tips on how to create storage in a small house and you’ll soon notice a difference in the space you have! Read our blog: Easy Storage Ideas for Small Bedrooms to Reduce Clutter for more helpful hacks for your bedroom.

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