How to Organize A House With No Storage
Have you ever felt like your home was bursting at the seams? You’re not alone! Small house organization can be a struggle, and so is dealing with an older home with no closet solutions. Clear your space and mind with some of my proven ways to organize a small house with no storage.
I get it: Having too much stuff isn’t always the issue. While a good purge is necessary every now and then, that alone doesn’t do the trick when you simply lack storage space. It’s a common challenge to organize a house that lacks built-in storage solutions.
In our previous home I had to get really creative and find storage solutions.
Even if your current storage situation isn’t too bad, these small space organization tips will help you declutter better than ever. With a little creativity, every room can have that ordered sense of harmony you will love coming home to.
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7 Great Solutions for Small Space Organization
I’ve gathered seven examples of storage pieces and projects I’ve tackled in just about every room of our home, from the living room and kitchen to the garage and my home office. While each example addresses the unique challenges of each of those rooms, I think you’ll see the approaches can be used in your own home to suit what you need.
1. Storage ottomans and tables
Clutter concerns almost always pop up in the living room, because well, that’s where we live most of the time. In my home, I swapped our traditional coffee table for a stylish storage ottoman. It not only gives us a comfy footrest but also holds things like extra throw blankets, magazines, and board games. These have been a lifesaver for moms of young kids who need easy toy storage, too.
A lift-top coffee table with hidden storage underneath is another space-saving alternative. They’re usually not quite as big as ottomans and yet do the trick to tuck away things like magazines, books and remotes.
Choosing the right ottoman or coffee table can completely transform your living room, not only in good looks but keeping everything else neat. When shopping, consider the size and style that best suits your space, plus what you plan to store inside it. You’ll be amazed at how much more organized your space feels.
2. Built-in bookshelves
Install built-in bookshelves for instant vertical storage that adds an architectural element to your space at the same time. They’re a practical and aesthetically pleasing solution for small spaces. While were fortunate to have them flanking the fireplace when we moved into our current home, I now can’t imagine living anywhere without them.
Built-in bookcases can work well in just about any room. In your home office, use them to display favorite books, bins of office supplies and mail, and accents purely for decoration. In bedrooms for kids, they are great for displaying treasured toys, framed photos and other keepsakes. They can work in a dining room to display favorite serving pieces, especially if you do not have space for a butler’s pantry.
When designing your built-in bookshelves, think about the items you want to store and organize, then create a mix of open and closed shelves for your different needs. Display decorative items while keeping clutter out of sight in cabinets or baskets. Configure a combo of vertical and horizontal spaces to maximize space and create visual interest.
3. Desk with built-in filing cabinets
I gained so much convenient storage space in my office when I bought this desk with filing cabinets built into the base. While there are many more minimal desks out there, this one strikes a balance of pretty, clean lines and the hidden storage I need.
By maximizing vertical storage this way, you can keep important documents, stationery, and office supplies easily accessible yet out of sight. This sleek setup keeps my workspace clear and my mind focused. If you still want an even more streamlined look, opt for a desk with at least slim horizontal drawers under the top. Even a little extra organizing space makes a big difference.
4. Vertical rack systems, clips and hooks
When floor space is scarce, think vertically! maximize your wall space vertically is using rack systems with wall hooks and clips. They allow you to hang things up in an orderly way so they’re always within easy reach—not cluttering up corners. This works especially well for long, narrow items like house cleaning, lawn and garden tools, fishing gear, and the like.
If you have a garage cleanup project on your to-do list, invest in these to make the job 100 times easier. To determine how many and what kind of racks and hooks you’ll need, make a list of all the items you want to store, then draft a quick sketch of what will actually fit. Ceiling-mounted bike racks are another game changer for cluttered garages.
Vertical organizers have benefits indoors, too. Even one small clip rack will instantly free up space in a tiny broom closet, for example. If you have a dedicated corner for crafting, a pegboard to keep supplies neat and visible.
5. Dressers as console tables
While this space is not from my home, this idea of converting a dresser to a console table is on my future DIY list. While I love this example of how you can build custom shelving for your board games, I see how this dresser-console solution is another great solution for that. Needless to say, you can store many other things besides games and crafts in these space drawers.
Repurposing furniture is a great way to add character and functionality to your living space while reducing waste. Keep an eye out for unique pieces at thrift stores, antique shops, or even in your own attic. There are many how-tos on YouTube, Pinterest and DIY blogs for updating retro dressers with new finish, paint and hardware to perfectly suit your decor.
6. Closet shelving
This may seem like a given, but consider any closet space you may not need for hanging things and what it might hold if you just build some shelving. In our last house, we didn’t have a pantry. What we did have? A narrow coat closet by the kitchen we didn’t need for coats. I added some simple, easy-to-install shelves and instantly created space for our dry goods.
I cannot tell you how much easier this made my grocery storage and meal prep. making grocery storage and meal prep much easier. For your own project, start by assessing your needs and measuring the available space to determine the ideal shelving layout. Customize your shelving with adjustable or removable shelves to accommodate items of various sizes, and don’t forget to leave room for future storage needs.
Consider also adding other storage features like door-mounted racks, hooks, or baskets to maximize your space even further. Label shelves and bins to help maintain order and make it easy for family members to locate items.
7. Over-the-door storage
Make the most use of your closet door space with clever over-the-door organizers for crafts, wrapping supplies, shoes, or accessories. This over-the-door system in our home perfectly organizes my gift supplies. In the bedroom, they can hold scarves, hats, or even jewelry.
These organizers come in so many styles and sizes for easy, space-saving solutions that can transform unused space with little effort. Consider an over-the-door organizer in the bathroom to hold toiletries and keep your linen closet and counters clutter-free. In the pantry, use them to store snacks, spices, or cleaning supplies.
Small Space Organization Solutions for Your Home
With these projects and additions, I’ve been able to reclaim space and create a more organized living environment. With these seven ideas for inspiration, you can too! Remember, when dealing with limited storage space, the key is to think creatively and put your vertical space to good use.
With some clever organizing hacks, even the smallest of spaces can feel roomy and clutter-free. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different solutions and personalize them to fit your specific needs. Whether you choose to install built-in bookshelves, repurpose old furniture, or take advantage of over-the-door storage systems, the possibilities and uses are endless.
Remember, an organized home not only looks great but also contributes to a more peaceful state of mind. Roll up your sleeves and get started on transforming your small spaces. Let me know about your plans and finished projects. I would love to hear about it and can always use new inspirations myself!
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