Guest Blog Post by: Indiana Lee

One of the frustrations people can sometimes have with a small house is a lack of storage space. Even if you’re downsizing or trying to lead a more minimalist lifestyle, you still need space to store extra belongings that you might not use all the time. But, if your closets are already packed, what can you do?

Well, with a little creativity, there are plenty of ways to find storage space in a small house. You might have to think outside the box and go beyond traditional storage locations, but it’s possible to have “hidden” spaces that are perfect for your belongings.

You can even improve your storage options by modifying furniture and maximizing your existing spaces through organization and functionality. And, you don’t need to be a handyman or have experience in interior design to optimize your storage space in a small house.

Here’s some strategies to keep in mind to make the most of your space and to give your belongings the care they deserve when they’re not in use.

Hidden Storage Ideas

Ready to tackle a project? You can create hidden storage areas in your home very quickly with a little DIY knowledge.

One of the easiest places to start, especially if you don’t want to do any kind of home renovation, is to choose furniture that can double as functional storage space.

Ottomans with removable tops, coffee tables with drawers, and wall-mounted desks are all sneaky ways to boost your storage options without having to hold a hammer.

• But, if you do want to create more storage in your home, try transforming your staircase with drawers underneath each step.

• Or build a simple slide-out pantry in your kitchen that can hold canned goods and slips between the wall and the fridge.

• If you want to feel like you’re hiding something extremely valuable in an old Western movie, dig into the floor or ceiling.

These projects might take a few days, but creating a ceiling nook or a small storage space beneath the floorboards will allow you to keep your belongings safe without taking up any extra room.

You can cover the floorboards with a decorative rug, attach a latch or string to create a ceiling “attic”, or even create a space between the studs of a wall for storage, that can be easily concealed with a piece of artwork.

When you live in a small home, you must be willing to get creative, and that sometimes means searching for unique options when it comes to getting the space you need.

Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty and take on DIY projects that work for you.

Make More Room

You can also find more storage space by decluttering and organizing some of your existing spaces.

You might have a lot in your closets, attic, or basement, but is everything optimized to hold as much as possible?

More importantly, is everything easily accessible, or do you dread dragging out the Christmas decorations or sports gear each year because it’s piled up so high?

One of the easiest ways to get more room for your belongings is to maximize closet storage space. Some of the easiest tips and tricks for getting more room out of your closets include:

• Decluttering your clothes

• Using containers

• Using corner shelving

• Choosing the right hangers

• Stacking your belongings

When it comes to decluttering your clothes, don’t be afraid to get rid of or donate something you haven’t worn in over a year, or something you know you won’t wear again.

If you’re having a hard time deciding what to do with your wardrobe, create piles of things you want to keep, donate, or sell. It’s a quick and effective way to determine what you really want and need, and what’s just taking up extra space.

To make your belongings more accessible, make sure your seasonal attire is right in front of you when it’s appropriate.

If you want a functional wardrobe that works for all seasons that you can utilize for more than one season, consider adding more layering pieces like light jackets, lightweight long-sleeve shirts, and outerwear.

Choosing high-quality pieces is also a great way to add value.

To store your wardrobe each season, put clothes on hangers and place the off-season items under your bed in large bins. It’s a comfortable, cost-effective, and safe way to make your wardrobe work for you year-round.

Even if you’re out of storage space on the floor, consider going vertical. Maximizing space is about utilizing every possible inch.

• So, install floating shelves in your closets, in the kitchen, or even in the living room to display decor.

• Use over-the-door racks for things like shoes and other small belongings.

• You can even put a vertical garden in your home to introduce houseplants without taking up too much space.

Create a Bigger Feel

Even when you think you’ve maxed out your storage spaces and you can’t seem to find any more, you can still make your home look and feel bigger with a few strategic choices.

Start with color.

Light and color can play major roles in the overall environment of a home, and can even give rooms a larger, less congested feel.

Consider using natural light as much as possible to make a room feel more open, and think about how color psychology plays a role in how your home feels.

Not only can color choices in a home help delineate areas for organization and create the perception of more space and light, but they can make you feel a certain way whenever you step into a room.

• For example, blue is often associated with peace and tranquility, while violet tends to make people feel calmer.

If you don’t have a lot of space, these hues can bring a sense of comfort to your home.

• Dark shades are also great for making a room feel bigger, especially when contrasted with light-colored furniture.

• Colors like red, orange, and yellow, can provide a boost of energy, passion, and happiness.

• Yellow is a great color for a small kitchen, as it can make the area seem sunnier and more open.

No matter the size of your home, you don’t have to feel cramped and congested because of too much stuff and not enough storage space.

Be willing to get creative and focus on functionality. In doing so, you might be surprised by just how much additional space you can come up with.

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I write about small space design and decorating, sustainable furniture options, positive self care and a variety of do-it-yourself home décor.

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The opinions and views expressed in any guest blog post do not necessarily reflect those of Michael Helwig Interiors or its Principal, Michael Helwig. Michael Helwig Interiors, and Michael Helwig, do not have any affiliations with any products or services mentioned in the article or linked to therein. Guest Authors may have affiliations to products mentioned or linked to in their articles or bios.

Indiana Lee is a passionate writer and avid puzzle enthusiast hailing from the serene landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. With a deep appreciation for aesthetics and a strong preference for designs that seamlessly blend comfort and functionality, she brings a unique perspective to the world of interior decor. Connect with her on LinkedIn.