Small Space? Big Storage! How to maximize storage space in apartments, tiny homes, and small spaces

A couple years ago, my Mom downsized from a three-bedroom home into a 700SF one-bedroom condo in a retirement community.  She had 40 years of memories, furniture, and belongings she had to find a spot for!  This was a real-life opportunity to practice what we preach about creative storage solutions and I quickly went to work designing her closet, pantry, and “bonus room” to accommodate as much of what she loved as she could bring along.  Her new home is now a jewel box version of the home she made over the course of my lifetime – a scaled down model that has everything she needs, just where she needs it. 

We learned quickly that living in a small apartment or tiny home can be a challenge, especially when it comes to finding enough storage for all your belongings. But with some creativity and smart planning, you can optimize your space and keep your living area clutter-free. In this blog post, we’ll explore practical storage solutions for small apartments and tiny homes, with a focus on maximizing closet space, organizing your pantry, and making the most of multi-use rooms.

Maximize Closet Space: Smart Organization for Limited Areas

Closet space is often at a premium in small apartments and tiny homes, so it’s essential to use every inch wisely. The standard builder-grade one rod/one shelf won’t cut it.  Neither will the wire rack system like my Mom’s place had.  As with everything, start by decluttering—remove items you no longer need, and consider seasonal rotation to store off-season clothes elsewhere. Once you’ve pared down your wardrobe, invest in space-saving storage from floor to ceiling, to capture every inch of real estate.  Closet organizers like pull-out shelves, stackable bins, and slim hangers help create more room, as do pull-out belt and scarf racks, and wardrobe pulls for the hard to reach heights. 

Optimize Pantry Storage: Keep Your Kitchen Neat and Accessible

Even if you don’t have a dedicated pantry, you can still create an organized and functional storage space for your kitchen essentials. Mom’s place has two sets of upper cabinets, a large base cabinet and a tall cabinet built into the wall.  This is a woman who owned multiple sets of dishes for every season and occasion and entertained like Martha Stewart.  Using pullout shelves and racks to help keep things organized and accessible, we were able to take advantage of the full depth of her built-in cabinets. 

We also used stackable storage bins and baskets to keep smaller items corralled and less cluttered. Lazy Susans are perfect, allowing you to store more items in a compact space. If your kitchen has open shelving, use matching containers and labels to create a cohesive and visually appealing pantry area.

Multi-Use Rooms: Double the Functionality, Double the Storage

In small apartments and tiny homes, rooms often need to serve multiple purposes. For example, your living room might double as a guest room, or your home office might also be your dining area. To make the most of multi-use rooms, invest in furniture that offers hidden storage.

Our wall beds are perfect for living rooms or home offices that double as guest spaces, providing a comfortable sleeping area with storage above and to the sides. Coffee tables or ottomans with built-in storage can be used to stash blankets, books, or other items you want to keep out of sight. In a home office that doubles as a dining room, consider a fold-away desk or a dining table with drawers to keep office supplies organized.

Creative Storage Solutions: Think Outside the Box

When space is limited, creativity is key. Look for underutilized areas in your home, such as the space under your bed, above cabinets, or behind doors. Under-bed storage boxes are perfect for stashing seasonal clothes, shoes, or extra linens. Pull-out racks and wall storage systems like slatwall can be used for everything from shoes to cleaning supplies, keeping these items accessible but out of the way.

If your apartment has high ceilings, consider installing shelves above doorways or windows to store items you don’t use every day. You can also use wall-mounted hooks or slatwall to keep items like bags, hats, or kitchen utensils organized and within reach.

Living in a small apartment or tiny home doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice storage or live in a cluttered space. By maximizing your closet space, optimizing your pantry, and making the most of multi-use rooms, you can create a functional and organized living area. With these clever storage solutions, you’ll be able to enjoy a tidy, efficient, and stylish home, no matter how small it may be. Just ask my Mom!