Small Home, Big Life: How to Fit Your Needs Into 1000sf or Less
Apartment dwellers and homeowners alike have the same problem: STORAGE. No matter where you live, how you live or who you live with, chances are, you clicked on this article because you are trying to figure out how to store all your stuff.
Perhaps the "starter home" you bought with your partner is now bursting at the seams after a couple of pets and kids joined the scene, but moving homes is not an option. Maybe you rented that sleek studio apartment in the city because you had goals of being a Minimalist with a capital M, but quickly realized that you are not and never will be a Minimalist. Or maybe you're like me and bought a modest home with big plans to turn the attic into an extra room... but life has gotten in the way, and all of your hobbies take up a large footprint in the meantime. Whatever your problem, I've got you. Below I have outlined 4 ways to make better use of your space so that you can start living a less cluttered life, so you can spend less time searching for your keys and more time living.
Enlist The Walls!
Sure, you might only have 700 square feet of floor space, but your walls are BEGGING you to use them. Your vertical space is invaluable. The list of wall storage options goes on and on. Wall-hung entry, floating shelves, wall-hung spice rack, wall-hung shoe storage, wall-hung dish drainer, wall-hung bike rack. You can get creative and see how to use that vertical space to your advantage.
This simple shelf and hook combo helps my clients get things off the floor.
2. Utilize the Space Under Your Stairs!
One effective way to add hidden storage to a small home is by utilizing the often-overlooked space under the stairs. This area can be transformed into a functional storage solution that keeps your home organized while remaining discreet.
Or, you could add in a sneaky little office nook like this one from Studio Kate.
3. Find the awkward nooks and turn them into storage.
Every house has that corner or empty spot that makes you tilt your head to the side and say, "Why'd they build it like this?" MAKE USE OF THOSE SPACES! Add extra shelving, hooks, or a basket to the old and contain whatever you need contained.
This corner open shelving solution is just lovely. From “The Hacienda” by The Joshua Tree House.
4. Utilize Under Bed Storage
You've been doing this since you were a kid. But there are some grown-up ways to make this space function better! Under-bed storage is an excellent way to maximize space, especially in smaller rooms.
- Storage Bins: Clear plastic bins allow you to see what's inside without having to dig through them.
- Rolling Drawers: These are easy to pull out and can be used for clothing, shoes, or other items.
- Vacuum-Sealed Bags: Ideal for bedding or seasonal clothing, these bags reduce the volume of items significantly.
5. Get Creative with Baskets, Trunks and Boxes
Think outside the box — use decorative trunks or baskets that can also serve as a design element in your room. This way, you can blend functionality with aesthetics.
They can store pillows, blankets, books, kids’ toys, or even shoes.
Conclusion
Using a combination of vertical storage solutions, creative use of awkward nooks, the space under your stairs your under-bed space for storage, and thoughtfully placed containment systems, you can significantly enhance your home's organization and functionality. By selecting the right storage solutions, organizing items efficiently, and maintaining cleanliness, you can turn these neglected areas into valuable assets for storage in your home.
If you need help creating custom storage in your home or would like a designer’s eye, reach out below to get started!
