6 Ways to Get Creative with Small Space Organization

We often get asked about creative solutions for getting and staying organized in a small space. You’re working with limited storage and have way more than you think can fit into a reach-in closet. There are so many ways to create functional and nice looking storage no matter the size of your home! Our LIJ Partners from across the world are weighing in with their best tips to maximize your small space with creative solutions! Get inspired with their insights below!

• There are always small space challenges living in New York City. The key is to really see your home through the lens of opportunity. What vertical space can we utilize? I love over the door solutions, stackable modular bins, and creating definitive and purposeful zones for living, eating, working, sleeping, etc., so your space is serving you to its greatest potential.  

  Our walls can always perform double duty, we just have to help them out a bit! To alleviate small closet space, try mounting shelves or hooks to any free walls. Instead of coats piling up on a living room chair every time guests are over, hang a few fun hooks (that are functional and become conversational pieces) by the front door. Shelving can also hold more than just meaningful decor: uniformed lidded bins can conceal necessary items we don't always want to see (like office supplies or stationery), while keeping items dust free.

  - Laura Kinsella, Urban Organyze (New York City, NY)

Photo by Urban Organyze

• Stay on top of decluttering! Purge before moving in and make sure to keep the clutter at bay. It could be as simple as setting aside 30 minutes every 2-3 weeks to take stock of the clutter in the home.

  - Katherine Oldham, Katherine Oldham (Orange County, CA)

Photo by Katherine Oldham

• The key is recognizing what not to do in small spaces. We're taught to believe we can have it all, but in small spaces, it's important for me to coach my clients into the understanding that they simply can't live a bulk lifestyle and keep a peaceful home. So, instead of buying the bulk toilet paper at Costco, opt for an Amazon subscription of a smaller amount of toilet paper. You will save money with subscriptions, and you'll still have the convenience of not having to constantly buy toilet paper. AND you won't have to sacrifice precious space for 50 rolls.

  - Margaret Godowns, Sunday Plans (Charleston, SC)

Photo by Sunday Plans

• My first tip is to be intentional. Unfortunately, small spaces don’t really lend themselves to excess, so whatever you own should have a purpose. My next tip is to get creative. Take advantage of the space under your bed: This is a great place to store off season clothing, suitcases, or any items you know you won’t need to access regularly.

  - Meghan Duplisea, You, Organized. (Boston, MA)

Photo by You, Organized.

• An unconventional area that usually has extra wall space? The bathrooms. These walls provide a great opportunity to add additional shelving or towel racks. Hanging towels saves a lot of space in a linen closet or under the bathroom counters. You can also make it stylish with towels that match the bathroom décor!

  Another great spot for some additional storage is inside cabinet doors. Try adding some small hooks inside your kitchen cabinets to hang measuring spoons, utensils, etc. Having these on the inside of doors keeps them concealed and clutter free!

  - Sarah Schaefer, Sort and Sweet Organizing (Lakewood, CO)

Photo by Sort and Sweet Organizing

• Utilize vertical wall space. I always look at a wall as storage potential rather than just dead space. Add hooks for hanging or shelves to create drawers where they otherwise did not exist. Whether it's with a plastic bin or woven basket—if you can pull it off of a shelf like a drawer, you’ve maximized your wall’s potential and created a brand new storage zone.

 - Krista Cancelleri, Prim Organizing (Orange County, CA)

Photo by Prim Organizing

The most important thing to keep in mind as you strive to organize your space is that it needs to work for you. If something sounds great on paper but just doesn’t suit your lifestyle in a certain spot, don’t force it! Getting creative means you might find inspiration and run with it, tailoring it to uniquely work for your lifestyle. Need more help? DM us on Instagram for even more in depth small space tips!

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