How To Make The Most Of Small Spaces
We all have those tiny spaces lurking in our homes. The spaces that are super awkward. The spaces that are freaky-small. The spaces that are questionable.
Every house has one (or a few). But what do you do with those spaces? How do you keep them organized? How do you use them to benefit your family?
The honest answer… trial and error! I know, not what you were expecting. But, that is the only way to figure out the best use of those small spaces for you and your needs.
But how can you test out organizational systems for those small spaces to see if they even work for you? That is where I can help! I have some easy suggestions for you test and see if they work in your small spaces around your home!
Give Space Purpose
This is the major obstacle I see when it comes to small spaces. You need to give the space a purpose.
I always say that every item in your home needs a “home”. So when it comes to small spaces, ask yourself “what is going to be housed in that small space?”
This can help you identify how you are going to be using your small space.
Some ideas can include:
- Shoe Closet
- Linens
- Holiday Bins
- Art Supplies
- Gift Wrapping
- Seasonal Clothing
- Small Kitchen Appliances
- Toy Storage
- Seasonal Sports Closet
- Accessories Closet
- Cleaning Supplies
Think Vertical
Whenever I go into a home and help create organizational systems, I find that most of the awkward spaces are tall and narrow. If this is similar to your space, then start thinking vertical!
Don’t look at the space for just as a tall closet. Think of all the space you have all the way to the top! When you change your mindset, you will start being able to think of creative ways to store items in that tall, narrow closet.
Take measurements to find bins that can fit in that space. Then, find bins that will actually work in that space.
Create Shelving
Another obstacle I see frequently is that these small spaces don’t have any shelving to help support the creation of an organizational system. There are a few ways to create shelving, all of which I believe can be effective if you pick one that works for your small space.
First, there is just going to a hardware store that sells and cuts wood. Buy some pieces of wood and have the store cut them to the dimensions of your small space. Then, secure two pieces of wood to create a base to hold the wood that is acting as a shelf.
Another way is to buy a pre-make shelving system. They sell them at hardware stores. You have to install the adjustable bars to the back of your space. Then, add the shelves using the hardware that comes with the pre-made system.
Finally, you can get a custom shelving system, similar to those at The Container Store. The specialists will come out and measure. They will work with you to create a system that would meet your needs. And they will install the system for you.
My biggest piece of advice is to figure out what you want to use the space for before you buy a shelving system. It will help you determine how you will use the space, so you can be sure you are buying the right supplies for your project.
Use The Door
Another way to make the most of small spaces is to use the door. You can buy a door organizer to attach to the door. Or you can add 3M hooks to hold your art supplies, or grab a dowel and have the hooks hold garbage bags.
You can create a gift wrapping station on the door of an art closet! Or you could add some paper and have an easel the kids can draw on, along with their games and toys.
Just make sure you don’t forget about door space!
Unusual Storage Solutions
Finally, there is always the unusual storage solutions for those small spaces. You can turn a small closet into an office space or reading nook.
Turn a hall closet into extra storage for small kitchen appliances. Hang a door organizing system over the door in a small bathroom to create more space. Use corners by creating corner shelving to hold kids’ toys. Install built-in drawers in a small bathroom to create more storage. Use crates mounted to the wall in the garage to hold up balls and sporting equipment.
Think outside the box when it comes to storing things in small spaces. You never know, you could just find the perfect solution for your storing needs!
When it comes to making the most of small spaces, remember that you need to give the space purpose first! Then, start thinking vertical, install shelves, use the door, and come up with some unusual storage solutions to make all your small spaces work for you!
Still need help organizing your small spaces? I can help with virtual organizing sessions!!
Schedule your session today!
