Storage Ideas For Small Spaces (With DIY Storage Projects)
With the rising rates of small living spaces in Vancouver, maximizing your space is crucial. Living in a small space doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style or functionality. With some creative thinking and smart storage solutions, you can make the most of every inch.
From bedrooms to bathrooms and even outdoor spaces, here are innovative storage ideas to keep your home organized and clutter-free.
Small Bedroom Storage Ideas
In a small bedroom, every bit of space counts. Here are some smart ways to maximize storage:
Under-Bed Storage: Utilize the space under your bed with storage bins or drawers. This area can accommodate clothes, shoes, or seasonal items. Opt for beds with built-in storage compartments for a seamless solution.
DIY Project: Create your own under-bed storage bins by repurposing old wooden crates. Paint or stain the crates to match your bedroom decor, add wheels for easy access, and use them to store shoes or seasonal clothing.
Vertical Storage: Make use of wall space by installing shelves or wall-mounted cabinets. This can store books, decorative items, or even everyday essentials.
DIY Project: Build simple floating shelves using wood planks and brackets. Stain or paint them to match your room’s aesthetic, then install them high on the walls to keep your essentials within reach.
Multi-Functional Furniture: Choose furniture that doubles as storage, such as ottomans with hidden compartments or bed frames with drawers. This helps keep your room tidy without sacrificing style.
DIY Project: Convert a basic bench or old coffee table into a storage ottoman. Add hinges to the top and use it to store bedding or extra pillows. You can upholster it with fabric to match your decor.
Over-the-Door Organizers: Hang organizers on the back of doors to store accessories, shoes, or even cleaning supplies. This approach keeps items accessible but out of the way.
DIY Project: Create an over-the-door organizer using a wooden board, fabric pockets, and adhesive hooks. Attach the fabric pockets to the board, then hang the board on the back of your door for a custom storage solution.
Closet Organizers: Invest in closet organizers, such as hanging shelves or cubbies, to maximize vertical space and keep your clothes and accessories neatly arranged.
DIY Project: Make your own closet organizers using cardboard boxes covered in fabric. Stack and arrange the boxes on closet shelves to create custom compartments for your clothes and accessories.
Toy Storage for Small Spaces
Keeping toys organized in a small space can be challenging, but there are effective solutions:
Stackable Bins: Use stackable bins or baskets to categorize and store toys. Label each container to make finding specific items easier.
DIY Project: Decorate old shoeboxes or cardboard boxes with colorful wrapping paper or fabric to create custom toy bins. Label each box for easy identification and stack them for an organized play area.
Wall-Mounted Shelves: Install shelves high on the walls to keep toys off the floor. This creates a display area for toys while freeing up precious floor space.
DIY Project: Build wall-mounted shelves from reclaimed wood or old pallet boards. Mount them high on the walls to display and store toys, and paint or decorate the shelves to match the room.
Toy Chest: A toy chest can serve as both storage and a piece of furniture. Choose one that fits the room’s decor and is easy for children to access.
DIY Project: Create a DIY toy chest using a wooden crate or old trunk. Sand and paint it to match the room, and add a padded cushion to the top for extra seating.
Under-Bed Storage: Store toys in bins or drawers under the bed. This is an ideal solution for toys that are not used every day.
DIY Project: Build rolling under-bed storage drawers using plywood and wheels. Paint or decorate them to match the room and use them to store toys out of sight but within easy reach.
Over-the-Door Racks: Utilize over-the-door racks or organizers for smaller toys. This keeps them visible and easy to access.
DIY Project: Make an over-the-door toy rack using a wooden frame and mesh fabric. Attach the mesh to the frame to create pockets, and hang it on the door to store smaller toys and art supplies.
Small Bathroom Storage Ideas
Maximizing storage in a small bathroom can make a huge difference:
Under-Sink Shelves: Install triangular shelves around the pipes under the sink to hold cleaning supplies, toiletries, or towels.
DIY Project: Build a custom under-sink shelf using wooden planks and L-brackets. Cut the planks to fit around the pipes and secure them with the brackets to create extra storage space.
Mirror Cabinets: Choose a mirror cabinet instead of a traditional mirror to add closed storage space right above your sink.
DIY Project: Convert a standard mirror into a mirror cabinet by attaching a small shelf or storage box to the back. Install it above your sink to store toiletries and keep your bathroom clutter-free.
Trolleys: Use slim trolleys that can fit into narrow spaces for additional storage. These are perfect for toiletries and cleaning products.
DIY Project: Repurpose a rolling cart or old serving tray into a bathroom trolley. Paint or decorate it to match your bathroom, and use it to organize and store your bathroom essentials.
Over-Door Hooks: Add hooks or organizers on the back of the bathroom door to store towels, bathrobes, or small baskets.
DIY Project: Create your own over-door hook organizer using a wooden board, hooks, and adhesive strips. Attach the hooks to the board and hang it on the back of the door for a custom storage solution.
Wall-Mounted Hooks and Shelves: Use self-adhesive hooks or small wall-mounted shelves to keep frequently used items accessible while saving floor space.
DIY Project: Build wall-mounted shelves using small wooden crates or baskets. Mount them on the wall and use them to store and organize bathroom essentials.
Small Kitchen Storage Ideas
In a compact kitchen, smart storage can make cooking and meal prep more efficient:
Cabinet Organizers: Use pull-out shelves or lazy Susans in cabinets to access items more easily. This maximizes the use of cabinet space.
DIY Project: Create your own pull-out shelves using plywood and drawer slides. Install them in your cabinets to make accessing items easier and more convenient.
Vertical Storage: Install wall-mounted shelves or hanging racks for pots, pans, and utensils. This keeps countertops clear and makes it easy to find what you need.
DIY Project: Build a simple wall-mounted rack using metal pipe and wooden planks. Hang it above your counter to store pots, pans, and utensils while keeping your countertops clear.
Under-Cabinet Storage: Utilize the space underneath cabinets for hanging mugs, utensils, or small baskets.
DIY Project: Install a small tension rod under your cabinets to hang mugs or utensils. Decorate it with paint or fabric to match your kitchen decor.
Magnetic Spice Racks: Attach magnetic spice racks to the side of your refrigerator or a wall to save drawer space.
DIY Project: Create your own magnetic spice racks using metal tins and adhesive magnets. Attach the tins to a metal board or the side of your fridge to keep your spices organized and easily accessible.
Drawer Organizers: Keep utensils, cutlery, and kitchen tools neatly arranged with drawer dividers and organizers.
DIY Project: Make your own drawer organizers using cardboard or wood. Cut and assemble the dividers to fit your drawers and keep your kitchen tools neatly sorted.
Small Outdoor Space Storage Ideas
Even small outdoor areas can benefit from smart storage solutions:
Outdoor Storage Benches: Choose benches with built-in storage to keep gardening tools, cushions, or toys organized and protected from the elements.
DIY Project: Build an outdoor storage bench using weather-resistant wood and hinges. Add a cushioned top for seating and storage underneath for gardening tools or cushions.
Vertical Planters: Use wall-mounted or vertical planters to maximize space for plants and herbs while keeping the ground area clear.
DIY Project: Create a vertical planter using wooden pallets or old crates. Mount them on the wall or fence, and fill them with soil and plants to add greenery without taking up ground space.
Shed or Cabinet: Invest in a small outdoor shed or cabinet for storing tools, equipment, and outdoor supplies.
DIY Project: Build a compact outdoor storage cabinet using plywood and weather-resistant paint. Add shelves and doors to keep your outdoor tools and supplies organized and protected.
Hanging Baskets: Utilize hanging baskets or wall-mounted racks to store gardening supplies or outdoor accessories.
DIY Project: Create hanging baskets using old colanders or wire baskets. Paint them to match your outdoor decor and hang them from hooks or a pergola to store garden tools or outdoor accessories.
Compact Storage Units: Choose compact, weather-resistant storage units that can fit in tight spaces and keep outdoor items tidy.
DIY Project: Make your own compact storage unit using recycled pallets or wooden crates. Stack and secure them together, then paint or decorate them to fit your outdoor space.
Bike Storage Ideas
Storing bikes in a small space requires some creativity:
Wall-Mounted Racks: Use wall-mounted bike racks to keep bikes off the floor and save space. Some racks allow you to store bikes vertically, making them even more compact.
DIY Project: Build a wall-mounted bike rack