9 Ways to Transform Small Spaces at Home Into Storage

When floor space is running low, look up! Vertical storage is one of the easiest ways to create extra storage space at home without sacrificing valuable square footage. As long as you have a few basic tools on hand (like a screwdriver or drill), you can quickly transform any blank wall in your home into a storage zone. Plus, installing floating shelves, wall-mounted lighting and other vertical solutions can draw the eye upward, giving your space a taller and more open feel. 

To get started, consider installing a row of floating shelves above your sofa or desk to hold books, board games, plants and photos — just make sure you don’t exceed the weight limit of your shelves. Tall, slender shelving units or ladder racks are perfect for any room (including your bathroom) to maximize storage without crowding your space. If you’re looking to optimize your kitchen, you can free up counter space by using hooks to hang pots and utensils or installing a narrow shelf above your countertop for spices and mugs.

Whether you’re dealing with an awkward slant or an enclosed nook, the empty space under your stairs is the perfect discreet storage area. With a little DIY savvy and elbow grease, you can turn it from a dead zone into a functional mini closet with pull-out drawers or even custom cabinetry designed to fit the sloped space — perfect for stashing shoes, cleaning supplies or seasonal items. If the area is large enough, you can even add a cozy reading nook with built-in shelving to store your home library. On the flip side, if you’re looking for a more open concept, consider shelves with baskets or bins that can neatly hold everything from books and kids’ toys to passion project supplies.

Do you have an alcove in your hallway or living room that you don’t know how to use? Instead of letting it go to waste, you can actually transform it into a practical storage area with the right design choices. Alcoves are a great place to install sunken shelves for a library or a display area for art and family photos. In the bedroom, a small alcove can be the perfect spot for a dresser or vanity, complete with drawers for extra storage for blankets and linens. If the space allows, you can even find a storage bench that fits into the space or commission a custom bench that’s perfect for stashing blankets, shoes and more.

Closets are often stuffed with clothes and accessories that end up in a cluttered mess. But with a few smart upgrades and a little rearranging, you can unlock a surprising amount of storage while keeping everything within reach. The key is to think vertically and add layers of organization. Start by installing tiered shelving, allowing you to store items like shoes or folded clothes on multiple levels.  Hanging organizers or over-the-door racks to keep things like accessories, bags and hats neat and easily accessible. You can even add a second clothing rod beneath the first to double your hanging space for shirts, skirts and pants.

In small homes, multi-functional furniture with built-in storage is like having your cake and eating it too. In addition to reducing clutter and keeping your living area open and tidy, double-duty pieces allow you to make the most out of small spaces like city apartments and tiny homes. For example, an ottoman that opens up to store blankets, pillows, remotes and magazines can help keep your living room neat while still providing a cozy spot to rest your feet. In the bedroom, a bed frame with built-in drawers is perfect for storing off-season clothing, extra linens, books and other items.

The laundry room may not be the first place you think of for extra storage, but it’s actually a handy space for more than just detergent. Even in the tightest laundry closets, you can add functionality without crowding if you think vertically. For example, you can invest in a stacking washer-dryer combo that allows you to add a freestanding cabinet beside it. Or, if you have a side-by-side washer and dryer, install wall-mounted shelves above them for easy access to cleaning supplies and laundry essentials. Consider freeing up floor space by adding hooks or a pegboard on the walls to hang brooms, mops and ironing boards. You can also add pull-out baskets for sorting laundry or storing household items like light bulbs and batteries.

Even the most quirky, irregular spaces in your home — the gap behind a door, a tiny corner or a narrow strip next to a large piece of furniture — can be put to great use. You can install floating triangular corner shelves or even a corner etagere to display decorative items, plants or even books without blocking footpaths. Behind doors, consider installing slim shelving or racks to hold small items like shoes, cleaning supplies and towels. For narrow spaces next to cabinets or furniture, a slim rolling cart or console table can provide storage for everything from kitchen supplies to toiletries.

When it comes to small spaces, flexibility is key, and custom shelving offers just that. While standard shelving or furniture may not always fit into the alcoves, corners or oddly shaped spaces we’ve discussed, custom shelves can be built to perfectly accommodate these tricky areas. By designing shelving that suits your specific needs and space, you can maximize storage while maintaining a clean, organized look.

To get started, start by measuring your space carefully and deciding what kind of items you’ll be storing. For a bedroom or living room, you might want open shelves for books, decor or baskets. In a kitchen or laundry room, enclosed cabinets or adjustable shelves might better suit your storage needs. The beauty of custom shelving is its ability to adapt over time — consider adjustable or modular shelves that can move up or down as your needs change. You can also integrate lighting into your shelving to make dark corners brighter and more inviting.

Even after you’ve transformed every nook and cranny of your home into storage areas, you might still find that you have more stuff than space. That’s where self storage comes in. Whether you need to store seasonal decor, sentimental belongings or items you don’t use every day, self storage is a convenient way to give your home the extra breathing room it needs. You can think of it as an extension of your home’s storage capacity — it allows you to keep things you don’t need on hand, like holiday decorations, old furniture or even camping gear without cluttering up your living space. Plus, self storage gives you the flexibility to rotate items in and out of your home. When things are feeling a bit too crowded or you’re looking to change up your home’s interior, you can reevaluate what’s in your storage unit and bring back items you may want to keep more accessible.

Ready for more home and storage tips from our experts? Explore the SmartStop blog.