Adventure2day

Creative Storage Ideas to Solve Small-Space Problems: Use Your Windows

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Use Your Windows

Kitchen with shelves over windows — JOHN GRANEN

Natural light helps brighten dark corners and make tight rooms feel bigger. But windows can also gobble up walls that could otherwise serve as potential storage spots. To maximize both light and storage capacity, consider hanging shelves or racks across windows to keep pots, pans, and everyday dishes accessible.

Creative Storage Ideas to Solve Small-Space Problems: Hide Electronics

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Hide Electronics

Drawer in furniture with pillows — GREG SCHEIDEMANN

For small rooms, countertop and work-surface space come at a premium, so you need to be strategic about what you store out in the open versus tucked away somewhere. When stored out on the desktop or counter, large tech pieces, like printers and scanners, can take up a lot of real estate that could be better used for items you use more frequently. Put these electronics away inside right-sized drawers to keep them out of the way until you actually need them.

Creative Storage Ideas to Solve Small-Space Problems: Don't Discard Potential Storage

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Don't Discard Potential Storage

White drawer in bathroom — MICHAEL PARTENIO

To maximize small-space storage, choose furniture pieces that provide hidden storage in unexpected ways. Here, a bathroom stool isn't just a spot to sit. It also features a bottom drawer that pulls out to reveal extra towels, washcloths, and bath products.

Creative Storage Ideas to Solve Small-Space Problems: Smarter Jewelry Storage

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Smarter Jewelry Storage

Magnetic board and board storing jewelry on wall — ADAM ALBRIGHT

Small items, like jewelry and makeup, can be difficult to store even in larger spaces. Because these items typically include a range of pieces in various sizes, an organizer with uniformly sized compartments may not be the best solution. To save valuable drawer and shelf space, look to walls for extra storage areas. Outfit an empty frame with a piece of cork or a metal sheet with decorative holes, and use pins or hooks to hang necklaces and bracelets. For makeup, attach magnets to the back of each product and store them vertically on a framed magnetic board.

Creative Storage Ideas to Solve Small-Space Problems: Open Up Storage

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Open Up Storage

White shelves against black brick — PHILIP HARVEY

Cabinet doors take up square feet that may not be available in small spaces. Instead, opt for narrow open shelves to gain extra surfaces to store frequently used items, like plates and glasses. To keep the shelves looking tidy, be strategic about what you store there and leave plenty of open space between stacks of items.

Creative Storage Ideas to Solve Small-Space Problems: Pare Down

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Pare Down

Living in a small space can encourage you to get back to basics and edit your stuff down to the essentials. With fewer items to store, you can avoid overcrowding and use limited space much more effectively. Declutter your home by storing only what is necessary for your family—a set or two of towels, for example—and replacing items as they get worn or damaged. For the items you decide to keep, maintain easy access by subdividing open spaces for better organization.

Creative Storage Ideas to Solve Small-Space Problems: Use Vertical Spaces

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Use Vertical Spaces

Closet door with hanging storage racks — MARSHALL JOHNSON

Utilizing vertical space, like behind-the-door storage, is a smart solution for tight quarters. Those precious square feet can be put to good use, especially for storing small items that would otherwise clutter up rooms. A variety of slim wire baskets—better to keep contents in view—lines the back of this door to corral gift-wrapping essentials.