15 Clever Storage Hacks to Instantly Make Your Home Look Bigger

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Here’s a fun fact, the trick to making any home feel more spacious isn’t knocking down walls—it’s clever storage. When every little thing has its own spot, you’re left with a space that feels open and tidy rather than cluttered and cramped. Whether you’re in a cozy studio apartment or a home that could just use a little more breathing room, these storage hacks will help you make the most of every inch.

Creating that extra room comes down to some simple tweaks and clever thinking. You don’t need to invest in a renovation to make things work; just try a few of these tricks and see how quickly your home transforms into a place that’s both spacious and functional.

Multi-Purpose Furniture

Go for furniture that serves two purposes. Ottomans with storage inside, beds with drawers underneath or coffee tables with shelves are just a few examples of adding storage that keeps things out of sight and within reach. Pieces that are multi purpose allow you to cut down on clutter without sacrificing style.

Hooks Everywhere

It’s easy to forget how powerful a well-placed hook can be. Hooks can act as a bag hanger, coat rack, hat rack, key hanger, and more, getting things off the floor and freeing up space in closets and on surfaces. Hooks are great for turning the smallest of spaces into useful storage like from the back of doors to unused wall sections.

Clear Containers

Take transparency as your best friend. When you use clear containers for pantry items, toys, or cleaning supplies, you can see exactly what’s inside from a glance, without having to pull everything out to find that one item. This simple swap makes storage neat and saves time looking for things.

Maximize Closet Space

Shelf dividers, hanging racks or bins are closet organizers that will make your closet feel twice its size. Clothes can be separated by season, or racks can be added for shoes, or bags and accessories can be hung. This keeps everything neat, and it makes picking outfits easier without the morning struggle.

Use Vertical Space

Photo credit: Kristine Franklin/The Painted Hive

Think upward! If you don’t have a lot of floor space, use your walls to store. Everything from books to kitchenware can be stored on tall bookcases, wall mounted shelving and peg boards without gobbling up valuable square footage. Plus, they lift the eye, making the ceilings seem taller and the room larger. Make the most out of every available space with these designs.

Clear the Counters

Black and White Kitchen Counter — Photo credit: Petronel Șolcă/Pexels

The best approach is to have countertops as simplistic and uncluttered as can be in order to make your kitchen and bathroom space feel larger. Some of the small appliances should be kept in cabinets or pantries once they are not in use. In essence, when countertops are clean, the room gets a new look and feels instantly bigger, fresher and neater.

Wall-Mounted Desks

If you find yourself needing a desk space but lack the space for a full one, try a wall mounted version. These can fold down whenever needed and retract back to the point they are not needed any longer in order to create space. Ideal for a home office where one is not confined to the desk the whole day!

Overhead Bathroom Storage

Toilets can quickly feel cramped, so why not use that space above the toilet for a shelf or cabinet. An excellent place to stash towels, extra toiletries or little decor items. Vertical storage helps you keep essentials within reach without filling up the space.

Floating Shelves

Shelves on Green Wall in Room — Photo credit: Avery Arwood/Pexels

Storage space without taking up floor space is provided by floating shelves. Put them above your desk, your bed, or in hallways to store books, decor, or even small plants. They provide an airy touch to a room without feeling bulky, and give you storage.

Under-Bed Storage

That space under your bed is prime real estate for storage. Store off-season clothes, extra linens, or even shoes in bins or bags that fit under the bed frame. This often-forgotten area is perfect for items you don’t use daily, helping to keep your closet less cluttered.

Door Organizers

Back-of-the-door organizers aren’t just for shoes. Use these to store cleaning supplies, toiletries, scarves, or pantry items. They add unexpected storage space without taking up any room in the closet or on the shelves, making doors pull double duty.

Lazy Susans for Cabinets

In deep cabinets where things tend to disappear in the back, a Lazy Susan can be a lifesaver. These rotating trays are perfect for holding spices, sauces, or cleaning supplies, making it easy to access everything with just a spin. Say goodbye to digging in the back of the cupboard!

Baskets for Every Room

Wicker basket Near a Window Pane — Photo credit: Ksenia Chernaya/Pexels

Baskets can corral anything from blankets to kids’ toys, making it easy to pick up and store items in a flash. Plus, baskets add a bit of style while keeping things in order, so they’re perfect for open shelves, closets, or even tucked under tables.

Hang Pots and Pans

Clean Burnt Pans — Photo credit: Ernest_Roy/Pixabay

If you have little storage space in your kitchen then try hanging your pots as well as your pans. It not only saves space in the cabinet but also provides the kitchen with a warm, comfortable look, if mounted on the wall with a rack or hung above an island. It is simply a storage unit that serves a dual role as an accessory.

Drawer Dividers

Junk drawers are a real thing, but they don’t have to be a disaster. Divide drawers with dividers, and use them to designate spots for utensils, office supplies and more. Things don’t get tangled up in drawer organizers, and you’ll know exactly where to find each item.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.