When your home starts running out of storage space, it’s easy to think you need another cabinet or a bigger closet. Before spending money on new furniture, take a look around because there may be useful space hiding above doorways, beneath stairs, or beside appliances.
These seven ideas can help you find room for everyday belongings without making your home feel crowded.
Put High, Hard-to-Reach Spaces to Work
A shelf above a bathroom or closet doorway can hold spare towels, extra toilet paper, and other lightweight items you don’t need every day. Labeled bins on upper closet shelves can store seasonal belongings, while frequently used items stay within easy reach.
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Organize the Space Beneath the Stairs
The area under a staircase can hold shelves, hooks, or labeled bins for shoes, luggage, and seasonal decorations. Give each item a place instead of letting things pile up, and keep electrical panels and other utility areas easy to reach.
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Use the Space Above Your Kitchen Cabinets
The area above kitchen cabinets can hold lightweight items you only bring out occasionally, such as serving platters or party supplies. If you store anything up there, choose covered baskets to keep off dust and cooking grease, and avoid placing heavy or fragile items where they could fall.
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Make the Most of the Backs of Doors
An organizer on the back of a pantry or closet door can hold snacks, accessories, pet supplies, and other small items that tend to get lost on shelves. Inside bathroom vanity doors, compact baskets or hooks can hold cleaning supplies and hair tools, provided they don’t stop the doors from closing.
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Slide a Narrow Rack Beside an Appliance
That slim gap between your refrigerator and the wall may be wide enough for a rolling rack that holds jars, wraps, or other kitchen supplies. Measure the opening before buying one, and leave enough room for the refrigerator’s required ventilation and clearance.
Take Garage Storage Off the Floor
Wall hooks, sturdy shelves, and slatwall systems can keep tools, sports equipment, and other garage supplies from piling up on the floor. A properly installed overhead rack can hold items you rarely need, provided it stays clear of the garage door and any moving parts.
Choose Furniture With Hidden Storage
A storage ottoman, coffee table with drawers, or side table with a lower shelf can hold blankets, games, toys, and other everyday items. Before buying new furniture, check whether a piece you already own has unused drawers or shelves that could handle the extra belongings.
