Maximizing Small Spaces: Creative Solutions for Your Home or Rental
There is a very common theme among those of you who claim to be “unorganized people” and it actually isn’t that you are unorganized.
Crazy concept right!?
The homes we’re seeing aren’t filled to the brim with belongings with no where to put them. They are also not insanely small or on the flip side wildly large either. They are small-normal sized homes containing a normal amount of belongings with spaces simply being underutilized. Now I’ll let you in on a little secret- neither one of us live in large homes, and both of us have spent a significant amount of time getting creative in how to maximize our own spaces. Probably why we have grown to love doing this for others, huh!
We’re here to tell you living in a “smaller” space doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style, comfort, or functionality. With a bit of creativity and strategic planning, you can turn even the most compact areas into efficient, organized, and aesthetically pleasing spaces. Whether you're furnishing a cozy apartment, a tiny home, or a rental property with limited square footage, the key to making the most of your space is thinking outside the box a bit.
We have wayyyyy too much fun coming up with storage ideas to keep them to ourselves so we just have to share!
Game-Changers for Small Spaces
When space is at a premium, multi-functional furniture can be an absolute game-changer. They not only allow you to save space but also be utilized in a way that makes sense. Have you considered investing in a dining table with an additional leaf? Tuck it away when it’s just you and expand for entertaining? Speaking of entertaining. Want to host but don’t have a spare room? We are absolutely obsessssed with Murphy beds. You can watch your home office transform into a bedroom in literal seconds. When not in use, the bed simply folds back up into the wall — it actually feels like magic. Can we also take a moment to talk about shoes.. The bane of most everyones organizing existence. Try thinking about an entry table with hidden fold down shoe storage as a possible way to tidy the entryway while offering a clean aesthetic.
Not only can we take advantage of multi-purpose pieces but combining it with a creative room layout could make a whole world of difference in how large a space feels. This may mean selecting a love seat instead of a “standard” couch or maybe even a modular sofa!? An ottoman that opens for hidden storage? What about a loft bed to free up space for an office or seating area underneath? There are lots of fun options out there if you’re willing to get creative!
Thinking Upwards
One of the best ways to maximize small spaces is by utilizing vertical storage solutions. When floor space is limited, go up! Wall-mounted shelves are an excellent way to…before we go further, I know what you’re thinking- those are heavy I would have to find studs, or use wall anchors, and level it and…- we promise, if we can do it, you can do it! And it’s totally worth it for storing books, decor, and other essentials without taking up any floor space. Pegboards are another versatile option for decluttering a shed or desktop, allowing you to hang everything from garage tools to office supplies. You probably won’t personally find us using them in kitchens but garages, home offices, and craft rooms are big yes from us. Stackable bins are one our tried and true favorite vertical storage solutions. They can be perfect for organizing closets, pantries, bathrooms, under the sink- you name it, you can use a stackable bin for it. Our love language- free floor space- but without sacrificing ease of use.
Making the Most of Underutilized Areas
In smaller spaces, we like to encourage you take advantage of areas that might otherwise go unused. Under-bed storage is a prime example. The space under your bed is perfect for storing items that you don’t need daily, such as seasonal clothing,- hello Maine winters-, extra bedding, or even shoe collections. Investing in flat storage bins or containers with wheels that can slide easily under the bed, can really change your storage game. Another often-overlooked area is doors. Yes, that flat piece of wood that opens and closes can actually be a killer storage solution. Kitchen spice collection-check. Food storage-check. Under the sink towel holder-check. The options are truly endless.
Tricking the Eye
Okay so we’ve covered all the functional aspects of smaller space living but what about the actual styling of said space? Our goal in these types of rooms is tricking the eye and giving the illllluusionnn there is more space than there truly is, fun right!? Whatever your natural light options are, embracing them to the full extent, by opting for minimal or more sheer window coverings is a tried and true way to make a space feel open and airier. And while we’re on the subject of curtains and the whole utilizing vertical space thing.. try hanging curtains from the ceiling to the floor. I know, I know it sounds weird but hear me out.. it will naturally draw the eye upward, creating the semblance of taller ceilings and a grander space and who doesn’t want that. And while we’re talking about light, mirrors! Mirrors are an excellent tool to visually expand a small living space. By hanging a large mirror opposite a window it can reflect all that natural light you’re already letting in and create the illusion of additional space. Have I mentioned taking advantage of a rug, because shoooey, it can work magic. Using rugs strategically in a small room can have an impressive impact on the overall design and functionality of the space because not only do they add warmth and comfort but they also help define different areas within the room. Go larger than you may think-allowing the furniture legs to sit on it comfortably on it- as a rug that is too small for the space can make it feel disjointed and disproportionate.
You’re starting to catch my drift right?
Small space can still mean BIG POTENTIAL.
Maximizing small spaces is all about making smart choices and getting creative with the resources you have. By incorporating multi-functional furniture, utilizing vertical storage solutions, and taking advantage of underutilized areas, you can transform even the smallest spaces into efficient, organized, and stylish living areas. Remember, its not about how much space you have, but how you use it. We are confident you can make the most of your home or rental property, no matter the size and when in doubt, were here to help!
Interested in even more space saving tips and tricks- head over to the RentBlog and check out our feature in their Space-Saving Ideas and Tricks for your Home article!
YOU. CAN. DO. HARD. THINGS.
Hey, hi, hello! We are Carissa + Emily of the The Little Things Organizing located in the picturesque city of Portland, ME
We believe your time is valuable and that homes are meant to be enjoyed, not stressed over. Our goal is to help create sustainable solutions to make your home more beautiful, organized, and efficient, letting you spend your time how you truly deserve.