"Where Should I Keep My...?": Solving the Ultimate Small Space Dilemmas
Squeeze every last bit of storage space out of your dwelling, no matter its size.
When you’re renting, square footage is something to be savored, not squandered. It’s hard enough finding a home for your everyday must-haves, let alone bulky, infrequently used, or off-season items like snowshoes, pool toys, and holiday decorations.
Whatever your hobby or collection, there’s an organizational hack to help you store it. Continue reading to see Zillow's six top clever storage tricks for the toughest, bulkiest space-takers you own.
Off-season wardrobe
Tuck those bulky winter sweaters (or shorts and flip-flops) in plastic bins under your bed. If your bed’s too close to the ground, lift it up with sturdy wood blocks. Even a few extra inches create enough space for a sizable storage container.
Tom’s compact bedroom feels much larger thanks to interlocking shelves and storage. The plywood bed and surrounding shelving were custom-built by Wilkin and a hired carpenter.
If elevating the bed isn’t an option, maximize your closet space with a few sets of cascading hangers. Put blouses on one set and T-shirts on another, and you’ll most likely double your closet space.
Clothing can play a vital part in post-disaster comfort and survival. Be prepared with lightweight, versatile items that are appropriate for the highs and lows of your region—bonus points for bright colors like neon yellow or orange that might help emergency workers spot you. Make sure you have clean underwear, layers (including a light jacket), and a hat that would protect you from the sun. Extra blankets, shoes, boots, socks, and bug spray might be necessary depending on where you live.
Photo: Drew Kelly
Extra linens
Extra pillows, comforters, and bedsheets are great for guests, but not so great for your small space. Try vacuum storage bags—stack your items inside, and use your vacuum cleaner to remove the air. Your items will shrink significantly so you can store them under your bed or on a shelf.
The reused doors serve as more than floor, walls, and ceiling; several are still functional. In the dining room, the benches lift up for storage, and doors on either side of the banquette open to reveal closets.
Photo: Nicholas Calcott
Shoe collection
A burgeoning shoe collection can take on a life of its own if not properly corralled. Take it back to dorm-room days with an over-the-door shoe organizer. These college favorites are popular for a reason—they store a dozen pairs of shoes or more, plus scarves, baseball caps, belts, and chunky necklaces.
Seeing Double
To cover up his shoe-storage shelves, Sherman bought bamboo bead curtains from the Callaloo Company emblazoned with an image of the Madonna. He separated out every other strand to create two curtains from one, resulting
in twinned pixelated images. The resulting pattern is "like a Chuck Close that everyone can afford," says Sherman.
Photo: Dustin Aksland
Bikes
Bikes can be one of the most difficult belongings to stash, especially if you don’t have a deck or basement. Try installing a strong hook in the wall, and hang your bike by the front tire. Pro: It’s a great way to get the bike off the floor. Con: It still protrudes into the room.
More adult playthings, like this pair of bikes live under the stairs, whose cutouts break up the plane of plywood and double as peepholes for kids at play.
Photo: Mark Mahaney
For a less invasive option, hang your bike flush against the wall—like you’re hanging a piece of art. The hardware can be as simple as two wooden dowels that support the bike’s horizontal bar. (Just make sure you anchor the supports in the wall’s studs so they can hold the weight.)
Public Bikes' Michelangelo Two Bike Gravity Stand is perfect for when you have more than one bike and are short on space. The simple metal stand just rests against your wall—no mounts needed. There's an adjustable top and bottom rack, for you to store one or two bicycles of any shape or size, and lets you choose the heights at which your bikes rest.
Photo by: Public Bikes
Photo: Public Bikes
Exercise equipment
An inflatable exercise ball is a great workout aid—and a real space suck. You could always deflate it, but the hassle probably isn’t worth it. So, why not get creative and make it a usable piece of furniture?
Repurpose medium or large exercise balls as dining room chairs, and store them under the dining table when you’re done.
No room for a dining table? The bike trick applies here, too. Install a couple of dowels high up on the wall, and set the ball there until you’re ready for a crunch session.
Decorations and keepsakes
Have a collection of things you just can’t get rid of? Maybe old photo albums, holiday decorations, or crafting supplies? Strategically placed shelves are your storage lifesaver when seeking space for infrequently used items.
Architects Silvia Ullmayer and Allan Sylvester worked with joiner Roger Hynam to reinvent an apartment for metalworker Simone ten Hompel.
Photo: Joakim Blockstrom
There’s often a wealth of unused space above and behind your hung clothing in bedroom and hallway closets. While shelves in these locations may require a footstool or flashlight to access, it won’t matter if you only need the items a few times a year.
The wooden box is as functional as it is finely crafted, with room for clothes up top. Each niche holds treasures from travels, family keepsakes, books, and more.
Photo: Drew Kelly
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