Living in a tiny house comes with its own unique set of challenges, especially when it comes to storage. With limited square footage, it can be tricky figuring out how to stow away all your belongings while still keeping your home organized and clutter-free. However, with some clever solutions, you can maximize every nook and cranny to create smart storage that makes the most of your tiny house.
Utilize Under-bed Storage
One of the best places to take advantage of in a tiny house is the area under your bed. Installing pull-out drawers or containers here can provide a lot of hidden storage space. Some ideas include:
- Rolling plastic bins that you can quickly pull out when needed. Label them to keep organized.
- Install built-in drawers under the bed frame. These custom drawers will make use of all the available height.
- Add fabric bins on casters that fit under the bed. The casters make them easy to access.
- For a bed on a raised platform, add enclosed stairs with drawers built into each step.
Optimize Closet Storage
Closets, even small ones, can be optimized to store a lot more inside. Here are some tips:
- Install a closet organizing system with shelves, rods, and drawers to make use of all available space from floor to ceiling.
- Use hanging shoe organizers on the back of the closet door to neatly store accessories, toiletries, medicines, etc.
- Store out-of-season clothing under the bed or in vacuum storage bags.
- Use the back of the closet door to mount rod hooks, shelves, and over-the-door racks for extra storage.
- Add a second closet rod installed halfway between the ceiling and existing rod to double hanging space.
Take Advantage of Vertical Space
Going vertical is key in a tiny house. Floor space may be limited, but you have walls and ceilings that can provide storage options. Consider these ideas:
- Mount open shelves or enclosed cabinets on walls to store items. Shelves near the ceiling can store infrequently used items.
- Use floating wall-mounted desks and tables to save floor space. You can stash baskets underneath for hidden storage.
- Install bike hooks on the walls for vertical bike storage. This clears floor space.
- Use magnetic knife strips and rail systems on the wall for knife and spice storage.
- Hang a pegboard on the wall to neatly organize tools and supplies off the ground.
Use Furniture for Hidden Storage
From the couch to the coffee table, don’t forget that furniture can double as storage space with some clever additions:
- Store items in a storage ottoman that doubles as a coffee table. Look for ones with lift-top lids.
- Choose a sofa or bench with large under-seat storage for storing linens, blankets, or off-season clothes.
- Find end tables and nightstands with drawer storage for hiding small items like chargers, glasses, books, etc.
- Opt for a nesting table that tucks under the sofa when not in use to free up space.
- Add slide-out trays and drawers to kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities to fully use cabinet depth.
Take It Outside
One way to free up interior space is to take the storage outside. Some options include:
- Install exterior wall-mounted cabinets adjacent to entrances to store shoes, outerwear, tools, etc.
- Build a lockable storage shed for seasonal items, camping gear, bicycles, etc.
- Add compact exterior drawers beside entry doors for delivering packages out of sight.
- Hang a wall-mounted pot rack, hooks, and shelves on the exterior to store grilling tools and garden supplies.
- If you have outdoor space, use vertical storage like trellises and tall plant racks for gardening tools.
Creative Touches for Unused Spaces
Don’t forget to make use of the many awkward nooks and crannies that are often unused in a small home:
- Under staircase storage for sports gear, holiday decorations, suitcases, etc. Use doors for a clean look.
- Wall-mounted magnetic strips in narrow gaps are great for knives, keys, and small tools.
- Install shelves a few inches above doorways and entry points for displaying plants and decor.
- Use wall hooks on the back of interior doors to hang robes, aprons, hats, dog leashes, etc.
- Add narrow floating shelving in tight spaces between studs for books, toiletries, folded clothes, etc.
Store in Multifunctional Furniture
Since space is tight, look for furniture and appliances that can serve multiple purposes:
- A sofa with built-in shelving underneath for storing books, baskets, and decor.
- Coffee tables or ottomans with storage inside to tuck away blankets, board games, etc.
- TV console that doubles as a Murphy bed to transform into a guest bed when needed.
- Table that folds down from the wall and can be stashed away when not in use.
- Washer/dryer combo unit that maximizes space over separate machines.
Take Advantage of Dead Air Space
Dead air space refers to the empty space between studs in walls and joists in ceilings. Here are some ways to use it:
- Install recessed wall cubbies between studs to store small items. Great for entryways.
- Use the space under stairs by boxing it in with doors for concealed storage.
- Add blind corner pull-out cabinets in kitchen and bathroom dead corners.
- Install extra-deep shelving between wall studs to hold larger items like sweaters and jeans.
- Use the void above kitchen cabinets for rarely-used items or display pieces.
Incorporate Hidden Storage in Elements
Take advantage of the existing structural elements in your home by integrating storage directly into them:
- Turn open stair risers into drawers to stash books, craft supplies, linens, etc.
- Build pull-out drawers into the ends of sofa arms for TV remotes, books, and drinks.
- Add a bench with storage cubbies and drawers at the end of the bed. Great for blankets and clothes.
- Install storage cubbies behind radiators to take advantage of the dead space around them.
- Turn the area under the kitchen sink into drawers instead of cabinets for easier access.
Embrace Minimalism
Sometimes the best storage solution is to own less stuff. Minimizing clutter makes your home feel more spacious and peaceful.
- Donate, sell, or recycle items you rarely use to clear out space.
- Avoid holding on to items for “just in case” scenarios.
- Buy multipurpose furniture and supplies when possible.
- Follow the “one in, one out rule” to limit new clutter.
- Ask yourself if new purchases are truly useful or just impulse buys.
- Store sentimental items out of sight using digital scans and photos.
Create Dual Purpose Spaces
With some creativity, a single space in your tiny house can serve two needs:
- A murphy bed that folds vertically onto the wall when not in use.
- A desk that folds down from the wall to create a guest bed at night.
- An ottoman with a removable tray top to transform into a coffee table.
- A small dining table that drops down from a kitchen wall when needed.
- Outdoor porch space used as additional living space in nice weather.
- A bench by the door that opens to reveal coat hooks and shoe storage.
Final Thoughts
While tiny house living certainly comes with storage challenges, there are many ingenious solutions for maximizing every inch of space. Taking advantage of dual purpose furniture, unused nooks, vertical real estate, and multifunctional décor can help you stay organized in your petite home. Remember that owning less also helps clear out clutter, so embrace minimalism and focus on keeping only essential belongings. With some clever ideas and strategic thinking, you can enjoy a tidy and livable tiny house optimized to store all your most important items.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you maximize storage in a small space?
Some great ways to maximize storage in a small space include using furniture with built-in storage like ottomans and benches, installing shelving units on walls, adding extra rods and organizers in closets, and taking advantage of under-bed space. Vertical storage, multifunctional furniture, and dual purpose spaces also help.
What are some good storage solutions for tiny homes?
Great storage solutions for tiny homes include under-bed pull-out drawers, wall-mounted cabinets, space-saving closet organizers, furniture with hidden storage compartments, exterior storage sheds, and creative use of awkward nooks and crannies.
How do you organize a tiny house with limited storage?
Tips for organizing a tiny house with limited storage include decluttering/minimizing belongings, using vertical space on walls for shelves and hooks, stowing seasonal items under beds, optimizing closet storage with systems and extra rods, and choosing furniture intended for small spaces, like nesting tables.
Where can extra storage be added in a tiny home?
Some smart places to add extra storage in a tiny home include under sofa benches, inside ottomans or coffee tables, on closet doors using hanging organizers, under raised beds, in dead spaces like under staircases, and by making use of awkward small spaces between walls or ceilings.
What are some disadvantages of living in a tiny house?
Some potential disadvantages of living in a tiny house include having less storage space, feeling cramped or crowded at times, giving up some appliances and amenities, loud noises and lack of privacy due to close quarters, difficulty hosting gatherings, and challenges securing parking/placement for the tiny house.
What are some space-saving tips for small kitchens?
Some space-saving tips for small kitchens include using shelf risers and vertical organizers, installing pull-out drawers for blind corner cabinets, mounting spice racks on walls or pantry doors, using multifunctional appliances like Instant Pots, and utilizing wall-mounted magnetic strips for utensils and knives.
How can you add more bathroom storage in a tiny house?
To add bathroom storage in a tiny house, try using a shelf over the toilet, hanging shelves in dead corner space, organizing items in shower caddies and hanging shower bags, and adding pull-out drawers in the vanity cabinet for better access to items.
What are some creative storage ideas for tiny living rooms?
Creative tiny living room storage ideas include ottomans and benches with hidden storage inside, coffee tables with lift-tops for interior storage, hanging wall organizers for media items, and slim console tables behind the sofa with baskets for blanket storage.
Where can you find furniture designed for small space living?
Good places to find small space furniture include stores like IKEA that specialize in solutions for tiny homes, apartment-sized offerings at Target and Walmart, online retailers like Wayfair that allow filtering by dimensions, and custom RV/motorhome furniture companies.