37 Small Space Organization Tips You Should Know

Small spaces organization, especially in urban homes, require thoughtful planning and critical thinking to get the most out of your home. To ensure your small space organization is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. With the right organizational tips and tricks, even the smallest spaces can be transformed into comfortable and efficient living areas.

Unfortunately making your small space multi-functional as well as esthetically may not always be cheap or within budget, as small space furniture with multi-purpose features typically come with a hefty price tags. But don’t worry we’ll try to search and find the best in the market, that will be one of our goals at Journeyment, while also understanding the basics of small space organization. We’ll do the work and research while you reap the benefits!

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In this article, we’ll get to know 37 small space organization tips and clever design solutions for organizing your small spaces, making the most of every square inch of your place.

37 Small Space Organization Tips You Should Know About

For better understanding let’s divide the 37 tips and tricks into sub-headings. We’ll take this step by step for ease of reading.

1. Key principles for organizing small spaces
2. Room specific organization tips
3. Creative storage ideas for small spaces
4. Small space solutions for specific small space challenges we may face
5. Cost Considerations for Small Space Solutions

The Key Principles for Organizing Small Spaces

1. Decluttering for a More Efficient Living Space

The first key tip or solution for small space organization is decluttering. By decluttering, I mean removing any and all unnecessary items that you may have in your space laying around for no reason what-so-ever. Unless we don’t remove the unwanted and unnecessary items from our home how else will we bring in new things to enhance our space?

So before introducing new storage solutions or new furniture, it’s important for you to first assess what you truly need, and whether you have use of the unused times on a regular bases?

To begin decluttering you need to start with keeping the absolute essential items, and list down all unnecessary item that adds clutter to your space. This will give you a good idea of what to keep and what to not to keep.

Consider implementing the following tips:

• The general rule of thumb – the general rule of thumb for decluttering is that if you haven’t used something in 6 months or 1 year then just get rid of it! Unless it is something that is of great emotional value, don’t keep it. If the unused item is in good condition but have no use of it anymore than just give it away or sell it to someone else who may actually be in need of it. For example it could be an old toy, some extra chairs, or plant pots.
• Make it digital – If what is cluttering your space are stacks of papers and heaps of photos, then instead of keeping them in physical form simply make soft copies of them to minimize the clutter. Paper cluttering is common and we all do it. We either ignore it, thinking we’ll deal with it later on, or we believe that one or more of the papers or photos we have might be use to us in the future. But we all know that that rarely happens. So do the smart thing in this scenario and just make all the paper clutter digital and keep it with you for as long as you like.
• Get furniture with storage – Instead of filling your small space with single use furniture, try getting furniture which is multipurpose, and can offer you additional storage to enhance your home design and functionality. No matter how much space you have, you can never have enough storage space! So aim for multipurpose furniture. For example, get ottomans and beds with storage space inside. Instead of getting just one sofa or couch which offers no other benefit, and try getting a sofa-bed or as they call it in India sofa-cum-bed.

If you are living in rental homes or have a rental space then these tips are vital for your space enhancement and ease of living.

Vertical Space Optimization

In small homes and spaces, your floor space maybe limited, in such a case make use of your vertical space. And by vertical space I mean your walls.

In small homes and spaces, walls are your next best friends By utilizing your walls you can make use of your vertical space effectively by creating more store options without compromising on your interior design.

For example in the case of people who love gardening, they can get wall hanging pots and planters and create small beautiful vertical garden, instead of getting floor pots and planters which definitely take up more floor space.

For effectively using your vertical space as storage try implementing the following tips:

2. Get Floating Shelves or Modular Shelves

They are a good option for utilizing your wall space. In fact, not just your walls, but the entire vertical space in your homes can be used, which are often underutilized. Floating cabinets or modular shelving units allow you to build up smart storage.

They have to be built or brought in sizes according your home needs. Depending on your space try to get a good enough size that can be of use to you.

Floating shelves and modular shelves are great for displaying decor as well. You can use them for books, trophies, small plant pots and kitchen essentials to make your home design more esthetically pleasing.

Apart from custom made or DIY installed floating shelves, another good example of vertical storage space shelves is the VSU shelving unit. They are one of the most popular and most iconic modular shelving unit in the market at the moment. They are a bit on the expensive side but are really high quality. They allow you to build up according to your needs, and you can add more modules to existing system over time. The best part of VSU shelving unit is that they will last for a long time.

3. Get Tall Cabinets

If you have the budget, then try getting ceiling-height cabinets to maximize your vertical storage space especially in bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens. These tall cabinets offer you additional storage and look esthetically pleasing as well if you get them in a neutral design or your interior matching designs.

4. Make use of Hooks and Pegboards

Hooks and pegboards are a good option for small space owners for creating extra storage. They aren’t going to mess up your interior design, rather people in bigger homes and spaces use them as a part of their home design to give a more vintage or country look to their homes.

In fact even modern home designers now using them for their kitchens, garage, entryways and for hanging them over study desks. It can easily fit into minimalistic home design. Regardless, these are useful for organizing everything from tools in the garage to kitchen utensils.

Multipurpose Furniture

As we were discussing multipurpose furniture is another best friend of small space owners and rental home owners. They are a must-have in small spaces. Furniture items that serve more than one function can help you save space and reduce the clutter mess in your homes.

A few good examples of multipurpose items you can include in your homes and spaces regardless of your area size are:

5. Sofa beds (or Sofa-cum-beds)

Sofa beds are a fantastic option for small space owners due to their two-in-one function. They can be your sitting area by day and transform into a comfy bed at night. But people usually don’t consider getting sofa beds for three main reasons – first, they are avoided due to their lack of designer appeal, second they are avoided due people’s fear that such sofas will require more maintenance, and third that these sofas will not really be comfortable enough.

But fear not, for many brand owners now-a-days have come out with various new designs for sofa beds that more modern and streamline, making sure the care is minimum, while also offering maximum comfort.

For those living in the U.S. a good example of a stylist yet comfortable sofa bed would be the Sideway Sofa Bed by Eva, it has a slide out wooden mechanic design rather than the folding system is many sofa beds. Another example would be sofa beds by Koala.com, would is nice about Koala is that they sell modern single sofa beds that function well and look good especially for small space owners living alone.

6. Sofa with Storage

In most typical sofa with storage designs the storage space is accessed by lifting the cushion area via mechanics then the storage is within the sofa frame, unfortunately this can cause a bit of a hassle while getting your stuff as for some people the lifting mechanism can be quite heavy. But this it isn’t so bad as you can use such sofa’s to store stuff that you only use occasionally.

The more preferred type in storage sofa’s are the ones with drawers built in their frames. Sliding drawer designs sofa’s are much more efficient in functionality than lifting storage sofa’s. They storage in sliding drawer sofa’s can be accessed even when people are sitting or laying on the sofa. That being said, most of the sliding drawer designs are boxy in appearance due to the storage design.

This may not work for people looking for a design with legs, or a more airy sofa design. But right now our focus is optimizing our space so such a small compromise is not bad!

Still if you want to go for that airy look then try getting a storage box with wheels that is big enough to slide under your airy sofa. This can be slightly noticeable but won’t ruin the overall esthetic of your space. You can get in similar color or wood design. You can pull it out and use it whenever you need.

7. Modular Sofa

People usually think that modular sofas are these big living room sofa sets with 5 or more seats, when actually that’s not the case. You can get single or double seating modular sofa to create a smaller lounge area. The adaptability and versatility of modular sofas is what makes them so well suited for small space owners. Instead of one big size furniture piece you can maximize your area layout by arranging the modular sofas into various different configuration or into separate sittings.

8. Storage Benches

This another good small organization solution piece of furniture small space owners can get to optimize their space. Storage benches can be kept to aside against a wall, having storage within them, and a comfortable sitting cushions on top. Storage benches thus offer dual purposes by offering you a seat that saves space while also giving you more storage. Not to mention they are esthetically pleasing as well!

Unfortunately they can be a bit expensive but they look very impressive. They work well with almost every modern, bohemian, industrial, vintage and chic home interior designs.

Fun tip: If you are interested then don’t sadden your heart because a sitting bench is easily become a DIY project by getting an in-budget cabinet and give it your personal touch by adding a sitting cushion on top or you get a second hand piece and give it a new finish!

Storage benches are usually placed along the wall so it gets seamlessly integrated into the space but you can also choose a single cabinet bench piece. These work well in living rooms, bedrooms, and entryways.

9. Bed with Storage

The first type of bed with storage is with the storage space in the bed frame. They are common and have been in style for while now. The built-in storage space like in ottoman beds is a good example of such beds. They have the most storage space, and have a gas-lift hydraulics mechanic inside which lift up the base to give us access to plentiful storage space underneath.

While some may consider this as an advantage, other people consider this a disadvantage. The hydraulic are thought of as being not practical for lifting up the whole mattress to access the storage space.

Bed’s with storage drawers (also called Divan Beds with storage) built in the bedframe under the mattress base are considered a better option to this. The drawer storage space is easy to access as you don’t have to pick up the entire mattress as well as not worry about hydraulic mechanics getting problems. I believe this is a good option but the storage space is limited as compared having the entire storage area in the ottoman beds.

If we compare the price between the two then divan beds with storage are more reasonably priced than ottoman beds with hydraulics.

You can also get creative and add custom pull-out storage built underneath your normal beds. You can mask them with similar color and style. If you are on a more tight budget then these days you can easily find ready-made fabric/ plastic storage boxes for cheap prices and place them underneath your beds.

10. Extendable Dining Tables

Extendable dining tables allow you to make the most of your small space. This is a great small space solution for those who have limited dining area. There are various kinds of extendable dining tables depending upon shape, but there two main types of extendable dining tables that we will discuss here – Gate Leg Dining Table and Traditional Dining Table.

Gate leg dining table aren’t a new thing. They have been around since the 16th centaury and it’s unique design of proving dree spare leg space in the center of the table makes it a good option for small space dining areas. The gate leg swings out and props up one or two drop leaves hinges of the table.

A table “leaves” or “leaf” is an extra piece or pieces or parts of furniture that can be added to an expandable table to increase its surface area or the top table are on which you keep stuff. Table leaves are useful for hosting large meals or celebrations, or when you need more space to spread out. Some table leaves can self-store in the table.

Gate leg tables are popular for studio apartments as they can be folded up and down into a slim-small storage unit. If you are on a budget look for second hand or self-making extendable tables online in places like Amazon, flipkart, and other such retail platforms online.

A studio apartment is an apartment having a single room. They are also known as single-room apartments or single-room studio flats.

The main let down with gate leg dining tables is that the “gates” can get in the way when your sitting down. Many people end up bumping their knees with the gate leg because of their diagonal design. If you are going to host a meal or celebration or have guests frequently then a traditional extendable dining table is a great option as your small space solutions.

Traditional extendable table are your regular size dining tables but can be either folded from the sides or split in the center. They can be folded, or slide in extra tables panels. They come in various shapes and sizes with various different mechanism. This gives you the freedom to get best one that suits your needs. There is even an extremely extendable dining table on the market at the moment that starts as a compact console table and extends into a table large enough to host 10 people thanks to its telescopic rails.

11. Adaptable Coffee Table

In tiny apartments or really small spaces where you can’t really have a dining table it is a good idea to get an adaptable coffee table or center table for meals. There are two main types you can get as your small space organization solutions. One that has a hinge like an ironing board or one with a hinge mechanism that lifts one size of the table up-ward and out-ward in your direction to have your meals.

The ironing-board type coffee table is more versatile as you can sit on any side of the table making it more suitable for hosting in comparison to the ones that are raised to one side. The coffee table that can be lift up-out to a certain direction is limited in use and functionality unless you rarely have guests and live alone. Such single use tables are useful when you work from home and have to eat at the same time.

12. Movable Side Table

If you want a table even smaller in size than movable side table is a good option as your small space organization solution. This is another option that is quite versatile. They are really light weight and are easy to move around. DLM – Don’t Leave Me Side Table from Hay shop – is a good example of a movable side table for the people living in U.S.

13. Folding or Stacking Seating

Folding and stacking seats are a live saver for small space owners. They may seem boring but they are a good small space organizing solution. The first on this list are the famous foldable chairs.

Folding chairs are perfect for small spaces as they can be folded and stored out of sight. You can store them away bed sofa’s or in cupboards. If you have an outdoor area or an outdoor area adjacent to your home then it would be best to get foldable chairs that are good for both indoor and outdoor purpose to maximize your investment in these chairs.

The obvious disadvantage with these chairs is the flimsy appearance and lack of comfort when sitting on them for a long period of time. If you plan on getting more than 3 to 4 foldable chairs for your space then I suggest getting stackable chairs instead.

To save horizontal space in your small area, it would be best to get stackable chairs because more than 3 folding chairs do take up horizontal space even when folded, so it is better to use the vertical space.

Stackable chairs or stools are indeed a good option to save space in really small areas, though the stools may not be so comfortable.

14. Foldable Desks

Wanting to create a study corner or at home office but don’t have enough space? Well in small spaces the best way to get both is by installing foldable desks. They are another example of making use of walls and you vertical storage space. They are perfect for creating a home office that disappears when not in use by simply folding back up on the wall. And they can be masked in various ways, you can check out Pinterest for creative ideas for these.

15. Murphy Beds or Wall Bed

Murphy beds, also known as wall beds, are an excellent small space solution for homes with limited square footage. They can fold up against the wall when not in use, freeing up floor space for daytime activities. Murphy beds come in various styles and can even include additional storage solutions, like shelving or cabinetry, making them a versatile option for optimizing functionality in tight spaces. They are especially useful in studio apartments or guest rooms where space efficiency is crucial.

Permanent Built-In storage Solutions

Above we have discussed in length about furniture with built-in storage solution but the other time of built-in solution is the permanent kind. Permanent built-in storage space can dramatically enhance small space organization. From built-in bookshelves to under-stair storage spaces, these solutions blend seamlessly with your home design while providing a good amount of storage space for storing items out of sight while also saving you space and saving your home from becoming a cluttered mess.

For permanent built-in storage consider adding:

16. Window Seat with Storage

Window seat with storage is kind of like seating cabinets which we discussed earlier, however, these seat storages have another design purpose other seating cabinets.

Window seats with storage are meant for home owners who want to enjoy the view from their homes, get some sun, or create a cozy reading corner under the natural light. Combining seating space and storage area in a way that adds charm and functionality to any room.

They look aesthetically charming whether installed in the bedrooms or living rooms. Also if you don’t have enough space in the living room to place more than one sofa but have a good enough window then this can serve as an additional seating space.

17. Built-in Bookshelves

This one is strictly for either book lovers and book collectors or people who love the idea of having a small library design in their homes. You can Utilize awkward nooks or alcoves for stylish yet practical book storage space in your small homes.

18. Under-Stair Storage

Convert the space under your stairs into drawers, cabinets, or even a cozy reading nook.

Room specific organization tips

Small Bedroom Organization Solutions

Bedrooms are personal sanctuaries that should feel cozy but uncluttered. Here’s how to keep your small bedroom organized:

19. Closet Organizers

Install hanging shelves or dividers to maximize closet space.

20. Wall-Mounted Nightstands

Free up floor space by using wall-mounted shelves as nightstands.

• Under-Bed Storage: As discussed earlier, using under-bed storage or beds with storage is a good small space solution. Use containers, rolling drawers, or storage bags to make the most of the space beneath your bed.

Small Living Room Organization

In a small living room, it’s all about multifunctionality and smart storage. Here are some ideas:

22. Floating Media Centers

Free up floor space by mounting your TV and media storage on the wall.

• Storage Ottomans: We’ve discussed about storage ottomans and modular furniture earlier in the article but since right now we are discussing small solution for each room specifically hence why I am repeating some of the earlier mentioned suggestions. So you can use storage ottomans in small space living rooms as these provide seating, a footrest, and hidden storage all in one.
• Modular Furniture: Consider modular seating that can be rearranged or expanded as needed like modular sofas of a smaller seating arrangement.

Organizing a Small Kitchen

The kitchen can quickly become one of the most cluttered areas in a small home. Here are some tips to keep your cooking space neat and efficient:

23. Pull-Out Pantry

A pull-out pantry is a space-saving kitchen feature where shelves slide out to give easy access to food items, keeping everything organized and maximizing small kitchen storage.

Pull-out pantries can be expensive and take up valuable space that could otherwise be used for traditional shelving. If this is not in your budget then as an alternative go for stackable bins or baskets for a more budget-friendly and flexible pantry solution.

24. Magnetic Knife Strips

Save counter space by mounting your knives on the wall. These strips mount on your wall, providing a convenient and safe way to store knives while freeing up drawer space, perfect for small kitchens. They are reasonable in price, and typically affordable.

The disadvantage with this is that knives are exposed, posing a potential safety risk, especially if you have children. Use a knife block or drawer insert for safer, concealed storage.

25. Drawer Dividers

Keep utensils, pots, and pans neatly stored and easy to find. Drawer dividers help organize utensils or small items, keeping everything in place and reducing clutter in drawers, making it easier to find things. They are reasonable in price, and available in a wide range of affordable options. The alternatives to drawer dividers are adjustable or expandable drawer organizers offer more flexibility.

A notable disadvantage with drawer dividers is that some dividers may not fit custom-sized drawers and can be difficult to adjust

Creative storage ideas for small spaces

Hidden Storage Solutions

Hidden storage can help keep your space looking tidy and organized without sacrificing style. Here are some clever ways to hide your belongings:

26. Secret Compartments

Look for furniture that includes secret compartments for storing valuable or seldom-used items. Hidden storage areas built into furniture or walls, secret compartments are great for securing valuable items or keeping small spaces tidy.

Higher in price, especially for custom-built compartments. They can be difficult to access or impractical for frequently used items, if they are out of your budget then hidden storage furniture like ottomans or under-bed storage provides easier access.

27. Behind-the-Door Storage

Use over-the-door organizers for shoes, cleaning supplies, or toiletries. Using the back of doors for hanging storage, like shoe racks or hooks, helps optimize space in bedrooms, bathrooms, or kitchens without needing extra furniture.

Reasonable in price, and are often budget-friendly but if seek an alternative wall-mounted racks or hooks offer a more stable storage solution. The disadvantage with behind-the-door storage is that it can make doors bulky, and items may rattle or fall off when doors are opened or closed.

• Storage Benches: Another earlier mentioned but repeating due to sub-categorization. Storage benches for small space storage solutions are fantastic option as these can be placed in entryways or at the foot of the bed, offering both seating and storage.

Open Shelving vs. Closed Cabinets

When organizing a small space, the decision between open shelving and closed cabinets can impact both design and functionality:

28. Open Shelving

This is great for displaying decor and making a room feel more open, but it requires careful organization to avoid looking cluttered. Open shelving displays your items while keeping them accessible, perfect for creating a spacious feel in kitchens and living rooms. The disadvantage with open shelving is that it requires frequent dusting and cleaning since items are exposed.

Reasonable to higher in price depending on materials and if you seek an alternative option to open shelving then sue glass-front cabinets for a similar open feel with protection from dust.

29. Closed Cabinets

These provide more storage and hide clutter but can make a space feel more closed-off or bulky. Closed cabinets are ideal for hiding clutter and keeping your space looking neat and organized while offering ample storage. Though they are higher in price depending on the material and customization.

The disadvantage with closed cabinets is that they can make a room feel smaller or more enclosed, and finding items inside can be more difficult. As another option to closed cabinets combine open shelves with closed cabinets to maintain balance and accessibility.

solutions for specific small space challenges We face

Managing Small Entryways

Small entryways often lack the space for traditional storage solutions like closets. Here’s how to keep your entryway organized:

30. Wall Hooks for Coats

Wall-mounted hooks are a great alternative to a bulky coat rack. Wall hooks provide a simple, space-saving solution to keep coats and jackets organized near entryways without the need for bulky furniture.

Wall hooks for coats are usually reasonable in price depending on the material and style you decide to get and are typically affordable. The disadvantage with wall hooks is that the hooks can become cluttered quickly, making the space look messy. An good alternative to them is a coat rack or entryway bench with built-in storage offers a cleaner look.

31. Shoe Storage

Go for narrow shoe racks or over-the-door storage to avoid cluttered floors. From racks to cabinets, shoe storage keeps your footwear organized and out of the way, helping maintain a clutter-free home.

Shoe storage are reasonable in price and with budget-friendly and higher-end options available. The disadvantage with shoe storage is that they have limited capacity, especially for larger shoe collections. You’ll eventually run out of space for your shoes and flip-flops etc., unless you are someone who disposes of their old shoes before getting new ones. If not, then you should go for a larger shoe rack or cabinet for more organized storage if you have enough space for installing it in your space.

32. Slim Console Tables

A slim table can provide a landing spot for keys and mail without taking up too much space. Slim console tables fit into narrow spaces like hallways or entryways, offering a stylish surface for keys, decor, or mail.

Slim console tables are reasonable in price and are typically affordable. An alternative to slim console tables is a wall-mounted shelf or floating table provides more room without taking up floor space. The disadvantage with slim console tables is the limited surface area for storage or decor, and so, it may not be practical for larger items.

Bathrooms in Small Spaces

Organizing a small bathroom can be tricky, especially when counter and cabinet space is limited. Here’s how to tackle bathroom organization:

33. Shower Caddies

Use corner caddies or hanging baskets to store toiletries. Shower caddies hang over the showerhead or suction to the wall, keeping your toiletries organized and easily accessible without taking up shelf space. The disadvantage with shower caddies is that the suction cups used for holding up the caddy may lose grip over time, thereby causing the caddy to fall.

Shower caddies are usually of reasonable in price and typically affordable. An alternative option to shower caddies is a tension pole caddy or wall-mounted storage offers more secure small space solution.

34. Medicine Cabinets

These can be mounted above the sink to store essential items without taking up space. Shower caddies hang over the showerhead or suction to the wall, keeping your toiletries organized and easily accessible without taking up shelf space. Regarding the price of medicine cabinets is that these reasonable in price and with budget and premium options available.

The disadvantage with medicine cabinets is that they offer limited space and limited depth for larger toiletries or beauty products. For an alternative to medicine cabinets use wall-mounted shelving units or bathroom organizers for extra storage.

• Floating Shelves: As discussed earlier, these vertical storage space saving Mount shelves above the toilet or sink for additional storage.

Small Home Office Setup

With more people working from home, the need for small home office spaces has increased. Here’s how to set up a functional yet compact workspace:

36. Vertical File Cabinets

Store documents vertically to save desk space. Vertical file cabinets provide efficient document storage in a small footprint, great for keeping paperwork organized in compact home offices.

The price range of vertical file cabinets ranges between reasonable to higher in price, depending on material and size. The disadvantage with vertical file cabinets is that they can be bulky and take up significant floor space

37. Cable Management

Use cable organizers to keep wires out of sight and prevent your desk from looking cluttered. Cable management solutions, like clips or boxes, hide and organize messy wires, making your space look tidier and reducing trip hazards. The disadvantage with such a system is that it can become messy or tangled as well if not installed correctly or maintained.

The price of cable management will be reasonable, but obviously such a system comes with premium solutions available in the market. The alternative to cable management system is the use of wireless technology or built-in furniture solutions with hidden cable channels.

• Wall-Mounted Desks: These desks fold up when not in use, saving floor space.

Cost Considerations for Small Space Solutions

Budget-Friendly Solutions

You don’t need to break the bank to organize a small space effectively. Here’s how to find affordable solutions:

DIY Storage Solutions: Consider making your own storage, like wall-mounted shelves or repurposing old furniture.

Thrift Stores: You can often find affordable storage solutions at second-hand stores.

High-End Storage and Design Investments

While it’s easy to find budget-friendly options, sometimes investing in high-quality furniture or custom-built storage can make a significant difference in small spaces:

Custom Closets: Built-in closets maximize every inch of available space.

Designer Furniture: Pieces like modular sofas or wall beds may cost more but offer unparalleled functionality and space-saving potential.

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