The most effective strategy for organizing a small space is to maximize vertical storage, eliminate duplicate items, and assign every object a dedicated home. In small apartments and homes, the biggest gains come from under-bed storage, wall-mounted shelving, and furniture that doubles as storage — like ottomans with hidden compartments and beds with built-in drawers.
14 Tips to Organize and Make the Most of Small Spaces
Research shows that many people accumulate more possessions than their living space can hold. Part of it is cultural, while for others it’s a matter of comfort and feeling like they are not living in want and poverty. It’s often a matter of the environment you grew up in, as well as how you were raised. Let’s talk how about how you can get organized and rearrange even small spaces to make your home feel more open and them clutter free. Take a look at these 14 tips for taking back your smaller spaces and making them seem large and full of life again.
1. Pay Attention to the Patterns You Use
Patterns are so important when it comes to maximizing small spaces. They can make all the difference in the world and determine whether your home feels spacious, cozy, and bright. When it comes to patterns in smaller homes, we recommend using minimal, clean patterns, and avoiding overly busy wallpaper as this can make a space feel crowded. Consider buying patterned pillows, rugs, and throws as an alternative to patterned wallpaper. These add texture to your room while not crowding your walls. A patterned rug can really open up your floor space, making a room look larger and more appealing,...
2. Use Light Colors and Textures
Use light, neutral color palettes when you paint the interior of your new house or apartment as these will greatly expand your space visually. Painting primarily with dark colors will make your home feel smaller as the walls will appear closer together. That said, don’t let a fear of using dark colors keep you from adding a shaded accent here or there as these will actually add to the depth of your space, making your room feel larger. When it comes to textures, go for fabrics and rugs in plain colors with simple prints . Be sure to add several different textures to each room as this will give...
3. Whenever Possible, Keep Your House Illuminated with Natural Light
Light plays a powerful role when it comes to expanding small spaces and making them feel larger, so take advantage of all the natural light you can. Leave curtains open and allow sunlight to flood in. Add multiple light elements , instead of having just one main light fixture (which draw the eyes to a single spot). Using hacks like these will greatly open up your small room and make it feel bright, large, and clean.
4. Get Functional Furniture
Get furniture that will be beneficial for organization while also adding to the beauty of your small home. Consider purchasing wall-mounted baskets, wire storage racks that can be placed on top of appliances, and multi-functional furniture. Keep in mind that organizing a small space requires lots of vertical storage instead of horizontal storage , so stackable furniture and cubbies are your friends. When deciding what kind of seating furniture you want, go for sofas and armchairs that are raised on legs as this creates a sense of light and space. Use mirrors and glass or see-through furniture...
5. Install Hangers and Shelves on Your Walls
Think vertically instead of horizontally in regard to storage and organization in a small space. Instead of having a large dresser, use shelves and install wall hooks or hangers. Figuring out storage and how to keep a small home organized can be a challenge, but it’s incredibly rewarding and gets the creative juices flowing. When putting boxes on shelves or in storage cube baskets, be sure to label them and keep similar items in the same box to save on containers and the space those containers occupy.
6. Get Rid of Clumsy Souvenirs and Decor
Keeping a small space organized requires relentless decluttering. Clutter and numerous souvenirs become a real problem when you go from a three bed, two bath house to a one bedroom apartment. If there’s an item you haven’t used or even thought of in a long while, it’s time to consider getting a place to store it, or parting with it for good. There are many storage facilities that you could consider renting a unit from or second-hand stores you could donate to. Take some time and consider which option is best for you and for keeping your small home organized.
7. If Your Belongings are Visible, Make Sure They’re Organized Too!
Organize every inch of your small home, you’d be surprised how much larger a space can look if it is thoroughly organized. Get organizers for mail so that there aren’t piles of bills and papers on display for visitors to see. Organize counter space with mason jars and wire baskets . Be sure to organize bookshelves and dust often.
8. Think About Space When Purchasing House Items
Consider your space and what furniture or household items will be beneficial for organizing and maximizing the area. If you find a piece of furniture that you like but it takes up a lot of space, consider getting a smaller, similar piece instead. Living in and keeping a small home organized may be challenging at times, but having a clean and minimal place to call home is also incredibly refreshing.
9. Consider a Storage Unit
Can’t bear to part with your many possessions but desperately need more space? Box up anything you don’t use more than once or twice a year and put it in a storage unit. You can still get it out when you need it, and it will save floor space and storage space in your home. You can also decide to donate anything you haven't taken out of storage for more than a year, since you clearly don't need or miss it.
10. Put Your Pantry on Display
If you don’t have the space to create a traditional pantry, go for a more utilitarian shelving system. Industrial or rustic open shelving with metal or wicker baskets as storage is a great way to keep your space open and also add plenty of storage. Keep all your dry goods hidden with baskets to keep that space looking chic and organized.
11. Go Crazy with Room Dividers
One of the best ways to maximize a small space is by adding room dividers. When it comes to this, the taller the better! You can go with traditional dividers that stand up from the ground or you could try hanging a curtain from the ceiling. Dividing the room partially can give extra privacy and also multi-functional. Consider this creative idea: a white curtain divider that also functions as a projector screen!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you organize a very small space?
To organize a very small space: (1) go vertical with wall-mounted shelves and tall bookcases, (2) use under-bed storage containers, (3) install hooks on the backs of doors, (4) choose furniture with built-in storage, (5) declutter ruthlessly — if you haven't used it in 12 months, remove it, (6) use drawer dividers and shelf risers to maximize cabinet space.
What are the best storage solutions for small apartments?
The best storage solutions for small apartments include: bed frames with built-in drawers, ottomans with storage compartments, wall-mounted floating shelves, over-door organizers, vacuum storage bags for seasonal clothing, and a pegboard wall in the kitchen or office area.
How do I make a small bedroom feel bigger and more organized?
To make a small bedroom feel bigger: use light colors on walls and bedding, mount your TV on the wall instead of using a TV stand, choose a bed with storage drawers, use mirrors to reflect light and create depth, install floating nightstands instead of bulky furniture, and keep surfaces clear of clutter.
What should I get rid of when downsizing to a smaller home?
When downsizing, prioritize removing: duplicate kitchen items, seasonal items that can be stored off-site, furniture that won't fit the new space, clothing not worn in the past year, and sentimental items that can be digitized (photos, documents). Sell, donate, or store items you're unsure about.
How do I organize a small kitchen?
To organize a small kitchen: install a magnetic knife strip to free up drawer space, use a pegboard or wall-mounted rail for pots and utensils, add a rolling cart for extra counter and storage space, use stackable containers in cabinets, mount a shelf above the sink for dish drying, and keep the counter clear of everything except daily-use appliances.
What is the KonMari method and does it work for small spaces?
The KonMari method (by Marie Kondo) involves decluttering by category rather than room, keeping only items that 'spark joy,' and folding clothes vertically to maximize drawer space. It works particularly well for small spaces because the aggressive decluttering phase dramatically reduces the volume of possessions that need to be organized.
Jason founded On The Go Moving & Storage in Redmond, WA in 2009 and has personally overseen more than 25,000 moves across Greater Seattle. He holds a Washington State Household Goods Mover license (HG-064180) and writes from direct, hands-on experience in the moving industry.
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