Most living quarters are smaller than they were in the past and so there is an increased need for storage. The cost of square footage has risen, not only in terms of mortgage payment or rent, but also in heating, cooling and maintaining. Tiny houses are cozy and wonderful. As long as you can figure out where to store your stuff, you can live comfortably with less space.
Here are some ideas for squeezing usage out of teeny spaces:
Lidded Storage Boxes
- Many furnishings have hidden components. Captains beds allow homeowners to sleep on a mattress positioned above a chest of drawers. A sofa-bed allows a guest room to be tucked into the couch. That antique trunk turned coffee table is a great rectangle of tuck away ability. Benches and ottomans with hinged lids provide another hiding spot. Below the bed storage boxes which are flat enough to push underneath are wonderful places to store wrapping paper, board games and important documents.
- Add additional space to the closets. Adding a few more shelves will double the storability. Having two hanging rods parallel to each other will allow skirts, pants and shirts to be hung right above and below each other.
- Minuscule kitchens can be amped up in terms of storage with a few tricks. A pots and pan hanger will free up cupboards and provide a cool design statement. Lazy Susan turn-styles will spin your cupboards into viewable use. No more hidden spices! Also, hang on the wall whatever you can-the electric can opener, mugs and cups on hooks beneath cabinets, and wine glasses hung upside down in wooden slats.
- In the bathroom, it doesn't matter if the cabinetry is practically non-existent. Use baskets and wicker shelves. Roll up towels and washcloths for an attractive and colorful display. Store makeup and toiletries in attractive bins, even toilet paper is pretty when displayed in a wicker basket.
- Garages can be wall-to-wall tool hanging dens. Yard tools and carpentry items take up very little room when hung by hooks and pressed into metal slats. Peg boards are another great way to utilize wall space.
Items may be stashed on a flat board atop the rafters. Storage containers in the garage don't have to be pricey. Cut off the top of plastic milk cartons or detergent bottles. Save pickle, olive, peanut butter and baby food jars. These provide free, clear glass, lidded containers for screws, nails and drill bits.
With a bit of creativity and forethought, a small home can be made to feel large with all of its "found" storage capability.