3 Ways to Manage Small Spaces The Easy Way
In small spaces, there isn't any room for large furniture pieces or lots of stuff. So, to make the space functional, people need to be creative in where they store items. Storing items on walls helps maximize storage space in a small room. Here are some of my little spaces storage ideas that helped me and my family store our stuff.
Long shelves with a ledge work great in kid's room. I purchased these recently at IKEA (the link is the white version). These black ledge shelves were a little different from their standard shelves and were - get this - on clearance. I was in luck; I spent very little all of them. We used the top large one to hold my daughter's ukulele and her bracelet collection. Framed pictures display nicely on them as well.
The smaller shelves hold the tablet and cell phone for charging and watching the tablet in bed. The ledge helps keep things on the shelf. We moved the bed about 8-10 inches from the wall and added the shallow ledge shelves to make a makeshift night stand against the wall. This will also help my child make her bed easier. It's a win-win for all. 😉
A year or so ago, I bought these corner shelves for my bedroom because I wanted to get rid of a tall, bulky bookshelf I only used to hold old books I read and reference books. I decided that I wanted the books with the rest of my collection which was in my office, so I moved them out of my bedroom. But, I still had small pictures and other things I wanted to display in my room, so I picked up these corner shelves from IKEA(not sure if they carry them anymore) and my husband and I caulked the space between the wall and the shelf to make it look like they were original built-ins. I love them.
Recently, I created this mason jar project for my bathroom. Mason jars and copper wire with wood backing, check out the step-by-step instructions. These mason jars are working out great in my vanity area. Since my daughter and I use them, I can see at a glance when these items need to be replaced. Very cool.
The best thing about living in a smaller house is that I can use my creativity to organize the spaces. I do have to measure and figure out how much space I have though. It helps me use my imagination and keeps me from buying anything too large for the room. Sure, I would love to have all the space in the world, but with all the space, I would have more to do more to keep up with those spaces. I rather be helping others organize or cook meals for friends and family. Do you have a small home? What is your favorite way to safe space in your home? Please leave a message below.
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I love being creative with storage. Bigger isn't always better, right?
I totally agree.
I love the sponges, idea! I can't tell you how many sponges I purchase and never can locate one when I need it. The shelving is great too. Are they difficult to mount on the walls?
Not really, there have little hooks on the shelves in the back. We used drywall screws with anchors. The mason jars project was a little more difficult, we had to get the right hooks to attach to the back.
I love that mason jar project!!!!!
Great ideas. I like any ideas for limited space. I recently have begun getting rid of useless stuff I have not used in a while. As a result, I was able to consolidate many of my other items. I will use some of your ideas to store them
I've just moved into a smaller house. It still has lots of room for what we need, but there were areas where I needed to get better organized to use the space. It feels to good to get organized and get by with less space. I like the shelves you've used in your daughter's bedroom.
I have more house than I'll ever use but my son has a 450 sq.foot condo so we're always looking for storage ideas. I like the idea of using the shelf for a night table - will check that one out.
I know so many people that move just because they can't manage the stuff in their space. It's sad. My goal is to help people manage the smaller spaces so they don't have to move. Thanks for stopping by.
I always love organizing tips! It seems I'm always fighting a losing battle with all the "stuff". And IKEA is a great place to get supplies without spending a ton of money.
Very true. Love that place.
I recently watched a documentary movie called Tiny about people who build and live in houses that are only a few hundred square feet. If you haven't seen it you might enjoy watching the creative ways they use the space in these small homes.
I haven't had a chance to see that one yet. I do love the show on FYI called Tiny House Nation. It's very inspiring. Thanks for stopping by.
Clever! Especially that Mason Jar!!!
Some great ideas here. My husband and I are in the house buying phase to downsize so I'm all into reading about smaller spaces! In particular I like the reminder of corner shelving. Thanks.