40 Practical Storage Ideas for Small Spaces

You’ve always known how important it is to keep your space clean and tidy, and it’s especially valuable when you’re going off to college or moving into your first apartment. You’ll likely be working with less space than you’re used to — dorms are tiny and first apartments are typically pretty compact — plus, you may have to navigate living with roommates. To help you plan your new space or revamp your current small quarters, we’ve compiled some of our favorite ideas to optimize your space.

Read on for 40 of the best storage ideas for small spaces or jump to the section you want to focus on.

Small Apartment Storage
Study Space Storage
Storage Ideas for Small Bedrooms
Wall Storage Ideas
Clothing Storage Ideas
Bathroom Storage Ideas

Organization Tips

No matter where you’re starting out — in a new space or the same place you’ve lived for a while — organization is key to keeping your home practical and clean. Think about the space you’re dealing with and the storage options you’re starting out with. Do you need to add in your own shelves or storage furniture? What’s the closet like? Get an idea of what you’re working with, and go from there.

Go through what you already have and cut down on what you don’t need. If there’s anything that you don’t use very often or a piece of clothing that you’ve never worn, it’s probably best to part with it. You don’t need anything that’s not important taking up precious space. Also keep in mind the frequency of use and seasonality of your belongings. If you’ll need to store winter clothes or you only use that one kitchen item around the holidays, make sure you have ample storage solutions to tuck it all away.

From organizing your whole space to tidying a room, we’ve got lots of storage ideas for small spaces below for the ultimate organization inspiration.

Small Apartment Storage

First apartments are typically pretty small. If you live alone, you’re likely working with a studio or a one bedroom that’s anything but spacious, so it’s time to get creative. Lots of these tips can be applied to dorm rooms as well, so don’t be afraid to adapt.

1. Entryway Storage

Even if you don’t have a formal entryway, designating some storage space by your front door will help keep your keys, wallet, purse or bookbag easily accessible and out of your main living area. A narrow bench gives you space to set things down when you walk in the door, plus room for a few pairs of shoes underneath.

2. Entryway Mirror 

Pieces that serve more than one purpose are critical when it comes to optimizing small spaces. An entryway mirror with a small shelf or hooks will give you plenty of storage for your daily items without compromising on floor space.

3. Multi-purpose Furniture

This is one of the most practical tricks that you can use anywhere in your space. Pick out a bed with storage or a side table with cubbies so it’s more than just a place to set down a mug.

4. Kitchen Storage

You’re probably learning how to cook for yourself for the first time ever, so optimizing your kitchen space is a must! Keep countertop clutter to a minimum with tiered shelving to store pantry items or your go-to utensils.

5. Entertainment Storage

Entertainment is a must no matter how big your space is. A console table or media center is designed to organize your TV, stereo and wires. If you’re really looking to optimize your space, mount your TV on the wall and store all other media items in a small cabinet.

6. Laundry and Linens

It’s likely you don’t have a laundry room or linen closet in your small space, and if you’re lucky enough to have one, it’s likely pretty cramped. When possible, make sure you get a stacking washer-dryer unit to optimize floor space and include wall shelving and hangers for extra linens.

Study Space Storage

Creating a space where you can be productive is important to making your home work for you. Whether you’re studying hard for classes or crafting your first home office, we’ve got some great solutions for your study and office space.

7. Wall Desk

Only buying one unit that encompasses your desk and shelving space is a smart storage move. A wall desk unit gives you plenty of work space and doesn’t compromise on floor space as much as a traditional desk. If you don’t need as much storage space, a wall desk that folds and has its own USB chargers is practical and compact.

8. Desk Organizers

Classic and practical, desk organizers can keep all of your things neat and easily accessible. From pens and paper to paper clips and a stapler, various desk organizers will give everything a place. Upgrade to a tech caddy to keep all of your electronics charged and ready to go.

9. Pinboard

Simple and classic, a pinboard is one of the most useful tools. From reminding you about appointments to displaying some of your favorite pictures, this is a must-have for any study space. If your study space also happens to be your living room or bedroom, it can be the hub for all of your daily reminders.

10. Organize Your Wires

It’s tricky to keep everything on your desk organized without keeping wires in mind. Use binder clips or zip ties to keep everything going in the same direction. Keep a power strip underneath your desk or even mounted on the wall to keep all of your cords centralized and devices powered.

11. Elevate Your Monitor

A desk riser is a simple way to optimize your desk space. Boost up your monitor or laptop and gain cubby space underneath for extra storage.

12. Lap Desk

If your space is super tight or you’re just working off a laptop or tablet most of the time, a lapdesk can help bridge the gap between having a functional workspace and optimizing all of your space. Tuck it behind the couch or under your bed when not in use, and bring it out when you need some mobile office space to work with.

Storage Ideas for Small Bedrooms

Your bedroom is an important place to keep neat and tidy. After all, you spend one third of your time sleeping, so why not do it in a clean and organized space? Check out some of our favorite storage solutions for small bedrooms.

13. Bed Frame Storage

A bed frame with built-in storage is the best place to start with bedroom storage. Whether you opt for drawer units underneath or a headboard with storage, you can easily replace a nightstand and free up valuable floor space.

14. Under Bed Storage

Classic bed risers are a great way to give your dorm or apartment bed a boost. You easily gain more space for baskets, bins and other storage. Think about tucking your seasonal clothing and extra bedding under here to free up valuable closet space.

15. Loft Bed

If you’re still cramped for space, a loft bed is a great way to amplify your room. Adding some height will give you plenty of sleeping space and a study spot with the same footprint. There’s plenty of room underneath for a small shelf and dresser as well.

16. Trundle Bed

For a spare room, a trundle bed can expand for more sleeping space if you have a crowd coming over. You don’t have to compromise valuable floor space on a regular basis either. Plus, you don’t have to worry about storing an extra air mattress.

17. Dresser

A dresser is a classic piece of furniture that can tuck underneath your loft bed. If you’re compromised on floor space, put it next to your bed to serve as a nightstand as well. The surface area on top is just as valuable as the drawers!

18. Jewelry Storage

Don’t lose track of your favorite earrings! A jewelry organizer on your nightstand will help keep your favorite pieces organized and from tangling.

19. Multi-purpose Mirror

Optimize your wall space and always get a good look at yourself with a full-length mirror with storage. The narrow shelves on the back can help you organize magazines and accessories without compromising other shelf or closet space. For a stylish variation, a pinboard mirror can keep all of your reminders for the week organized.

20. Trunk

Perfect for seasonal storage, a trunk can hold on to all of those things you don’t need on a daily basis. Since you won’t be opening it daily, the top can serve as a nightstand or bench at the foot of your bed. If you’re still tight on floor space, a trundle trunk can slide easily under your bed.

Wall Storage Ideas

Whether you’re decorating your first kitchen or you just need a place to put your jacket when you get home, wall space is a valuable resource for storage. Keep things off tabletops and the floor with some of our favorite wall storage ideas for small spaces.

21. Hooks

Practical and stylish, wall hooks are a great solution for keeping things organized and off the floor. Individual hooks are great for small spaces or when you need an extra space in your closet, while hook units are perfect for entryways.

22. Wall Lighting

While it’s not exactly a storage idea, wall lights and sconces can get your lighting off the floor or table and give you more space as a result. Putting a sconce over your bed can eliminate the need for a bedside lamp and a few fixtures in your living room make it easy to forgo floor lamps.

23. Wall Shelves

There are plenty of options when it comes to wall shelves. Floating shelves are a sleek, classic option if you’re looking to keep decor and books off of tabletops. Without visible brackets or mounts, floating shelves provide an elegant solution. Upgrade to a shelf unit with a hanging bar on the bottom for extra space to put your bags or outfits for the week.

24. Wall Organizer

From shoes and hats to keys and purses, a wall organizer can keep things that would otherwise get scattered in their designated spots. Pair them with wall hooks for a complete wall organization unit.

Laundry and Closet Organization Ideas

Clean laundry is always a must, so be sure you’re off to a great start with everything you need to be organized. Check out some of our favorite organization ideas for your closet and laundry.

25. Drying Rack

Whether it’s attached to the wall or folds up and away when you don’t need it, a drying rack is a versatile tool to keep you organized. Dry your delicates or bring it to your closet while you’re putting things away to help organize your hanging items.

26. Laundry Bag

No matter if you’re in a dorm or your first apartment, a place to put your dirty laundry is a must. A laundry bag is lighter and easier to carry than a hamper, plus you can hang it on a hook on the back of your door to save valuable floor space.No matter if you’re in a dorm or your first apartment, a place to put your dirty laundry is a must. A laundry bag is lighter and easier to carry than a hamper, plus you can hang it on a hook on the back of your door to save valuable floor space.

27. Hanging Closet Organizer

A hanging closet organizer is one of the most practical tools to optimize your closet space. Hung on the bar in your closet, this organizer offers plenty of soft storage cubbies.

28. Bins and Baskets

Bins and baskets can easily be tucked into your hanging organizer to mimic drawers or on the top shelf of your closet. Slide them underneath hanging clothes or under your bed to truly optimize your space.

29. Storage Rack

Perfect if you’re tight on hanging space or don’t have a closet, a storage rack offers hanging space and a small platform to place a basket or a few pairs of shoes. This can easily be tucked in the corner of your bedroom and out of the way.

30. Armoire

If you don’t have a closet, don’t worry! An armoire is an all-in-one closet storage solution that can organize your clothes perfectly. With hanging, drawer and shelf space, you’ll never be at a loss for storage.

31. Shoe Storage

The last thing you should do in a small space is kick your shoes just anywhere. A designated shoe rack will always give you a place to store your sneakers and heels.

32. Tiered Hangers

For items like pants, skirts, ties and scarves, a tiered hanger can keep them uniformly organized and from taking up too much valuable space on your closet hanging racks.

33. Over-the-Door Rack

The back of your closet or bedroom door is the perfect space for creating your own hanging space. Reserve it for your book bag, coat or laundry bag to give everything a space of its own.

34. Vacuum Bags

Bulky sweaters and winter coats don’t need to be out year-round or taking up space in your storage baskets. Condense them down when warm weather comes with vacuum pack bags.

Bathroom Storage Ideas

Keeping your bathroom organized is a great way to optimize a small space. Here are some of our favorite storage ideas for bathrooms.

35. Mirror Storage

Optimize your wall space with a medicine cabinet or mirror shelf. Tuck away small things that would normally clutter your counter space, either inside the cabinet or on the small shelf. Everything you need will be easily accessible and out of the way.

36. Shower Caddy

Perfect for communal dorm bathrooms, shower caddies are also great for your first apartment if you’re sharing a bathroom with a roommate. You can tuck it into your closet or under your desk when not in use.

37. Cosmetics Storage

Instead of keeping all of your cosmetics dumped in a drawer or wherever they land on the counter, invest in some organizers. Brushes, powders and bottles can have designated spaces so looking your best in the morning is easy.

38. Towel Hooks

Instead of taking up lots of wall space with long towel racks, a set of individual hooks will make hanging up your towel after every shower more practical.

39. Under-Sink Space

If you lack a designated vanity or counter space in your bathroom, take advantage of the room underneath your sink with tiered shelves or basket storage.

40. Over-The-Toilet Storage

Take advantage of the space above your toilet to hang floating shelves or a towel bar for optimized storage. It’ll keep things off your countertop and free up valuable floor space.

Feeling inspired? It’s time to get organized! Your small space is just an empty canvas waiting to be decorated and used in a practical way, so be sure to consider all of the ways you can optimize it.

Now that your small space is organized, learn how to choose a rug to make the most of it.