Ingenious storage solutions to make the most of every inch of space
Whether you live in a mansion or a smaller space, unless you get your things organized your living space will always feel cluttered and untidy. We've rounded up the most inspired storage hacks to help you get your home in great shape. Marvel at the sheer brilliance and simplicity of these ideas.
Store your hair tools easily
DIY and decorating pro Kathy has come up with a great DIY PVC hairdryer and curling iron stand tutorial. The simple construction allows you to stand multiple hair tools in an easy-to-reach place, so you can worry less about tripping over them on the floor or clogging up your vanity area.
Use your ceiling space
Look up and you might just unlock a whole new world of storage space. The clever team at The Family Handyman have created these DIY sliding storage boxes which can be attached to the roof. You can read a full tutorial detailing exactly how to put this trick together on their website.
Sort and store gift wrapping
Gift-wrapping isn’t just a task for Christmas but also for all the birthdays, anniversaries and other events throughout the year. Make life a little easier for yourself by organizing jumbles of gift bags on a simple stationery rack. This idea from Aunt Peaches keeps wrappings together so they take up less space, as well as making it easier to find the gift bag you want.
Recycle bottles for stationery storage
French teacher and blogger Isabelle came up with a great recycling idea for storing lots of coloring pens and pencils together. Cut one side of a plastic drinks bottle out and stick colored tape around the edge to indicate which pens belong in that bottle and to tame any sharp edges. The bottles can then lie flat in a drawer rather than taking up desk space in a traditional tidy.
Hide treasures with a hinge
This ingenious space-saver keeps your precious pieces securely hidden and within easy reach for when you’re getting ready. Having a small house, The Girl on the Go blogger Kellie came up with this unique idea to create an inventive storage solution which would take up minimum space in her home. Simply adding a hinge to one side of the mirror creates an almost completely flat storage cupboard that's perfect for jewelry and accessories.
Tennis ball shoe storage
Turn any wardrobe into a multipurpose storage space with these clever DIY shoe hangers. The tennis balls are perfect because their round shape and fuzzy coating protects the shoe material and doesn't warp the shape.
Mason jar bathroom product storage
Awkwardly shaped packets of cotton wool balls, pads and other loose items can take over the bathroom if you're not careful. Instead, get super organised with the storage-solver's item of choice, the humble mason jar, like this clever idea from My Creative Days. Wind wire around the neck of the jar and hang them from the walls to make a display of your washroom essentials.
Bag up your bags
The queen of tidying up Marie Kondo says that it's easier to keep things ordered in your home if you store similar things together. She suggests putting smaller bags in one bigger case so you always know where to find them when you're dressing up for an occasion. We suggest going for a cute vintage suitcase for an added shot of style.
LEGO keyring and cable tidy
Never lose your keys again by using a brick keyring and LEGO docking station. Our favorite children's toy has all sorts of uses, and who knew a LEGO man could be so helpful in tidying cables?
Style your wall storage with bed slats
This genius idea from Ich Designer allows you to instantly create a wooden storage wall without hours of DIY. Hang bed slats from two coat hooks drilled into the wall and then use S-hooks on the wooden bars to attach pen pots, plants and baskets for trinkets.
Secret storage for bedding
Spare bedsheets, pillowcases and duvet covers take up a ton of space when they're all folded up. But if you don't have the luxury of an airing cupboard, there's a clever way to keep them out of the way until you need them. Fold them so they're almost flat, and then layer them under your mattress. We promise, however light you sleep, you won't feel a pea.
Hanging bathroom toy storage
Don't let the kids' wet play toys take over the whole bathroom. Instead, get yourself a hanging vegetable storage unit and use the baskets to keep toys tidy like this example from Shelterness. You can also keep your own items (face masks, sponges etc.) in the top basket to keep them neat and out of the way. Get a basket made from coated metal so it doesn't deteriorate in the damp environment.
Store unpackaged batteries in a tackle box
Rarely do you use an entire pack of batteries in one go. But what to do with the loose ones? Instead of letting them roll around a drawer, a fishing tackle box is the perfect storage solution, as this example from Today's Mama shows. You can even separate your AAs from your AAAs, and store those awkward types that only need changing once every five years, so you're ready for the next time.
Use your headboard as a bookcase
There's always room for books, as this idea confirms. You can use a custom-made headboard with spaces ready made,
Ceiling shelves for rarely-needed items
For books and other bits and pieces you don't need every day, install some high shelving in the dead space above doorways, in hallways and alcoves. They also double as a colorful wall feature. Go for 'floating' shelves that don't require brackets and make sure you check how much weight they can carry so you can split the load.
Use a drinks trolley as a tiny bedside table with three tiers
Bedside tables can be extremely inefficient uses of space. So instead try a drinks trolley version like this one from The Every Girl. This gives you three levels of storage, but still tucks into small spaces. Keep your bedside calm and restful by making sure the top shelf is uncluttered and beautiful.
DIY cable organizer
Cables have the potential to take over your whole house, curling into the corners and tangling so badly they're as good as useless. And can you ever find the correct charger when you actually need it? This super-easy DIY project uses toilet rolls to create space for each cable. You just have to remember to put them back when you're finished with them.
In-drawer charging station
Speaking of cables, create yourself a neat charging drawer so you're not always tripping over wires on the floor. Just run a multi-way plug adapter into the drawer and attach (you may need to drill a hole for the power cable), then when you're charging you can close the drawer and keep hidden away.
Back of the door roll tidy
Foil, clingfilm/plastic wrap and other miscellaneous rolls are oddly shaped and hard to store, but this homemade caddy is perfect (and you'll always know where to find wrapping paper and scissors). You can buy these from most home stores or just repurpose a plastic desk file and nail it to the back of a cupboard door so it's out of the way.
Find space for your clothes as decorations
If you're short of wardrobe space, use your clothes as decorations in their own right like this idea from Ram Sam Saa. Purchase a few attractive hangers (large, wooden types suit most decor), and layer your clothes as seen in this picture. Not only will they be a visual in the room, they're also easily accessible, especially handy when you're getting dressed in the dark first thing in the morning.
Stationery station
Children's arts and crafts can take over their whole bedroom (and potentially your house too), so get them into the habit of putting everything away in a trolley that can be wheeled out of the way when it's not in use. Accept that the trolley itself won't be tidy, but that's OK – organized mess is a totally different thing.
Rewire your wardrobe for shoes
If you're a dab hand at crafting, get out your pliers and rewire your wardrobe like this idea from Epbot. It's not as tricky as it sounds! You'll just need to cut into some wire clothes hangers, and curl in the ends until they're smooth, creating stable hanging storage for footwear, from sandals to boots. It's particularly useful for clearing out-of-season shoes out of the bottom of your cupboards.
Hanging shelves
No room for tables? No wall space for shelves? No problem! Hanging shelves are the answer to your prayers. They're also a great way to show off plants and ornaments high up and out of the way. By hanging them from hooks in the ceiling, it also means there's no table legs so it frees up floor space and it looks cool too,
Hang wine glasses on the wine with an old garden rake
Stylish storage that's quirky and useful – what could be better? Use an old garden rake (check Gumtree and Freecycle as well as the back of the shed), clean it up and stick the head on the wall like in this example from The Home Edit. It will provide stable storage for even delicate wine glasses, and frees up shelf space for other crockery.
Space-saving in-sink storage
Storing all your washing up items inside the sink when they're not in use is a neat way to keep everything tidy and organized. It also means you won't get any drips damaging your kitchen surfaces, or leaked washing-up liquid getting everywhere. Plus your worktops will be lovely and minimalist.
Magnetic spice jar storage
Always buying new spices because you can't find the one you need? We all have 10 jars of Garam Masala, don't worry. But these magnetic jars are a neat storage solution. Arrange them on the fridge for a decorative way to make sure you can always find the spices you need. Just don't forget to label them – cinnamon and chili look mighty similar but are very different on a cappuccino.
Cupboard ceiling knife storage
Magnetic knife strips are a brilliant space-saver in the kitchen. But if you don't want young children to pull them off the wall, keep them well out of the way (and nice and tidy) stuck to the ceiling of the cupboard. Easy to access and taking up no essential shelf space.
Baby bottle drying station turned make-up holder
This rubbery grass is usually used for letting baby bottles dry naturally, but it turns out it's the perfect place to keep all your different make-up brushes and sponges while they're drying (after your once-a-week hygiene wash, right?). Just leave them to dry naturally overnight and put everything away in the morning.
Mega-organized medicine storage by ailment
It's important to keep your medicines safe, dry and out of the way of children and pets. But also it's important to keep everything organized and accessible so when you really need something it's easy to find. This simple plastic drawer system from blog A Healthy Slice of Life is ideal. Just arrange by ailment or body part and thank your former self next time you're in need of a cure.
Repurpose spice racks for nail varnish
It sounds obvious, but have you thought of using spice racks for things other than herbs and spices? Nail varnish is the perfect item, as they're the ideal size and make a pretty, colorful display. You can also fit bottles of essential oil and other make-up items if you don't mind messing up the regular rows of varnish bottles.
Store towels on secret shelves over the bathroom door
If you don't have the cupboard space to store clean towels, make your own. No need for an airing cupboard when you can fix a small shelf in the empty space above the bathroom door like this clever idea from The 2 Seasons blog.
Over-sink pedestal storage
If you're lacking in the kitchen storage department then this is the next best thing. A small, neat shelf that stands above the taps is the ideal place to keep all the cleaning products and items you need, as well as plants, garlic, chilies and any other little food items you use on a regular basis.
Peg board jewelry hanger
Peg boards are perfect for storing small items that could easily get lost. Keeping jewelry on them also means it doesn't tangle up and you can always find what you want to wear.
Plastic bags in baby wipe containers
However hard we try to reduce our use of plastic bags, there are always some around. Keep them out of sight and available when you need them by pressing them into a baby wipe bottle. It's amazing how many will fit,
Homemade hanging phone charger
To avoid leaving your mobile phone hanging down the wall or lying across the floor, make this handy holder out of an empty shampoo bottle. It's a simple project and will make sure you phone is kept carefully out of the way while it charges. The Make It Love It blog has the full instructions if you fancy having a go.
Hook remote controls and handheld controllers out of the way
Never lose remote controls and games controllers again. These wall hooks to hang loose items on the walls, or on the inside of cabinets. Just remember to always put them back when you're done.
Shower ring scarf store
To turn one hanger into a multi-hanger all you need are some spare shower rings strung along the lower bar of the hanger. Each one can be used for an individual scarf or other small items like bras or leggings. Ideal for tiny wardrobes and people with a lot of scarves
Color-coded screwdriver shelf for tidy tools
Unless you're a very meticulous DIY fan, it's likely your screwdrivers are strewn all over over your spare room, if you're lucky enough to have one. Keep them organized and easily available for odd jobs by drilling holes into a small piece of wood to store them on the wall like this brilliant project from HGTV. Make it into a work of art by color-coding the handles.
Fold-down desk (that doubles as a storage cabinet)
A fold-down desk is useful if you're not much of a paperwork person. This way, you have access to one when you need it, but it can also double as a handy bureau for all your notes and stationery bits. And you get the top to use as a shelf.
Magnetic knife holders for toy cars
Magnetic knife holders can be used for a whole host of (metal-based) storage. One of our favorite ideas is this toy car storage solution from Just a Girl and her Blog, that keeps the feet-biting critters off the carpet, and allows instant play, as well as being a colorful addition to the walls.
Tupperware taming with a CD rack
Tupperware is the bane of any kitchen, and it's all because of the pesky lids. Closed, the boxes take up too much space, but separate containers from their lids at your peril. However, this clever idea from Essomeorganizing uses a rack (for dishes, CDs, whatever fits your shelves) to make sure the lids all stay in one place, making it easy to find the one that fits your container.
Stack up the fridge
The fridge can get packed up pretty quickly and become more like a Jenga puzzle when you are trying to find the ingredient you need. These simple slide-on storage shelves allow you to make the maximize every bit of fridge space and store loose items easily together.
Under-stair storage that doubles as display
Under the stairs doesn't have to mean a dark cupboard full of everything you don't want to deal with. Instead, make it into a storage feature of its own, with visible book shelves and neat drawers. You could even create a little reading nook if you take out a shelf or two.
Wall-hung yoga mat
Nowhere to keep your yoga mat? Why not turn it into something of a wall feature. This works especially well if you have a funky patterned mat, but even if it's just a block color it'll still brighten up a white wall and exposing it it the light and air will even keep your mat cleaner.
Under-sink storage for garbage bags
Kitchen sundries such as garbage bags take up a ton of space and can be fiddly when you need to reline the bin. To keep them neat, accessible and out of the way, attach them to the inside of your sink cupboard like this hack from Simply Organized. Ideally, attach rollers so you can pull a new bag off easily when you need it.
Raise your bed for storage
If your bed is low to the ground, you're wasting loads of precious space underneath it. But clever designers have fixed that problem by creating bed 'risers', which you can put on each foot of your bed to give yourself extra space beneath. Now, slim storage boxes on wheels are easy to slip underneath the bed to store items you don't use every day.
Make use of all the small corners
Make the most of unused corners of your home to their full potential. For example, if you have a blocked-off fireplace, what are you doing with the space? This is the perfect place to keep books, DVDs and other multimedia or, alternatively, trinkets, photo frames and ornaments you might not otherwise be able to display – as shown here by blogger Diane Again.
Use visible storage jars for odds and ends
Store crayons and similar useful items in easy-to-access food storage tubs made of glass so you can see the contents. It's easy to put away these regularly-used and messy-looking items in drawers and cupboards, but that just encourages buying more when we can't find them. This way, they're on show without getting in the way and it's easy to take them out and return them to keep your small space neat.
Use occasional luggage as storage
The summer holidays are over and you've got a lot of seasonal clothing that you won't need until next year, so free up some wardrobe space by keeping them in your suitcase. By vacuum-packing them first you can squeeze more garments in and easily take them out when you need to use the bag.
Use vertical shelves in the kitchen
Get the most from a small kitchen space by turning cupboard storage on its head. Perfect for stacking platters, chopping boards and even frying pans, you can fit so much more into a space with this trick.
Use magnets to organize a hallway
Here's a clever way to use the underside of a shelf for practical storage bit turning it into a hanger. This clever hack uses magnets to keep umbrellas and keys near to the front door and still off the floor.
Use polystyrene to store earrings safely
Forever looking for the other earring? Try using polystyrene to keep them both together, great for brooches and pins too. If you're feeling crafty you can always upcycle an offcut of fabric to make it look a little more polished.
Keep bits together with a kitchen favorite
Ziplock bags are the ultimate storage hack tool; they are cheap and so very practical. You can use them for almost anything small that needs to be kept together like spare buttons, screws or, as in this case, coloring pencils.
Create a peg scarf holder
If you're partial to a bright scarf but often find them crumpled up at the bottom of a drawer then this easy DIY holder could be perfect. Simply hot glue wooden pegs to a piece of wood, paint and screw into a wall.
Secret in-bath storage
If you have a fitted bath, have a look inside it to see if there's any unused space you can make the most of. These sliding panels might be a job for an expert, but it will make a huge difference to the appearance of your bathroom, and will put all that unused space to good purpose. Still hungry for more? Check out these space-saving kitchen ideas.
Store rolled towels like wine bottles
A mounted wine rack isn’t just useful for your evening glass of red. Attach the stand to the bathroom wall and slot in your rolled-up towels. This stylish method saves you space and your guests will feel like they’re staying with you in a boutique hotel.
Hang pans with their lids
By hanging pans from hooks or a specially-designed stand you can slot each lid over the corresponding handle. This streamlined solution means you won’t have to worry about rooting around for the right-sized lid when it’s time to get the dinner on.
Slot sprays onto a rail
Make the most of your under-sink space by adding an adjustable tension pole. This inexpensive addition offers an extra layer of storage for sprays and bottles which can be accessed in a flash.
Button up your earrings
There’s nothing worse than when you’re in a rush and you can only find one of your matching earrings. This ingenious idea from Pure Wow allows you to keep your jewelry together. Threading your earrings through button holes also makes a decorative feature out of a clever storage solution.
Layer your clothes hangers
If you struggle for wardrobe space, slot hangers down links on a length of chain so you can layer your clothes like YouTuber Wengie has here. Instead of items bulking together at the top of your wardrobe, you can make the most of the space below and fit in a few more of your favorite pieces.
Make your own condiment tray
Food presenter Alton Brown was fed up frantically shaking ketchup and mustard bottles to try and get the sauce to come out. His idea is to cut the lid off an egg box and place it on a shelf in your fridge door. Now you can store your condiments upside down so they’re ready to go when you need a squeeze.
Screw jars underneath a shelf
If your garage or DIY shed is getting out of hand, try screwing the lid of a plastic storage jar to the underneath of a shelf like this example by Benita Larsson. Now any screws, nails or smaller bits and pieces can be gathered together while keeping your workspace clear.
Rethink your ribbons
If you use ribbons for craft-making or gift wrapping, try decorating guru Heather’s great idea from her website, Heathered Nest. Stack the reels in a plastic bag holder and thread the end of each ribbon through a hole. Each piece can be easily accessed while keeping them stacked nice and tidily.
Attach pan lids inside cupboard doors
When setting aside a cupboard for your all pans, you can often find that the lids take up a whole other cabinet on their own. Jayefuu from Instructable.com suggests attaching stick-on hooks to the inside of kitchen cupboard doors. If you slot the pan lids between these hooks they will stay put without costing precious shelf space.
Lift away toys
Lamberts Lately blogger Leslie came up with a simple and inexpensive idea for organizing the children’s playroom. Buy stick-on hooks for the wall and hang storage baskets from them for unruly playthings. This keep the floor space free for more important things, like playing!
Streamline your fishing rods
If you’re a fan of the outdoors and a spot of weekend fishing, then The Family Handyman has a great idea to keep your rods in check. Score slits evenly along a swimmer’s noodle float and slot a rod into each one to keep their lines from tangling.
Separate your screws, bolts and nails
For an easy, low-cost storage option, simply cut the top left-hand quarter of a large laundry detergent container where the lid would be, leaving the handle intact. This useful tip from The Family Handyman means you can store and separate fiddly items like bolts and nails with just a little recycling and a pair of scissors.
File away washcloths
Blogger KC from The Real Thing with the Coake Family had this great idea for organizing washcloths. Store them rolled up in magazine files to keep them streamlined, separated and easily accessible for all the family members. Vertical storage is a particularly good trick if you’re short on shelf space.
Wall-mount your vegetables
These wire baskets are perfect for storing vegetables that don’t need to go in the fridge. Heidi from All That Brings Joy bought these baskets to utilize wasted space behind her kitchen door. She attached them with two simple hooks, meaning the crates can be lifted on and off whenever she needs them. Painting the strip of wall with chalkboard paint is a fun way to label the boxes or write to-do lists.
Store toys as a fun puzzle game
If you struggle to keep the toys in check, try creating storage baskets with fun picture labels on the front of them. Just a Girl and Her Blog writer Abby used heat transfer material to add the shapes to fabric baskets. Putting toys away becomes almost like a fun puzzle, as children match their truck, train track or jigsaw piece with the correct storage box.
Clip your tools together
If you find yourself rummaging around for the right tools when you need to do a DIY job, try attaching things like spanners and wrenches together with a carabiner clip. This idea from Hooniverse is great because you can slot different tools on in size order so they’re quick to navigate. You can pick up carabiners cheaply in lots of outdoor and bargain stores.
Upcycle your garden rake
This Old House came up with this trendy outdoor storage trick using just the head of an old garden rake. The bent spokes become ordered hooks to hang your garden shears, spades and scissors from while adding a touch of vintage style to your outdoor area.
Feature your craft equipment
One way to make sure you can always find tape when you need it is to make a feature out of storing it. Jen from Something Turquoise attached felt pads to the bottom of these pipes for a stylish, no-scratch solution. If you have a craft area like Jen does, the pipes are particularly good for making a real feature out of decorative washi tapes.
Keep towels tidy and dry
There are lots of crafty bloggers utilizing behind-the-door space with nifty tricks and this simple idea by Jenna Burger is perfect for tiny bathrooms. Attach towel rails to the back of the door to free up wall space and keep your washcloths off the floor. The width of the door should allow enough space for the towel to sit flat so its nice and dry for when you hop out of the shower.
Wind your garden hose
If your gangly garden hose is getting in the way, try this trick by Life in a Little Red Farmhouse. Place an extra large planting bucket beneath your outdoor tap and wind the hose inside. Start from the tap end first so that the nozzle stays on the top and it can be neatly deployed around the garden without getting in a knot.
Magnetize your make-up
For make-up hoarders and beauty queens, Liz Marie’s magnetic board is an inventive and decorative way to make the most of your room. This DIY hack involves stretching fabric over a sheet of metal and simply gluing magnets to the back of each product. This way the make-up stays out of the way while still looking cute on a pretty board in your dressing area.
Tidy up toothbrushes
For busy family bathrooms, bedtime can be a hectic time of the day. Save sink space and make sure everyone knows which toothbrush is their own with this cutlery tray trick from Cinnaberry Suite. The divided sections work perfectly for a family of four with space for the toothpaste too. It’s also easy to spray clean and rinse out to keep germs at bay.
Tip spices into Tic Tac tubs
To free up a bit of room in the kitchen cupboards, decant your spices from their mismatch of jars, boxes and packets into empty Tic Tac boxes. Seattle Sundries’ idea is great because the neat rectangular shape allows the tiny boxes to slot together and take up minimum space. They are also super portable for camping trips or weekends away.
Get to grips with office wires
This nifty hack from Polish site Lifehacker offers an inventive and inexpensive way to sort wires across your office desk. These simple stationery clips are available from almost anywhere and allow you to easily hold the wires and chargers you need within instant, organized reach.
Extend your wardrobe
If your wardrobe is bursting at the seams, try using this extendable clothes rail. You can adjust the width and height of this JML model to make the most out of any space and store all the extra clothing you need.
