When you’re running out of storage space, it’s easy to assume you need another cabinet or a bigger closet. But there may be room for more right where you are, from the narrow gap beside your refrigerator to the empty wall above a doorway.
These 7 ideas can help you use overlooked spaces without making your home feel more cluttered.
Put high, hard-to-reach spaces to work
A shelf above a bathroom or closet doorway can hold spare towels, extra toilet paper, or other lightweight items you don’t need every day. You can also make better use of upper closet shelves with labeled bins, keeping frequently used belongings lower down where they’re easier to reach.
Organize the space beneath the stairs
The area under a staircase can become a useful storage spot with a few shelves, hooks, or labeled bins. Give seasonal decorations, luggage, and other bulky items designated places instead of letting everything pile up, and keep access to utilities clear.
Use the space above your kitchen cabinets
The cabinet above your refrigerator is a handy spot for lightweight items you don’t use often, such as extra paper towels or party supplies. If your cabinets don’t reach the ceiling, you can also place covered baskets on top to hold occasional-use items while keeping dust and cooking grease off them.
Make the most of the backs of doors
The back of a pantry or closet door can hold an organizer for snacks, accessories, pet supplies, or other small items that get lost on shelves. Inside bathroom vanity doors, use compact baskets or hooks for cleaning supplies and hair tools, and make sure they won’t prevent the cabinet from closing.
Slide a narrow rack beside an appliance
That slim gap between your refrigerator and the wall might be wide enough for a rolling storage rack. Measure carefully before buying one, and make sure it won’t block the ventilation space your appliance needs.
Take garage storage off the floor
Install wall hooks, shelves, or a slatwall system to organize tools, sports equipment, and other supplies that tend to pile up in the garage. If your garage has suitable overhead space, a properly installed ceiling rack can hold infrequently used items without interfering with the garage door.
Choose furniture with hidden storage
A storage ottoman, coffee table with drawers, or side table with a lower shelf can hold blankets, games, toys, and other everyday clutter. Before buying something new, check whether the furniture you already own has storage space you can clear out and use better.
