How to Use Everyday Items to Create Custom Storage Solutions in a Small House

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Maximizing Under-Bed Storage

One of the most underutilized spaces in a small house is beneath the bed. You can create efficient storage here by repurposing items such as old drawers from a discarded dresser. Simply add wheels for easy access and drawer pulls for convenience. You can line the drawers with fabric or shelf liners for a clean look. To increase space further, use bed risers to lift the bed higher, creating more room for storage underneath.

Under-bed storage bins made from repurposed drawers or sturdy boxes can store out-of-season clothing, shoes, or extra linens, keeping your room clutter-free without using precious closet space.[1]

Using Tension Rods for Extra Storage

Tension rods are inexpensive and versatile tools to add storage in small spaces without permanent installation. They can be used inside cabinets to create vertical dividers or extra shelves. For example, in the kitchen, tension rods can hold baking sheets, cutting boards, or pot lids upright, making them easier to access and organize.

In closets or laundry rooms, tension rods serve as additional hanging space, either for drying clothes or extending your wardrobe storage. This is especially useful when every inch of hanging space counts.[1]

Over-the-Door Storage Ideas

Make use of the backs of doors for extra storage with over-the-door hooks, racks, or pocket organizers. These can store shoes, toiletries, cleaning supplies, or pantry items. Over-the-door storage is a simple and affordable way to reclaim often overlooked space and reduce clutter in small areas without affecting room functionality.

Fabric or plastic pocket organizers can keep small items organized by category, perfect for a bathroom or kitchen pantry door. Metal racks are ideal for shoes or pantry cans.[1]

Repurposing Drawers and Boxes

Old drawers, wooden crates, or sturdy boxes can be creatively used as storage containers in various rooms. Drawer units can be stacked or mounted on wheels, transformed into rolling carts for craft supplies or office materials.

Shoeboxes or other small boxes can be decorated and used as drawer dividers or desktop organizers. These everyday items allow customization of your storage without buying expensive, bulky furniture and help keep small items visible and easy to access.

Creating Vertical Storage with Baskets and Pegboards

Vertical wall space is often ignored but is a valuable asset in small homes. Use baskets mounted on walls to store frequently used items in kitchens, bathrooms, or craft rooms. Pegboards are an excellent tool for hanging tools, accessories, or kitchen utensils. They create a customizable and attractive storage solution where items are both visible and accessible.

Framing a pegboard can help it blend into your decor and make an impressive organizational feature. It can hold everything from hats and scarves in bedrooms to craft supplies or spices in kitchens.

DIY Hanging Storage Bins and Wall Organizers

Recycled containers, coat racks, or similar household items can become hanging storage bins to hold utensils, tools, or beauty supplies. Hanging these on walls frees up counter or drawer space and keeps items within reach. This solution is easy and cost-effective, ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, or craft rooms.

You can use small baskets or containers mounted with adhesive strips or hooks, or create customized bins from recycled materials.

Transforming Closets with Everyday Tools

Closets can be maximized by adding simple tools like tension rods or small dressers to fill lower empty spaces. Using office bookends inside closets or drawers to vertically separate clothes and accessories helps keep items organized and easier to find.

Stackable plastic bins and baskets further help corral clutter. Another tip is to hang many items, such as belts or ties, on pegboards hung inside the closet door or on walls near your wardrobe, creating more space and visual order.[1]

Multi-Functional Furniture and Rolling Carts

Furniture that doubles as storage is crucial for small homes. Rolling carts made from old drawers or crates can store an array of items — from craft supplies to office materials — and can be moved where needed. Multi-functional furniture like ottomans with storage inside, beds with drawers underneath, or side tables with built-in baskets can dramatically increase room organization without crowding space.

DIY projects allow customization of these pieces to fit your design and storage needs perfectly.

Creative Kitchen Storage Hacks

In the kitchen, everyday items can be repurposed to solve storage challenges. For example:

  • Use glass jars to store nuts, bolts, spices, or small baking supplies neatly and visibly.
  • Install tension rods inside cabinets to organize lids, baking sheets, or cutting boards.
  • Craft hanging storage bins from recycled containers for utensils or towels.
  • Canvas fabric and wood crates can be converted into pantry baskets to keep food items orderly.

These methods streamline kitchen space, making cooking and cleaning more efficient.

Garage and Workshop Storage Using Household Jars

Empty Mason or glass jars are perfect for organizing small hardware like nails, screws, or bolts in garages or workshops. These jars keep items visible and prevent them from getting lost in drawers or boxes.

You can mount jar lids under shelves to screw jars on upside down for even more space-saving and easy access. This technique uses everyday household jars and prevents the need for expensive storage bins.

This article presents practical, low-cost, and customizable ideas for maximizing storage in small homes by creatively repurposing everyday household items. Whether by innovating under-bed storage, using tension rods, or transforming closets and kitchens, these solutions leverage the space you have without large investments or remodeling. Implementing even a few of these ideas can bring significant organization and peace of mind to small living spaces.

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[1] https://restore.tchabitat.org/blog/9-ways-to-make-your-own-storage-solutions
[2] https://academicsuccess.ucf.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2020/04/Creating_Clickable_Table_of_Content_Word_PC_and_Mac.pdf
[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CEmc9NbHVk

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