Running out of places to put your clothes, books or bathroom essentials? These organization hacks for small spaces give you a few more spots to work with.
Think divided bins under the bed, baskets behind a door and a little desk that folds up.
You can keep things simple with a few hooks or choose furniture with storage built in. I especially love the ideas that use an overlooked corner without adding another big cabinet.
Small-space storage ideas worth saving
divided bins under the bed
We’re starting off strong with these divided storage bins. The cream ones are pulled out beside the bed while gray bins sit underneath.
I love how the separate sections keep folded clothes from becoming one big pile.
Measure your bed clearance before choosing yours, then give each compartment its own clothing category.
an entryway behind the door
How cute is this little entryway setup? The black door rack holds hats and gloves in baskets, with hooks for a tote, straps and an umbrella.
If you don’t have room for a console table, try using the back of the door instead. Just check that it still opens and closes properly.
a pegboard for the little things
I am obsessed with this pegboard arrangement. The clipboards, scissors and keys each have a spot, plus there are little baskets and a shallow tray for loose supplies.
Start with the things that keep disappearing from your desk. You don’t have to fill every hook right away.
hanging storage below the sink
That awkward space beside the plumbing doesn’t have to go unused. Here, a white grid hangs beneath the sink with small bins and bottles attached to it.
Try a setup sized around your own pipes, leaving access to the connections. The little containers are a nice way to separate supplies without stacking everything on the floor.
Read also: 20 Shed Tool Storage Ideas for a More Organized Space
baskets above the doorway
Have you looked above your door lately? This shelf holds three matching baskets with folded linens on top.
It’s such a pretty use of a spot that’s easy to overlook.
I’d save this kind of storage for lightweight things you don’t reach for every day. Keep any ceiling safety devices clear when planning your shelf.
a cart for study supplies
This study cart may just be one of my favorites here. I love the pink stationery cups and the headphones hanging from the side.
Books and notebooks fill the lower trays instead of taking over a desktop.
Try grouping pens at the top and extra notebooks below. For a similar glow near paper supplies, choose battery-operated lights.
clear bins with little labels
If you are looking for a way to sort a crowded closet, this one gives you plenty of inspo. Clear lidded bins are stacked in columns, with small labels on the fronts.
Keep your own stacks manageable rather than copying the full height. The things you use most should be easy to grab without moving several boxes.
tools on a wall strip
Don’t want your screwdrivers rolling around in a drawer? No problem! This wall strip holds a row of tools with their handles hanging down.
Try a magnetic tool holder rated for the tools you want to store. I’d keep sharp tools in a secure spot out of children’s reach.
a bench full of stationery
Okay, this is such a good use of a storage bench. Lift the lid and there are divided trays for pens, scissors, notebooks and loose papers.
There’s even a little pinboard inside the lid.
Read also: 20 Embroidery Supply Storage Ideas for Floss, Hoops and Tools
If your work supplies live in the bedroom, try removable organizers inside a suitable storage bench. No need to leave everything spread across the bed.
a wall station for paperwork
I love this shelf with its row of matching labeled files. The peg rail below holds headphones, a small cable basket and a green bag, while two bigger baskets hang underneath.
Give incoming papers one basket and things ready to put away another. That’s the little extra step I’d add to this setup.
baskets beside your hangers
Not everything needs a hanger, right? These hanging black baskets make room for folded clothes right beside the tops.
The lower rail still holds jeans, shirts and jackets.
Try a hanging organizer if you need more folded storage than hanging space. Check your closet rail’s weight limit before loading it up.
cubbies beneath the mattress
If you are looking for lots of storage beneath a bed, this picture shows the idea clearly. Open white cubbies run below the raised mattress, with drawers along part of the base.
Read also: 20 Attic Storage Ideas for a Slanted Ceiling
For your own version, choose a bed designed with load-rated storage underneath. Ordinary shelving isn’t automatically suitable for supporting a mattress and sleepers.
a slim bathroom cabinet
This narrow white cabinet fits into the gap beside the toilet, with a vase on its light brown top. I love how little room it takes up.
Measure those overlooked bathroom gaps before shopping. A slim cabinet could give spare toiletries a home without adding a wide shelving unit.
a hanging shower basket
Don’t want bottles lined up around the shower floor? This hanging black basket brings them together in one spot.
The chains meet at a ring above the bottles and tubes.
Choose a shower organizer with a suitable mounting point and weight rating. Keep it clear of the shower controls.
bags inside the cabinet door
This is a simple idea worth saving. A black basket hangs inside the cabinet door to hold spare bags, while a pale towel hangs on the outside.
Read also: 20 Organization Life Hacks for Tidier Drawers, Cabinets and Closets
I especially like the opening near the bottom of the basket. Before adding one, check that the basket and hooks won’t catch on your shelves when the door closes.
a desk that folds away
How cute is this little desk? The open front makes a surface for a laptop and mouse, with shelves and small drawers just above it.
If a full-size desk would crowd your room, look for a fold-down version like this. Leave enough space around it to work without blocking the walkway.
shoes tucked into tilt-out storage
I am obsessed with this slim gray shoe cabinet. The open lower compartment shows shoes lined up inside rather than scattered across the entrance.
The top has a little lamp, a tray and upright papers. I’d keep a small key tray there too, so your everyday essentials have a spot beside your shoes.
round trays in a corner
Deep corners can be tricky to organize. This cupboard has round trays stacked through the corner, with straight shelves continuing along the sides.
For a similar idea, try turntables sized to your shelves. Make sure they can rotate freely before filling them with jars or other small supplies.
a narrow shelf behind the sofa
I love this long console tucked between the sofa and the wall. Books, framed pictures and a small vase sit along the top, with a remote nearby.
If you have a similar gap, a narrow console could give you somewhere to put those little things. Keep the everyday items near an end where you can reach them.
book storage on the side
Last but definitely not least, we have this tall peg rack attached to the side of a bookcase. A stack of books sits at the bottom while the shelves alongside are already filled.
It’s a fun spot to consider for extra book storage. If you want to try something similar, choose a rack designed to support books and follow its mounting instructions.