Small Space, Big Style: Clever DIY Storage Solutions

We partnered with a home improvement company for this post. The opinions in the post are honest. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on our personal views. We are excited because we know you will love it.

When you’re living in a small space—be it a cozy apartment, compact condo, or a downsized home—clutter becomes your number one enemy. But the solution isn’t just to purge. With a little creativity and a touch of DIY, you can unlock clever storage solutions that make every square foot count without sacrificing style. Let’s explore how you can make your small space feel bigger, more organized, and design-forward—all on a budget.

Think Vertical – Maximize Wall Space

In small spaces, your walls are your best friends. The key is to think beyond hanging pictures.

Floating shelves are one of the most flexible and stylish ways to use wall space. Whether you're displaying books, indoor plants, or framed art, they add both function and flair. Install them above desks, near the ceiling, or even above doorways to utilize overlooked real estate.

Pegboards are another vertical lifesaver. In entryways, kitchens, or craft areas, you can hang anything from utensils to keys to scissors—customizing it for form and function. Paint them to match your decor or leave them minimalist and raw for an industrial look.

Wall-mounted baskets or wire grids can hold magazines, mail, or pantry items. These lightweight organizers are easy to install and come in endless shapes and sizes, so they suit nearly every room and style.

Multi-Functional Furniture Magic

When your floor space is limited, every piece of furniture should earn its keep.

Storage ottomans can hide away blankets, board games, or even shoes while doubling as extra seating or a coffee table. Benches with lift-up seats in entryways or under windows offer great storage without taking up more visual space.

Invest in a bed frame with built-in drawers or slide under-bed boxes to utilize that large chunk of real estate often left unused. If you’re handy, consider building a DIY platform bed with storage cubbies underneath—a custom solution that also looks stunning.

In dining areas or home offices, drop-leaf tables or fold-down desks that include built-in shelving are life-savers. You get functionality when you need it, and space back when you don’t.

Under-the-Bed Storage Hacks

What’s hidden under your bed? If the answer is “dust and lost socks,” you're missing a massive opportunity.

Roll out DIY storage bins made from repurposed crates or shallow wooden boxes fitted with caster wheels. These are perfect for shoes, seasonal clothing, or bulky linens.

If you need more compression, vacuum-sealed bags are your best bet. They keep items dust-free and compact, saving serious space.

Don't forget low-profile sliding drawers designed to fit under most bed frames. Label them, organize them, and your under-bed zone becomes a high-functioning storage machine.

Behind-the-Door Genius

Doors offer surprising amounts of untapped storage, and you don’t need to be a pro carpenter to take advantage.

Over-the-door organizers are ideal for shoes, cleaning products, or accessories like scarves and hats. They're inexpensive, install in seconds, and make use of space that usually goes ignored.

In your bathroom or pantry, try fabric organizers or hanging shelves to hold toiletries, towels, or snacks. They’re perfect for renters who want temporary solutions without drilling.

Inside cabinet doors, install magnetic strips for spices, knives, or tools—or mount small hooks or tension rods to hang measuring cups or cleaning rags.

Creative Closet Makeovers

Closets are notorious for wasted space. But with a few smart tweaks, yours can become a storage powerhouse.

Start by adding a second hanging rod below the top one for shorter items like shirts or pants. Suddenly, your vertical closet space doubles.

Use stackable drawers, clear bins, and shelf dividers to compartmentalize your belongings. Label them clearly to make finding items quick and easy.

Consider mounting sliding baskets or pull-out trays inside closet shelves for easier access to items in the back. You’ll avoid the dreaded “closet dig” for missing scarves or accessories.

Kitchen Storage That Works Hard

Kitchens are often the most storage-challenged spaces, especially in small apartments. But they also offer dozens of clever storage opportunities.

Install a tension rod under the sink to hang spray bottles, freeing up cabinet space for other supplies.

Use stackable pantry bins or pull-out cabinet organizers to maximize vertical space. Think cereal containers, can racks, and lazy Susans for better visibility and access.

Don’t forget DIY spice racks that mount inside cabinet doors or along unused backsplash areas. You’ll declutter your counters and add a touch of organization that feels professional.

Stylish + Smart Décor Ideas

Storage doesn't have to look like storage. With a bit of design savvy, you can create solutions that enhance your home’s aesthetic while serving a purpose.

Decorative baskets and boxes can hold anything from remote controls to extra chargers—and they look good doing it. Opt for woven textures, bold colors, or minimal neutrals to match your vibe.

Repurpose a ladder as a blanket holder in the living room or use it in the bathroom for hanging towels. It’s functional wall art at its best.

Build or buy a window seat with storage—a cozy reading nook that also hides away off-season clothes, toys, or holiday decorations.

Conclusion

Living in a small space doesn’t mean living with less—it means living smarter. With the right storage strategies, you can transform cramped rooms into stylish sanctuaries where every object has a home and every corner serves a purpose.

Remember, the best storage solutions are the ones that match your lifestyle and reflect your personality. Start with just one or two ideas this weekend, and you’ll be amazed at how much more spacious—and stylish—your home can feel.

For even more ideas on smart living, clever design, and budget-friendly home upgrades, explore resources like Homely Wisdom—a hub for practical inspiration that turns everyday spaces into extraordinary places.

9 Signs You Need to Get a Storage Unit

We all have stuff. Whether it's the bike you haven't ridden in years, the collection of books that is slowly taking over your living room, or the seasonal decorations that only come out once a year, we all have items that we want to keep but don't necessarily need on a daily basis. That's where storage units come in—they provide a convenient and secure location for your belongings when space at home is limited. But how do you know if you actually need a storage unit? Here are nine signs that it may be time to consider getting one.

Your Home or Office is Cluttered and Disorganized

If you find yourself constantly tripping over items or struggling to find important documents in your space, it may be a sign that you need a storage unit. A cluttered and disorganized environment can not only cause stress and frustration, but also decrease productivity and efficiency. By storing away items that are not frequently used, you can keep your home or office space clean and organized.

Limited Storage Space

If your living or working space lacks built-in storage options such as closets or cabinets, getting a storage unit can help alleviate the issue. For businesses, having limited inventory space can hinder growth and expansion opportunities. A storage unit can provide the extra space needed to store inventory and free up valuable space in your office for other purposes.

Having limited storage space at home is a common problem, especially for those who live in smaller apartments or houses. As we accumulate more possessions over time, it can become increasingly challenging to find enough room to store everything. Utilizing a storage unit can provide the extra space needed to keep your belongings without sacrificing living space. This is particularly useful for seasonal items or sentimental items that you may not want to get rid of but don't need on a regular basis.

Moving or Downsizing

Whether you're moving to a smaller space or decluttering before a big move, a storage unit can come in handy for storing items that you want to keep but don't have room for at the moment. It can also make the moving process smoother and less overwhelming. Instead of trying to figure out what to do with all your belongings at once, you can gradually move them into a storage unit, such as one from Handy Storage, and then take your time unpacking and organizing in your new space.

Seasonal Items

There are certain items that we only use during specific seasons, such as holiday decorations or winter clothes. Instead of taking up precious space in your home or office all year round, consider storing these seasonal items in a storage unit until they are needed again. This can also prevent them from getting damaged or cluttering your space when not in use.

Organizing seasonal items in your storage unit can make it easier to find and access them when needed. Consider labeling boxes or using clear plastic bins to easily identify the contents inside. You may also want to keep similar items together, such as all winter clothes in one box, holiday decorations in another, and so on. This way, you can quickly locate specific items without having to rummage through multiple boxes.

Valuable Possessions

If you have valuable belongings that you want to protect from potential damage or theft, a storage unit can provide a secure and climate-controlled environment. Items such as antiques, artwork, or important documents can benefit from being stored in a storage unit. Many facilities also offer additional security measures such as surveillance cameras and individual unit alarms.

Renovations

If you're planning on renovating your home or office, having a storage unit can be helpful for storing furniture and other items that may get in the way during the renovation process. This will not only keep your belongings safe but also make it easier to navigate through the space. It can also prevent damage to your belongings from dust and debris.

Traveling or Relocating for Work

If your job requires frequent traveling or relocating, having a storage unit can be beneficial for storing your belongings while you're away. It eliminates the need to constantly pack and unpack your items during each move. It also allows you to have a home base for your belongings in between moves, making the process more efficient and less stressful.

Downsizing After a Life Change

Life changes such as divorce, starting college, or becoming an empty nester can result in needing to downsize your living space. A storage unit can provide a temporary solution for storing items until you are ready to part with them. It can also give you time to adjust and figure out what items are essential for your new living situation.

Sentimental Items

We all have sentimental items that we want to keep but don't necessarily have room for in our daily lives. These could be childhood toys, family heirlooms, or other mementos. A storage unit allows you to hold onto these precious items without cluttering up your living space. It also gives you the option to visit and reminisce whenever you want.

Storage units can be a useful solution for a variety of situations. If any of these signs resonate with you, it may be time to consider getting one. Not only will it provide extra space and organization, but it can also bring peace of mind knowing your belongings are safe and secure. So don't hesitate to look into storage unit options near you today!

The Benefits of Renting Storage Space During a Home Renovation

Home renovations are an exciting opportunity to improve your living space, but they also come with their fair share of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is managing belongings during this time. Renovation projects often lead to cluttered areas, misplaced items, and even potential damage to furniture and personal possessions. Whether you’re updating a single room or tackling a larger project, staying organized is essential.

For homeowners in Sedalia, Missouri, renting storage space can be a practical solution. A storage unit allows you to securely store your belongings while freeing up space for contractors and tools. This article explores the benefits of using storage during a renovation and provides actionable tips for making the most of it.

1. Protecting Your Belongings

One of the main concerns during a home renovation is the safety of your belongings. Renovation projects create an environment filled with dust, debris, and construction tools, all of which can pose a risk to furniture, appliances, and personal items. Paint spills, accidental bumps, or exposure to moisture are common hazards during this process.

Renting the storage units Sedalia MO offers will help ensure your valuables are out of harm’s way. Storage units also provide a safe environment to store valuable or fragile items that may be at risk of accidental damage if left in a construction zone. With your belongings safely stored, you can focus on completing your renovation project without added worry.

2. Creating More Space for Work

Renovation projects often require significant space to move tools, materials, and furniture around. Clearing out the area being renovated is essential for contractors or DIY work to proceed efficiently. A clutter-free workspace also reduces the risk of accidents, such as tripping over misplaced items or working in tight, crowded conditions.

Renting a storage unit allows you to temporarily move furniture and other items out of the renovation zone, making the space easier to navigate. Whether you’re working on a living room remodel or a full kitchen overhaul, having an open area ensures the project can be completed faster and more safely. Choosing the right size storage unit is key—make sure to evaluate how much space you’ll need based on the number of items you plan to store.

3. Maintaining Organization During Renovations

Staying organized during a renovation can feel overwhelming, but temporary storage can help streamline the process. By moving items into a storage unit, you can avoid the chaos of having belongings scattered throughout your home. This not only simplifies day-to-day life but also makes it easier to keep track of your possessions.

Label all boxes and group similar items in the storage unit to maximize organization. For example, separate furniture, seasonal decorations, and personal items into clearly marked sections. This approach ensures you can quickly locate anything you need without hassle. Additionally, keeping your belongings organized during the renovation will make it easier to return everything to its proper place once the project is complete.

4. Keeping Valuables and Sentimental Items Safe

Sentimental or valuable items are particularly vulnerable to damage during renovations. Family heirlooms, artwork, and electronics can easily be scratched, broken, or exposed to dust in a construction-heavy environment. Taking steps to safeguard these items should be a top priority.

A storage unit provides the protection needed for such possessions. Many facilities offer climate-controlled units, which are ideal for items sensitive to temperature or humidity changes, such as antique furniture or delicate fabrics.

Keeping valuables in a secure storage space reduces the risk of theft, accidental damage, or misplacement during the hustle and bustle of a renovation. This peace of mind allows you to focus on the transformation of your home.

5. Reducing Clutter in Your Living Space

Home renovations can quickly lead to cluttered spaces filled with tools, materials, and displaced items. This can make it challenging to maintain a functional and comfortable living environment during the project. Renting a storage unit temporarily allows you to declutter your home, keeping items you don’t need for daily use out of the way.

Removing unnecessary furniture, decorations, or seasonal items creates a more open and organized living space. This helps you navigate your home more easily and makes it simpler to keep your house clean amidst the dust and debris of construction work. A clutter-free environment can reduce stress and make the renovation process feel more manageable.

6. Flexibility for Storing Items Long-Term

Sometimes, after a renovation, you may find that certain items no longer fit into your redesigned space. Whether it’s old furniture, decor, or seasonal equipment, storage units offer the flexibility to keep these belongings safe for the long term.

Having a storage solution available allows you to take your time deciding what to do with these items. You can rotate them back into your home when needed, donate them, or sell them without feeling rushed. This flexibility ensures that your newly renovated space remains tidy and uncluttered while still giving you options for managing your belongings.

7. Budget-Friendly Solutions

Renting a storage unit during a renovation is an affordable way to avoid the potential costs of damaged belongings or renting additional living space to store items. Compared to the expense of replacing furniture or valuables damaged during construction, storage units are a cost-effective solution.

Additionally, many storage facilities offer competitive rates and promotional deals for short-term rentals, making it easy to find an option that fits your budget. By comparing different facilities and selecting the right unit size, you can save money while ensuring your belongings are stored safely.

In conclusion, renting a storage unit during a home renovation offers numerous benefits, from protecting your belongings to creating a more functional and stress-free environment. Storage units provide a secure and convenient way to safeguard items, giving you peace of mind while your home undergoes transformation.

Whether you need short-term storage for furniture or a long-term solution for extra belongings, this practical approach can simplify the renovation process, reduce clutter, and protect what matters most. With careful planning and organization, you can focus on completing your project and enjoy your newly renovated space with ease.

Small Changes, Big Impact: Organizing Hacks for Busy Families

We partnered with an home improvement company for this post. The opinions in the post are honest. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on our personal views. We are excited because we know you will love it.

Welcome, Parent Player One, to the high-stakes game of family life. You’ve been handed a controller and dropped into a world of chaos: laundry monsters, snack crumbs that defy physics, and a battlefield strewn with toys and unidentified sticky substances. The goal? Survive, thrive, and somehow still have time for coffee.

But here’s the plot twist: you don’t need to overhaul your entire life to win. Tiny, strategic moves can bring order to your world and level up your sanity. Ready to play? Let’s dive into the hacks that will help get rid of the junk and take you from cluttered to calm without triggering a total meltdown.

LEVEL 1: TAME THE ENTRYWAY

Every family’s entryway is a black hole of chaos. Shoes, backpacks, keys—it’s like a Bermuda Triangle for your sanity. But with a few small tweaks, you can transform it into a functional space.

• Hook It Up: Install hooks for backpacks, coats, and bags. Bonus points for assigning one hook per family member.

• Drop Zone: Add a tray or basket for keys, wallets, and phones. If it doesn’t fit in the tray, it doesn’t belong there.

• Shoe Rules: Limit each person to two pairs of shoes in the entryway. The rest? Straight to the closet.

Pro tip: Labeling is your secret weapon. Even toddlers can learn where “their spot” is if you slap their name on it.

LEVEL 2: CONQUER THE KITCHEN

The kitchen is your command center, but it’s also the messiest level. From rogue Tupperware lids to an army of mismatched mugs, the clutter is real. Here’s how to win:

• Zone Defense: Assign specific zones for snacks, meal prep, and kids’ dishes. When everything has a home, cleanup becomes second nature.

• Purge Like a Pro: If you haven’t used that gadget in a year (hello, waffle iron), it’s time to let it go. Same goes for expired spices and the questionable jar of mystery sauce in the fridge.

• One In, One Out: New plate set? Donate the old one. This simple rule keeps cabinets from overflowing.

LEVEL 3: MASTER THE TOY ROOM

Ah, the toy room—a level that feels unwinnable. But don’t hit the reset button just yet. With the right strategies, you can reclaim this space.

• Toy Rotation: Pack up half the toys and store them out of sight. Every month, swap them out. Kids love “new” toys, and you’ll love the cleaner playroom.

• Bins Are Your Besties: Sort toys into clear, labeled bins by type: LEGOs, dolls, cars, etc. This not only makes cleanup easier but also teaches kids where things belong.

• Set Boundaries: Use a basket or shelf as a limit. When it’s full, no more toys can come in unless old ones go out.

LEVEL 4: TACKLE THE CLOSET CHAOS

Closets are often the final frontier, a place where forgotten items go to die. But with a little effort, they can become your ultimate storage ally.

• Seasonal Swap: Store out-of-season clothes in labeled bins to free up space.

• Uniform Hangers: Invest in matching hangers to create a cohesive, organized look. (Yes, it makes a difference.)

• Rule of Five: If you have more than five of something—shoes, hoodies, or jeans—it’s time to pare down.

LEVEL 5: DAILY RESET MODE

The secret to maintaining an organized home isn’t about doing everything all at once—it’s about building habits that stick. Enter the nightly reset.

• Five-Minute Blitz: Set a timer and have the whole family put things back where they belong. Make it a game to see who finishes first.

• Prep for Tomorrow: Lay out clothes, pack lunches, and load the dishwasher before bed. Your future self will thank you.

• Celebrate Wins: Small victories, like a clean countertop or an empty laundry basket, deserve recognition. Reward yourself with something that isn’t just more clutter.

WINNING THE GAME

Here’s the truth: perfection isn’t the goal. The goal is progress—creating a home that works for your family and gives you space to breathe. By focusing on small, manageable changes, you’ll see a big difference over time.

So, Parent Player One, are you ready to level up? The battlefield of clutter may seem daunting, but with these hacks in your arsenal, victory is within reach. Take it one step (and one bin) at a time. You’ve got this. Now, go forth and conquer. Coffee break optional but highly recommended.