Living in a small home or apartment doesn’t mean you have to compromise on comfort or style. With smart storage solutions, even the tiniest spaces can feel open, organised, and functional. The secret lies in making every inch count—from floor to ceiling and even behind the doors.
Whether you’re in a city apartment, a granny flat, or a compact townhouse, you can create a home that feels bigger and more practical. This blog dives into the best storage solutions for small homes and apartments, from clever furniture choices to creative hacks that maximise space.
Why Storage Matters in Small Homes
Small homes have a unique charm, but they also bring challenges. Without intentional organisation, clutter builds quickly, and every room starts to feel crowded. Effective storage helps you:
- Maximise square footage: Smart systems make limited space feel bigger.
- Reduce clutter and stress: A tidy home promotes calm and clarity.
- Save money and time: No more buying duplicates or searching endlessly for lost items.
- Enhance style: Modern storage solutions are designed to look as good as they function.
Think of storage as the backbone of your home—when it works well, everything else runs smoothly.
1. Maximise Vertical Space
Image source: Ikea
In small homes, floor space is precious. The solution? Look up! Vertical storage allows you to use every available centimetre without crowding the room.
- Floating shelves: Install in the living room for books and décor, in the kitchen for jars and spices, or in the bathroom for towels and toiletries.
- Tall bookcases and cabinets: Choose furniture that goes up to the ceiling to take advantage of height.
- Wall-mounted hooks and pegboards: Perfect for coats, hats, bags, or even pots and pans.
- Over-the-door organisers: Use in bedrooms for shoes, in kitchens for cleaning supplies, or in bathrooms for hair tools.
Pro Tip: Leave a small amount of “visual breathing space” at the top of shelves to avoid making the room feel crowded.
2. Multi-Functional Furniture
Image source: Gainsville
In a compact space, every item should work twice as hard. Multi-purpose furniture reduces clutter and maximises efficiency.
- Beds with storage drawers: Store extra bedding, seasonal clothes, or shoes underneath.
- Sofas with hidden compartments: Perfect for hiding toys, throws, or even board games.
- Storage ottomans and benches: Use as seating, footrests, or coffee tables while storing items inside.
- Expandable dining tables and nesting tables: Keep them small for everyday use, then expand or separate them when guests arrive.
Investing in multifunctional furniture ensures your home stays organised without feeling overfurnished.
3. Hidden Storage Hacks
Image source: Bunnings
Some of the best storage ideas are invisible to the eye. Hidden solutions help you keep clutter out of sight while maintaining a sleek look.
- Under-bed storage boxes: Store out-of-season clothes, shoes, or extra linen.
- Fold-down desks or wall-mounted tables: Create a workspace that tucks away when not in use.
- Behind-the-door racks: Add storage for pantry staples, cleaning products, or accessories.
- Kickboard drawers in kitchens: Use the toe-kick space under cabinets to store baking trays or chopping boards.
Real Example: One Melbourne apartment we organised added almost a whole cupboard’s worth of space by using fold-down furniture and under-bed storage bins.
4. Small Kitchen Storage Solutions
Image source: Kogan
Kitchens in small homes often lack bench space and cabinetry. With the right systems, you can keep them efficient and clutter-free.
- Pull-out pantry drawers: Easier access to dry goods without losing items in the back.
- Stackable food containers: Maximise cupboard and fridge space while keeping food fresh.
- Magnetic knife strips: Free up valuable drawer space.
- Vertical plate organisers: Keep dishes tidy and easy to grab.
- Over-sink cutting boards: Add extra prep space without sacrificing functionality.
Bonus Tip: Use clear storage containers for dry goods so you can see at a glance what you’re running low on.
5. Bathroom Storage Solutions
Image source: Kmart
Bathrooms may be small, but they can pack a lot of storage if organised correctly.
- Under-sink organisers: Use pull-out drawers or baskets to keep toiletries in order.
- Over-the-toilet shelving: A simple way to add vertical storage.
- Shower caddies: Keep soaps, shampoos, and razors off the floor.
- Slim rolling carts: Fit between the vanity and wall for extra space.
- Drawer organisers: Separate makeup, hair ties, and grooming tools.
Pro Tip: Group items by use—morning routine, evening routine, cleaning—so you can grab what you need quickly.
6. Declutter Before You Organise
The golden rule of small spaces: you can’t organise clutter. No matter how good your storage is, it won’t work if you’re holding onto too much.
- Start with clothing: If you haven’t worn it in a year, donate it.
- Reduce duplicates: Do you really need five sets of measuring cups or three hair dryers?
- Clear paper clutter: Scan important documents and recycle old bills.
- Toss expired items: From pantry goods to bathroom products, free up space by letting go.
Decluttering first makes organising easier, faster, and more sustainable.
7. Room-by-Room Storage Solutions
Image source: Kmart
Every room has its own challenges, but with the right solutions, each can feel bigger and more functional.
- Bedroom: Use under-bed storage, wall-mounted shelves, and slim wardrobes.
- Living Room: Choose cube storage units, floating shelves, and coffee tables with storage.
- Entryway: Install shoe racks, coat hooks, and wall-mounted trays for keys.
- Laundry: Try fold-down drying racks, slim hampers, and wall-mounted shelves.
- Balcony or Outdoor Areas: Invest in weatherproof storage benches or cabinets.
8. Organisation Tips for Small Homes
Image source: Temple & Webster
To keep your systems working long-term, focus on simple habits:
- Think modular: Choose storage that adapts as your needs change.
- Go clear or labelled: Transparent bins or labelled boxes prevent “out of sight, out of mind.”
- Rotate seasonally: Store winter coats in summer and swap décor with the seasons.
- Create zones: Designate spaces for specific categories, so everything has a home.
- Maintain regularly: Spend 10 minutes a week returning items to their proper place.
Final Thoughts: Big Living in Small Spaces
A small home doesn’t mean you have to feel cramped. With the right storage solutions—like vertical shelving, multifunctional furniture, and hidden hacks—you can create a space that feels calm, organised, and surprisingly spacious.
The key is to declutter first, then organise with intention. Choose storage systems that work with your lifestyle, not against it, and keep tweaking until it feels right.
✨ Want a home that feels bigger, lighter, and clutter-free? Book your free consultation with Ducks in a Row Home Organisation and let us help you design tailored storage solutions that make your small home feel like it’s twice the size.
