5 Storage Heroes That Help Me Make the Most of a Small Space

We have a generously sized cabinet above our refrigerator and while it’s great at face value, the downside of extra-large cabinets is that they can easily become a hotbed for clutter. I’ve been guilty of it myself, relegating random odds and ends to the back of the unit without actually considering their purpose or if they’re worth keeping. 

A practice I’ve found success with is using baskets or bins to compartmentalize small pantry goods. Not only does it prevent them from “getting lost” and, consequently, unused, but it also allows for easy access. Gone are the days of having to individually remove some 15 items just to access something stored in the back. 

I purchased this basket years ago purely based on its aesthetic attributes and it’s since proven itself to be quite functional. The basket has traveled around my home, serving as a practical storage solution wherever needed. It’s currently in the cabinet above my fridge, functioning as a catchall for various pantry items like jars of pasta sauce, extra condiments or tea boxes, and sleeves of crackers.

My closet, although relatively narrow, is exceptionally tall. To maximize the abundance of vertical space, we installed a two-tier mesh shoe rack—I use it for storing sweaters and handbags—on top of the closet’s built-in shelf. This left me with about a 9-inch gap, which I couldn’t afford to waste. To make the most of the leftover area, I purchased these stackable drawers and used two of them to hold smaller items like leggings, belts, and other accessories. 

I set the other two drawers on top of my stacked washer and dryer, next to a basket where we keep detergent and other laundry essentials, to hold washcloths and tea towels. The drawers easily slide in and out and they come with grip buttons on the bottom, which help them stay in place. 

The Componibili, designed by Anna Castelli Ferrieri, may be an icon but it’s also a versatile storage solution that can seamlessly transition from room to room. In the years that I’ve owned one, it’s been used as a nightstand, a plant stand, an entryway organizer, and an accessories holder. 

The stackable storage unit, with its handy sliding doors, is available in a variety of sizes (choose between two to four modules) and colorways. It’s crafted of polycarbonate and is lightweight to boot. It’s an investment piece, for sure, but one I know I will be using for life thanks to its versatility and durability. 

Full disclosure: I also own the dupe version. It was an ad hoc purchase for when I was in desperate need of additional storage for my bathroom. We use it to house items such as toilet paper rolls, bath salts, and other toiletries that don’t fit in our medicine cabinet.

The dupe is surprisingly similar with the only differences (seemingly) being the coloring (I got the beige one with the maroon top and pink knobs) and the playful knobs (I didn’t want open storage in the bathroom). Not only has it brought a welcome pop of color but its slim footprint is perfect for our small bath.

Shop: Oumilen 4-Drawer Sliding Barrel Nightstand, $60 at Walmart

One of the harder parts of living in a small space is finding room for items you only use occasionally but still need easy access to. Umbrellas are a prime example. Unfortunately, given our limited closet space, ours lived in a deep metal vessel by our entry. The umbrella holder eventually became a catch-all for random items like gloves and totes, which, too often, would pile up into an unsightly mess. 

A fix came in the form of this minimalist umbrella stand, which is just narrow enough to fit between our nightstand and the wall beside it. Since our “bedroom” is located mere steps from the front door, it’s the most convenient spot to set it in. The steel stand is streamlined and spacious enough to hold a few umbrellas plus our shoe horn. And I love that it’s not completely closed off, which makes it easier to keep organized. 

Behind my sofa and underneath a set of shelves I installed on a recessed wall is a 13-inch by 60-inch niche that’s quickly become a valuable storage source. I like to think of it as my quasi-basement. It’s where we keep items we need easy access to (surplus toilet paper and chargers) as well as those we use only once in a while (table linens and gift wrap). 

I snagged four of these 36-quart boxes, which fit perfectly within the area’s confines. And yes, they can easily stack on top of each other. I like that they’re see-through, it makes it exponentially easier to sift through. And even though no one can see them, hidden behind the couch, it’s a good incentive to keep them tidy. Plus, they’re lightweight.