Small Spaces, Smart Systems

OWL recently had the opportunity to host an organizing event at The Container Store (Thanks for joining me, Kathy!) where I shared one of my favorite organizing challenges: making the most of a small space.

Dorm rooms may be one of the most obvious examples, but the same challenges occur in bedrooms, kitchens, closets, and throughout the home. With thoughtful storage and the right systems, every inch can work harder. Think vertical storage, under-bed space, drawer organizers, and giving everyday essentials a designated home.

Whether you’re organizing a bedroom, kitchen, closet, or entire home, smart systems can make any space feel more functional and easier to maintain.

Here are a few of my favorite small-space organization tips:

Take Advantage of Vertical Space

When floor space is limited, look up! Using vertical space is one of the easiest ways to add storage without making a dorm room feel crowded. An over-the-door five-hook rack is one of my dorm favorites. It gives sweatshirts, backpacks, umbrellas and other frequently used items a designated home while keeping them off the floor, chair or bed.

Create Storage by Category

Instead of putting things wherever it happens to fit, create a home for each category. I love Elfa vertical drawer towers because they provide a lot of storage in a small footprint. Individual drawers can be designated for toiletries, hair tools, makeup, snacks and other everyday essentials. When everything has a place, it’s much easier to find what you need, and return it when you don't.

Big Ideas for Small Spaces

These same principles work in any small or challenging space. Use the space you have wisely, group like items together and create simple systems that fit the way you actually live.

At Organize With Lisa, we help families create thoughtful, functional organizing systems throughout their homes, and we can help make move-ins easier, too.

Need help getting organized? Contact Organize With Lisa to schedule a consultation.