The ALT Collective is set to present its most ambitious edition yet when ALT ART returns to Manila this February. Moving to the SMX Convention Center at the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay, the fourth iteration of this contemporary art showcase represents a significant leap in scale and ambition for the Philippine art scene. […]
How to Organize Small Spaces with No Storage
For small homes, cramped spaces often limit comfort and functionality. Apart from hindering you from pursuing your preferred aesthetic, it’s also a great inconvenience when it comes to organizing your things. It all becomes easy, however, if there are ample storage spaces available. But what if your shoebox doesn’t have storage at all? This guide reveals the clever organization hacks you can do when you have little to no storage on hand.
Hidden Storage Under the Bed
Don’t be afraid to look under your bed when finding extra storage inside your small home. Instead of a monster, there’s a treasure trove of potential storage beneath, just waiting to be tapped into. This often-neglected area can be the new place for your out-of-season clothes, shoes, or extra beddings.
Opt for stackable or under-bed sized boxes specifically designed for low-profile storage. Look for breathable materials like canvas, cotton, or linen to ensure moisture won’t ruin your things. But if you can’t avoid purchasing plastic or vinyl boxes, you can choose the transparent ones to help you see what’s inside at a glance. But for better dust protection, pick those with an opaque design.
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If you’re not up for buying or reusing boxes, you can dust off old suitcases you haven’t used in a while. They’re surprisingly good for storing bulky items like comforters and blankets. But if you don’t want to strain your back when pulling out these heavy items, invest in wheeled bins.
Remember to measure the exact height clearance under your bed. This helps you in identifying what containers fit perfectly without scraping the floor.
Additionally, consider putting drawer liners or fabric covers on your under-bed storage. This will create a barrier between your belongings and the dust bunnies lurking beneath the bed.
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Occupy Toe-kick Cavities with Ankle-level Rollouts
Have you ever looked beneath your dresser or console and discovered a vast, empty space of wasted space? Ankle-level rollouts will turn these unused cavities into clever storage for items you don’t need daily. Typically installed beneath furniture, they keep clutter tucked away while still maximizing your floor space.
For the handy ones, you can purchase pre-made shallow drawers or sliding shelves and installed them under existing furniture. But if you want a guaranteed tailored solution, consider hiring a carpenter to design and build custom ankle-level rollouts. This also allows the drawers to seamlessly integrate with your existing furniture.
Ensure these rollouts can support the weight and size of the items you plan to store. Along with their durability and depth, consider also the drawers’ height for comfortable access without bending too low.
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Shelf and Clothes Rod: Double Duty Organization Hack
The shelf and clothes rod combo merges two storage elements into one unit, ideal for everyday items that need easy access. This smart design maximizes wall space and accommodates a variety of items from folded clothes to handbags, hats, and shoes. More so, its offered versatility makes it perfect for closets, laundry rooms, entryways, and mudrooms.
It usually works by mounting the shelf first at a height that allows for easy access to both the shelf and the clothes hanging below. Then, the clothes rod is installed either directly below the shelf or slightly offset depending on the design. On top of that, you can adjust the shelf height and rod length to fit your specific needs and items you plan to store.
Make sure to place heavier items on the shelf and lighter clothes on the hangers to avoid deforming. It’s a relatively inexpensive storage solution that makes a big difference with minimal materials, without sacrificing valuable floor space.
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Organize Behind the Door
Behind-the-door organizers are a brilliant storage solution for small spaces. They are commonly designed to hang on the back of your doors, utilizing often overlooked vertical space. As they come in various sizes, styles, and materials, these organizers can easily suit your needs and aesthetic preferences.
Similar to the shelf and clothes rod combo, behind-the-door organizers provide easier access for lighter and smaller daily essentials. From spices and condiments to cleaning supplies, toiletries, and accessories, they help control clutter, especially in areas prone to disarray. Busy areas like bathrooms, pantries, laundry areas, and entryways are the perfect places to install them.
Ensure the organizer fits comfortably on the back of your door without hitting the doorknob.
Fill in Unused Gaps with Expandable Shelves
Unlike traditional fixed shelves, expandable shelves boast an adjustable width. They typically consist of two telescoping rails or brackets that can be extended or compressed to fit the exact dimensions of your space. Plus, you create more storage real estate for your belongings. This is ideal for maximizing vertical space in cabinets or utilizing awkward nooks and crannies.
They can function as additional tiers in cabinets and pantries for groceries, dishes, and cookware. In bathrooms and laundry areas, you can put them above your toilet or under the sink to maximize storage for toiletries and cleaning supplies. Even unused corners and gaps can be new designated storage spots for bits and bobs.
Most expandable shelves are designed for easy installation. So, you can simply drill or slide them onto existing shelf tracks. Furthermore, ensure the expandable shelf’s minimum and maximum width will accommodate your desired location.
Living small doesn’t have to mean living with less. Don’t let the limited square footage of your space hinder you from attaining comfort and functionality and owning more things. With a little creativity, resourcefulness, and these clever organization hacks, you can live efficiently even if there’s no available storage at all.
Read more: Moooi Brings Bencab’s Most Iconic Artwork into Your Home
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