Struggling with storage in your tiny home? Here are 5 smart solutions to maximize every inch:
- Multi-purpose furniture
- Vertical wall storage
- Hidden storage spaces
- Kitchen organization hacks
- Bathroom space-savers
These tricks will help you:
- Declutter and organize
- Use every nook and cranny
- Keep essentials within reach
- Make your tiny house feel bigger
Let's dive into each solution to transform your compact living space.
Solution | Key Benefits |
---|---|
Multi-purpose furniture | Saves space, serves multiple functions |
Vertical wall storage | Frees up floor space, uses height |
Hidden storage | Keeps items out of sight, maintains clean look |
Kitchen organization | Maximizes cabinet and counter space |
Bathroom space-savers | Utilizes often-overlooked areas |
Ready to make your tiny house feel more spacious? Let's get started!
Related video from YouTube
Furniture That Serves Multiple Uses
In tiny houses, every inch counts. That's why multi-purpose furniture is key. Let's look at some smart options that make the most of your space.
2-in-1 Furniture Options
Transforming furniture is a tiny house must-have. These pieces change to fit your needs:
Murphy Beds turn from walls to beds. The Alvaretta Murphy Bed ($1,650 on Wayfair) comes with shelves, making one wall super useful.
Fold-Down Desks mount on walls. They flip up for work and hide away when you're done. Some even work as dining tables.
Expandable Tables start small but grow for guests. Look for drop-leaf designs or nesting tables that split apart.
Storage Inside Furniture
Why waste space? Pick furniture that hides storage:
Bed Frames with Drawers, like the Latitude Run® Aunye Upholstered Panel Storage Bed ($343.99 on Wayfair), give you room for linens or clothes.
Ottoman Coffee Tables do triple duty: seating, surface, and storage for blankets or games.
Kitchen Carts roll out for cooking, then become dining tables. Get ones with drawers and shelves for extra space.
How to Pick Space-Saving Furniture
When furniture shopping for your tiny house:
- Measure twice, buy once. Know your space and check product sizes.
- Go for versatility. Each piece should do at least two jobs.
- Think tall, not wide. Vertical pieces often work better.
- Watch the weight. Lighter furniture is easier to move.
- Look for built-in storage. Even a small shelf helps.
Remember: in a tiny house, every piece of furniture should earn its keep. Choose wisely, and your small space will feel much bigger.
Using Wall Height for Storage
In tiny houses, every inch counts. So, smart homeowners are looking up - literally - to solve their storage woes. Let's dive into making the most of your vertical space.
Wall Storage Systems
Wall-mounted shelves and racks are game-changers for tiny homes. They free up floor space while keeping your stuff organized and easy to reach.
Here are some clever wall storage ideas:
- Floating shelves: Sleek and functional. Whittney Parkinson Design says, "Floating shelves offer style, storage space, and flexibility all in one."
- Wall-mounted desks: Fold these up when you're done working. Instant workspace, no floor space wasted.
- Slat wall shelving: Change your shelf setup whenever you want. It's that easy.
- Wall hooks: Britt Design Studio points out, "Wall hooks are cheap and sneaky storage for things like wooden cutting boards. Bonus: They double as wall decor."
Storage Near the Ceiling
That space near the ceiling? Don't waste it. Here's how to put it to work:
1. Ceiling-mounted racks
Great for stuff you don't use every day. Out of sight, but still easy to grab when you need it.
2. High cabinets
Take your cabinets all the way up. Perfect for seasonal items or things you don't need to reach often.
3. Suspended shelves
Store and show off your stuff at the same time. Works in any room.
Quick tip: Tiny homes can't be taller than 13.5 feet (including the roof) for towing. Use every inch of that height!
Setting Up Loft Storage
Lofts are tiny house gold. They're not just for sleeping - they're storage powerhouses. Here's how to max out your loft:
- Built-in shelving: Add shelves for books, decor, or clothes.
- Under-bed storage: Get a loft bed with drawers or compartments underneath.
- Hanging organizers: Hang these on the loft railing for small items.
Brevard Tiny Homes shows off some cool loft tricks in their Chickadee model. They built storage into the loft stairs - cabinets in the sides and tiny box steps with lids that open. Smart, right?
Storage That Stays Out of Sight
Living in a tiny house doesn't mean you have to choose between storage and style. Let's look at some smart ways to hide your stuff while keeping your space functional and good-looking.
Storage Under the Floor
Underfloor storage is a game-changer for tiny homes. It's great for things you don't use every day but still need to keep around.
JP Marquis, co-founder of Minimaliste Inc., suggests raising your living area a bit to create big drawers underneath. This can give you a lot more storage space.
You can also install storage boxes with removable lids in your floor. These are perfect for valuables or things you only use in certain seasons.
If you have wooden floors, try adding drawers to the sides. It's an easy way to store clothes and shoes.
"Have all your storage hidden, and when storing anything, cover it. Don't leave it out. Put a little door on it, or something over it." - David Latimer, Founder and CEO of New Frontier Design
Storage in Stairs
In tiny houses, stairs aren't just for getting to the loft - they're storage powerhouses too.
You can turn each stair into a pull-out drawer. It's great for storing clothes, toys, or outdoor gear.
Marc Bilodeau, a tiny house builder, took this idea even further. He created stairs with drawers, a big storage compartment, a broom closet, and a pull-out pantry.
Some designs even fit fridges or desk areas into the stair space. Element Van Life, a YouTube channel, shows off a custom staircase that does all of this - proving stairs can do way more than just connect levels.
Storage Inside Walls
Don't let your walls go to waste. Here's how to turn them into storage solutions:
- Build shallow cabinets between wall studs for a sleek look.
- Create built-in shelves that don't stick out into your living space.
- Install vertical pull-out storage behind walls that look solid.
Build Tiny, a tiny house company, has gotten really good at putting storage into their designs. They've made staircases with under-stair storage in their 8m long house frames. It shows that even in the smallest spaces, there's room for clever ideas.
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Kitchen Storage Tips
Tiny house kitchens can be a storage nightmare. But don't worry - with a few smart tricks, you can turn your compact cooking space into a storage haven. Let's dive into some clever solutions to max out your tiny kitchen's potential.
Pull-Out Pantry Ideas
Pull-out pantries are a tiny kitchen's best friend. They use vertical space like a pro, letting you store more in less room. Here are some ideas to try:
A narrow wheeled rack next to your fridge is perfect for dry goods. Or, turn a regular cabinet into a pull-out pantry with sliding hardware and shelves. Don't forget about the space under your cabinets - toe-kick drawers are great for stuff you don't use often.
"These pullout storage ideas make the most of every inch inside cabinetry, drawers, and pantries", says Chris Alexakis, founder of CabinetSelect.com.
Magnetic Storage for Kitchens
Magnets can be your secret weapon in freeing up counter and drawer space. Try these:
Stick a magnetic knife strip on the wall to keep knives off the counter. Use magnetic spice jars on your fridge or a metal wall panel. And a magnetic strip can hold metal utensils, saving drawer space.
One user raves about the Yamazaki Home magnetic organizer: "The Tosca organizer has been rock-solid for nearly a year, even with heavy jars and bottles."
Storing Kitchen Tools
Appliances and tools can quickly take over a tiny kitchen. Here's how to keep them in check:
Wall-mounted racks are great for pots, pans, and utensils you use often. Over-cabinet holders work well for flat items like cutting boards. A pegboard lets you customize storage for various tools. And don't forget about floating shelves for essentials and decor.
For mobile storage, IKEA's Raskog cart is a hit. Alyssa Longobucco from The Kitchn says, "It's actually the perfect Instant Pot home base. Small footprint, but plenty of storage room."
With these tips, your tiny kitchen can become a storage powerhouse. Get creative, use every inch, and watch your kitchen transform!
Making the Most of Bathroom Space
Tiny house bathrooms can be storage nightmares. But with some smart thinking, you can turn even the smallest bathroom into a storage powerhouse. Here's how to maximize every inch of your compact bathroom:
Door Storage Solutions
Your bathroom door is prime real estate for extra storage:
- Hang an over-the-door organizer for towels, toiletries, and cleaning supplies
- Install multiple hook rows on the back of the door for more hanging space
- Use a slim door caddy for daily essentials
In-Wall Storage
Don't waste your walls. Build storage right into them:
1. Recessed medicine cabinets
Install one on a non-sink wall for hidden storage. Some modern versions even have built-in outlets for electric toothbrushes or razors.
2. Between-stud shelving
Build shallow cabinets between wall studs for a sleek, built-in look. Perfect for smaller items like toiletries or first aid supplies.
3. Shower niche
Add a recessed niche in your shower wall during your next renovation. It keeps shampoo bottles and soaps organized without taking up shower floor space.
Space-Saving Bathroom Fixtures
Choose fixtures that double as storage solutions:
Fixture | Storage Benefit | Example |
---|---|---|
Modern vanity | Built-in shelves or drawers | FUQARHY Tall Wood Storage Cabinet ($79.99) with 6 adjustable shelves |
Wall-mounted sink | Frees up floor space for storage cart | SPACEKEEPER Slim Rolling Storage Cart ($21.99) |
Over-toilet shelf | Utilizes vertical space | Godboat Bathroom Organizers ($17.99) that slide over toilet tank |
"The most important thing when planning your bathroom organization project is to consider what issues you're having now." - Carla Aston, Interior Designer and Blogger
Conclusion
Living in a tiny house doesn't mean you can't have a well-organized space. With smart storage solutions, you can make your compact home feel spacious and clutter-free. Here's how to put these ideas into action:
Getting Started
Start small and build up:
- Declutter: Go through your stuff. Keep only what you need and use.
- Multi-functional furniture: Get pieces that do double duty. A couch with built-in drawers? Perfect.
- Use your walls: Put up shelves and wall organizers. It frees up floor space.
- Hidden storage: Turn stairs into drawers. Use under-floor space. Install corner cabinets with pull-out shelves.
- Kitchen and bathroom tricks: Use pull-out racks for spices. Hang utensils on magnetic strips. Put organizers over bathroom doors.
Staying Organized
Keeping your tiny house tidy is an ongoing job. Here are some tips:
- One in, one out: Bring in something new? Get rid of something old.
- Daily tidy-up: Spend a few minutes each day putting things away.
- Regular purge: Every month or so, go through your stuff again.
- Smart storage: Use clear bins and drawer dividers to find things easily.
- Go vertical: Hang pots and pans. Use pegboards for tools.
Living in a tiny house means embracing a simpler life. As you use these storage tricks, you'll find your space feels bigger and more organized. It's not just about having a tidy home - it's about creating room for what really matters in your life.
FAQs
How do I maximize space in my tiny house?
Tiny house living means getting creative with your space. Here's how to make the most of every inch:
Go vertical. Install shelves from floor to ceiling and hang stuff on walls. It's like giving your tiny house superpowers.
Multi-tasking furniture is your friend. Think sofas that turn into beds or coffee tables with secret storage compartments. It's like furniture magic.
Hidden storage is key. Sneak storage spaces under stairs, in floors, or behind walls. It's like playing hide-and-seek with your stuff.
Get organized. Use drawer dividers and clear bins to keep things tidy. It's like giving your belongings a personal assistant.
Think creatively. Turn support beams into storage, extend kitchen counters, or use pegboards for flexible options. It's like being a tiny house MacGyver.
How to add storage to a tiny house?
In a tiny house, every nook and cranny counts. Here's how to squeeze in more storage:
1. Under-stair storage
Turn those stairs into a storage goldmine. Each step can be a drawer or cabinet. It's like having a secret stash under your feet.
2. Wall-mounted solutions
Your walls are begging to be useful. Slap on some shelves, hooks, or pegboards. Suddenly, your walls are working overtime.
3. Hidden compartments
Get sneaky with your storage. A lift-top coffee table isn't just for coffee anymore. It's a treasure chest for your stuff.
4. Ceiling storage
Look up! That space above your head? It's prime real estate for things you don't use every day. Think garage-style racks, but inside.
5. Modular furniture
Furniture that can shape-shift? Yes, please. Modular pieces let you reconfigure your space as needed. It's like Lego, but for grown-ups.