To paraphrase a popular quote, “It’s not the size of the home the stuff is in; it’s the size of the stuff in the home.” And, I’m being all-inclusive here, whether your home is an apartment, townhouse, bungalow, tiny house or van. (While this list isn’t expressly for homeowners with large properties, you may still find some surprises in here!) The trick is, the smaller your space, the smarter you have to be. What do I mean? I’m glad you asked.
Say, you love coffee (and, honestly, if you don’t, you should because that stuff is delicious). Maybe you don’t need a monster espresso machine; maybe a small French press will work. Perhaps you don’t have room for a nightstand, but do you have room for an outlet shelf? You probably have room for a coffee table of some size but what if you had a coffee table that doubled as a workstation? (It’s genius; peep No. 9). Whether you’re kitchen is small, your bathroom is tiny or your bedroom is practically non-existent, don’t sacrifice your creature comforts! Just adjust them with the products below.
A Sticky Situation
File this under, “I want it but I don’t need it,” but this stick-on bedside shelf organizer is a genius solution for small spaces and even kids’ rooms. With enough space for the essentials like your phone, glasses, earbuds and remote, it keeps everything easily within reach without taking up valuable real estate. And, at less than $15, the price is plenty small, too.
A Breakfast Bundle
What if you had one appliance that could simultaneously brew coffee, toast bread and grill eggs and sausage? This breakfast station can essentially replace your entire kitchen in a chic three-in-one package that looks as good as it works. Clean-up is easy, too, since the various components — oven tray, wire rack, crumb tray and griddle — all remove for simple washing.
Storage on the Side
When you don’t have a lot of free space to turn to, you start looking for existing spaces you can take advantage of. A refrigerator door is an easy target with this magnetic storage shelf that has room for spices, frequently-used condiments and even a roll of paper towels. This comes in three sizes and two colors to match any decor.
Appointing a Cabinet
If you don’t have space, you make space, and a cabinet door is a perfect first step. This over-the-cabinet-door organizer works well in a kitchen for cutting boards and baking sheets or in a bathroom for frequently-used beauty products and tools. This includes hardware for installing, which includes ultra-thin hooks with foam padding for a good fit that won’t scratch your cabinets.
In Your Corner
Corners are overrated as a space where you can generate additional storage. This three-tier shelf is the perfect addition to a small corner space, essentially tripling your storage capabilities. Lightweight but strong, it assembles in minutes and would be really cute as a coffee bar area. One reviewer was on the same wavelength: “Love this counter shelving unit! Great way to maximize space and looks stylish instead of cluttered.”
Spice Things Up
The kitchen is one of my biggest struggles because I want all the things … and I don’t have room for all the things. Spices are essential, though, so having them within reach is key. These spice gripper strips affix to the inside of a cabinet door or appliance (or anywhere else you can think of), so you can display all your spices label side out.
Nice Rack
Even if you have a dishwasher in your tiny space, odds are you’re still going to have to hand wash things here and there. This dish drying rack rolls flat as a place you can stack wet dishes and pans and folds up out of sight when not in use. This can even double as a cooling rack, strainer for rinsing produce or can hold a cutting board to give you more prep space.
Turn the Knife
Knives are an essential part of any kitchen but they can be bulky and cumbersome, whether they’re on the counter or in a drawer. This knife set includes seven stainless steel knives and six steak knives in a modern-looking acrylic holder. You’ll even get a knife sharpener, which is obviously important if you have knives. This is an Amazon best seller with more than 58,000 reviews.
Under the Table
I would just like to shake the hand of the person who decided they could make a coffee talk so much more than just a host for books and your TV remote. This wood lift-top coffee table has hidden interior storage and a top that converts to a workstation for your laptop or a table for meals. Choose from charcoal black or retro brown.
Hang Around
I have a decently large closet but even I could use some of these magic space-saving hangers (hey, they called it magic, not me). Each hanger has nine slots, which basically transforms one hanger into nine so you can store more clothes in less space. These come in packs of four up to 12, offering a storage solution regardless of your particular closet size.
On a Soapbox
This shower soap dispenser might secretly be one of my favorite products on this list. As a woman, I have no less than 477 beauty products in my shower at one time. This three-chamber dispenser has space for whatever you use the most like shampoo, conditioner and body wash. The top lifts off for easy refills and the whole thing reduces clutter, which is always a win.
Seal the Deal
A good vacuum sealer is worth its weight in gold if you do much cooking but they take up so much darn room. This handheld version is roughly the size of a soda can and works on both zipper bags as well as FoodSaver containers (which conveniently double as regular storage, too). This review says it best: “First, I do have a big FoodSaver machine with a pull-out hand sealer but it is less convenient to drag the machine out when I have a quick seal job to do. This one is quick and small.”
Off the Hook
Do you ever look in your kitchen cabinets and go, “Where did that come from?” That’s what I think every time I see the cabinet that holds my mugs, cups and tumblers. This cabinet storage hook goes under a cabinet (installing by simply sliding it on) to give you more space for mugs or even cooking utensils that have holes in them. It can hold up to six items.
Off the Shelf
Can you think of a better spot for salt, pepper, oil and the other things you need when you’re cooking than right there on your stove? (Why haven’t appliance manufacturers already solved this?) Anyway, the StoveShelf is exactly what it sounds like, a magnetic shelf that fits on top of your stove. These require no installation; just attach using the magnets and you’re set.
Make It a Movie Night
How much bigger do you think home televisions are going to get? Every year, there’s a bigger, newer, more pimped-out model hitting the shelves. You might have TV envy if you don’t have space for a larger one but this mini-projector turns any flat surface into a screen. It’s small enough to fit in a purse or bag and has plenty of ports for gaming consoles, cable boxes and more.
Hung Out to Dry
The space around your sink should be smart; after all, it’s sort of the hub of the kitchen. This over-the-sink drying rack is so thoughtfully designed with spaces dedicated for cutlery, glasses and mug, utensils and more. Featuring an anti-rust brushed aluminum frame, it’s totally durable and can be dismantled easily for cleaning. The best part of all is the counter space you’ll be saving.
Keep It under Wraps
The type-A organizer that I am wants to include one of these wrap dispensers in every list but it’s a perfect fit for this particular subject. Add plastic wrap and foil into one drawer-ready dispenser that has built-in cutters. This is compatible with most 12-inch rolls and comes with labels so you can adjust it based on the rolls you choose.
Bathroom Business
This bathroom organizer might be the most genius gadget of everything on this list because of everything it offers. Stay with me here: It has a slot for a hairbrush, holds up to six toothbrushes, has two magnetic mouthwash cups, dispenses toothpaste, has compartments for your favorite beauty products and even has a built-in drawer for a secret stash. It’s a hard worker for less than $20.
Remote Location
Imagine how much time you’ll get back in your life if you don’t spend 20 minutes every day looking for the TV remote. (Never mind the fact you could just get up and go turn it on.) This adhesive remote control organizer sticks anywhere, like on your nightstand or coffee table, to keep everything in one place. Now, if you can just remember to use it.
Jump the Broom
If you’re lucky and don’t have carpeting (and it happens more than you realize), you can probably get by with just a good broom and dustpan. This chic version stores together neatly and feature an extra-tall broom, built-in comb teeth and a dustpan with a rubber lip. Those latter two options keep the broom clean and help get particles off your floor.
Cutting Up
When is a cutting board no longer a cutting board? When it’s a cutting board with built-in containers that give you more space to work but in a condensed package. Two of the containers slide beneath the board and pull out for easy use while two are “above” the board for scraps and waste while prepping. Reviewers love how well it work and, of course, the space it saves.
A Can-Do Attitude
It never fails that the canned item I need from my pantry is all the way in the back of said pantry. And, I never appreciate how bulky and heavy cans are until that very moment. This stackable can rack organizer simplifies can storage, giving you more room for your favorite canned goods in a slot-style system. This stores up to 36 cans of all different sizes based on your configuration.
All Washed Up
Thinking about moving toward #VanLife? You might be one step closer with this portable washing machine that washes, rinses and spins your clothes to clean again. The small, compact size fits easily on a countertop or wherever you choose to use it. One reviewer detailed how he uses it: “I live in a small studio apartment. I don’t have a typical tub/shower. Just a shower surround. So I just place it in the shower, drop the drain hose onto the floor, fill it with water and wash.”
Take Charge of Things
I always need more outlets. The fire department would probably be aghast if they came in my home and saw everything I keep plugged in all the time. This outlet expander is also a surge protector and has six built-in outlets as well as two built-in USB ports. The even cooler thing about this one is the phone shelf on the top, giving it a place to rest while charging.
I Love Lamp
For most of us, lights are a necessity and these table lamps are a genius addition for roughly $30 each. These have three-way dimmable bulbs, a USB port, a type-C port and a wireless charging pad plus touch controls. Get rid of your wall chargers, portable batteries, lipstick-sized USB chargers and more in one convenient package that’ll also light up your space.
Now You’re Cooking
Say it with me: “Nesting” is the best friend of small spaces. This cooking set includes two mixing bowls, a colander/strainer, a siever/sifter and four measuring cups, all in one nesting design. I love the ombre-style coloring of these sets, which you can buy in blue, pink, mint and gray variations. The large bowl has a non-slip bottom to keep everything sturdy.
Desk Duty
I used to be obsessed with shows about tiny homes and invariably they would come with a wall-mounted desk like this one that folds up out of sight when not in use but gives you plenty of space during working hours. When it’s folded out, it even has inside storage for your important work essentials. This comes in espresso, mahogany and white.
Shaking in Your Shoes
Imelda Marcos, eat your heart out! Now you can keep alllll the shoes (and hey, even buy more) with this 24-pocket storage organizer that even has two large built-in drawers. Install this in your closet right over the hanger rod to turn your space into multipurpose use. Pro tip: If you wear a lot of flats or flip-flops, you can usually get more than one pair in a pocket. (Don’t ask how I know.)
Behind Closed Doors
To be so small, jewelry takes up a lot of space. This lockable jewelry cabinet doubles as a full-length mirror and the whole thing hangs neatly on the back of any type of door. Peep your outfit, coordinate your accessories and keep your baubles away from little hands in a package that will take up virtually no space in your home.
Sink Below
My absolute favorite places for storage are the spots in my home you can’t see: Under the bed, in various closets and, of course, under the sink. This under-sink two-tier expandable organizer rack has plenty of space for cleaning supplies, beauty products or kitchen needs with a cut-out area to accommodate the plumbing that’s in place. This expands from a reasonable 15 inches to a mammoth 25 inches.
Slim Pickings
Think about your space: Do you have an area you could envision being great for storage but can’t find just the right storage solution? This ultra-slim mobile storage cart goes where most storage carts can’t at a mere five inches wide. This cart has four tiers of storage and easy-glide wheels so you could hide it away and pull it out when it’s needed.
Every Nook and Cranny
Why, oh whyyyy, can’t this reading nook come in an adult size? This wooden bookcase plus cushioned reading nook is perfect for tots with small bedrooms, giving the space to store books, toys and more plus a cozy seat. Here’s what one reviewer had to say: “This turned out just right. I really like how it looks, and how kid-sized it is. It’s a versatile nook that could go in a number of places as a child ages and spaces change.”
Clear the Air
Small spaces need to smell good, too, but who has space for candles, wax burners, air fresheners and more? This mini humidifier delivers a cool mist of water, has included essential oil pads for fragrance and boasts other interesting features like a nightlight and an auto-shut-off option. Hey, you can even put it in your car if you want. The sky’s the limit.
Crate Expectations
Pets, like babies, require a lot of stuff and for a lot of pet owners, that includes a crate. But, crates are large and if you have a small space, probably not realistic. However … could you do a crate that doubles as a table? This version is made of solid wood construction and gives you a bit of room up top for storage while giving Fido plenty of space to be comfy.
Get Growing
Some things are worth making room for and this hydroponic growing system is one of them. Grow your own herbs, salad greens, tomatoes and more in this system you can use right inside your house. This is also a great solution if you live in an apartment or complex that doesn’t have garden space you can co-op. It includes everything you need to get started.
Bite the Bullet
Kitchen appliances just seem to be getting bigger and bigger, don’t they? I have three or four on my counter anddddd now I have no counter space. This personal blender is great for shakes, smoothies, baby food, and more in a teeny-tiny footprint you can even grab and take on the go. Mueller appliances, in my opinion, are rock solid so buy with confidence.
Air Your Dirty Laundry
Maybe you have a laundry room, maybe you don’t, but you definitely have laundry. Can we all agree on that? This hanging laundry hamper goes right on a door (either with chrome hooks or suction hooks) and can be removed to cart to the laundry room or laundromat. This reviewer totally gets it: ” I’d never seen hampers like this before. Such a space-saving idea!”