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Organizing pros say these 10 space-saving items will instantly make your home feel bigger
Don't let your small square footage get the best of you! I called in some reinforcements to help you think (and live) bigger.
Every square foot counts, especially when you're working with a small space. Take it from me, a New Yorker who has lived in some, uh, modest apartments over the last decade ... and that's putting it nicely. While I dream of the day that I can knock down a few walls or upsize, I'll have to settle for some organizing tips and tricks to make the most of what I've got (a whopping 800 square feet!).
Some hacks simply trick the eye, but the following ideas will help you actually maximize even the tiniest kitchens, bathrooms, closets, you name it. I get it: Bringing more products into the mix may sound counterproductive, which is why I turned to a few of our favorite organizing pros for guidance on how to do it right.
"When it comes to maximizing space, I always tell clients that the right product should create structure without adding bulk," says Mike Steiner, owner of Bethesda Custom Closets and Blinds. "Thoughtfully chosen organizers don’t just save physical space — they reduce visual clutter and make everyday routines smoother." That's right, no one's telling you to buy more stuff just for the sake of it. Nope, these pro-approved products are designed with the smallest spaces in mind.
Walls are often reserved for decor, but New York City-based professional organizer Barbara Brock says they're also a blank canvas for smart storage solutions. The same goes for your fridge's exterior. Yep, remove a few magnets and photos to make way for these magnetic shelves, which deserve a spot alongside the best kitchen organizers for their versatility.
"Attach one or two on a refrigerator, and they will become the go-to for commonly used items," she says. They're just the right depth for most spices and oil bottles, but Brock also loves filling them with "items that I get into each day," from tea and coffee to vitamins.
These do-it-all discs are anything but lazy. "You never have to worry about your ingredients getting pushed to the back of a cabinet or shelf; everything stays self-contained and upright, and it's all easy to find with a spin of the magic wheel," says Julie Bestry, owner of Best Results Organizing.
Even in a small space, the more real estate, the better. That's why Brock says it's worth it to size up to a 12-inch version, which is "good for not only the kitchen, but under bathroom cabinets or even in a cabinet with medicines or toiletries." Look for one with a grippy base to ensure everything stays put.
A well-organized pantry is worth its weight in gold. When done right, it shows you exactly what you're working with, so you can quickly grab what you need and ultimately cut down on food waste. But if you're working with a shelf or two instead of a sprawling, hyper-stylized space (I know you've seen 'em on Instagram), consider an organizer to help pantry doors pull double duty.
"It's a great area for grab-and-go items, like cans, spices, candies and snacks," Brock says. And if you have kids in your house, Brock recommends filling the lower shelves with healthier alternatives, "so they can feel independent, reach in and grab what they want when they want it.
Are your kitchen cabinets feeling more like a black hole? Install pull-out organizers to make them work smarter, not harder. "It helps you avoid being on your knees every time you need to reach something in the back," says Lana Lorena, a California-based professional organizer.
No drilling, no problem: There are plenty of renter-friendly options available, including Lorena's pick, which slides on rails affixed to the bottom of your cabinet with a strong (but removable) adhesive.
"Under-bed storage containers are great because the space is out of sight and typically not being used for something else," says Morgan Olsen, an interior design expert at Thumbtack. She recommends containers from Iris USA because they're stackable and nest when not in use.
Better yet, they're transparent, so you can quickly locate items with a quick peek under the bed. Although they don't feature wheels, they're lightweight enough that you should be able to easily pull them out. Olsen says they work for a range of storage needs, including offseason clothes, blankets and toys, without taking up too much space.
Even more squeezed for space? You'd be surprised how much stuff you can fit into vacuum bags like these, says Yahoo Lead Home Editor Jessica Dodell-Feder. Simply load them up with whatever you want to store, slide the clip across the top to create a double-zip seal, attach your vac's nozzle to the plastic port, and suck out all the excess air. The result: That bulky, unwieldy pile of clothes or bedding is now up to 80% smaller.
Stack the sealed bags under your bed or on shelves in your closet. Dodell-Feder has even used the largest bags to store pillows.
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This small-but-mighty cart (it's just under 5" wide!) can squeeze into the slimmest of spaces and ensure that you always have your essentials just a roll away. Stuff the shelves with dryer sheets, stain removers and other laundry must-haves, then stick it next to your washing machine for easy access. Or tuck it next to your bathroom vanity to store any extras that you'd rather leave out in the open. You could also leave it in your kitchen for extra cans, boxes or bags. The options are endless!
The cabinet under the sink is prime real estate, so Lorena says you should use it wisely. Her suggestion? Go vertical. She swears by these plastic bins that stick to the back of the cabinet door for any lightweight products that you regularly reach for, from rubber gloves and extra sponges to dishwasher pods.
"Instead of everything sitting on the cabinet floor competing for room, you’re adding a whole extra storage zone," she says. The fluted design, which is easy to see through, doesn't hurt either!
Take stock of everything on your kitchen counters and chances are, you'll find a few things that can live elsewhere. This adhesive paper towel holder is an easy switch — just attach it to the wall by the sink and voila, more space! "You can even use them inside a cabinet door," Jennifer Johnson, owner of The Orderly Space adds.
Left as is, this looks like a timeless wooden coffee table. But it has a surprise: the top hinges, and when you lift it, it reveals a secret storage compartment. "Hidden-storage furniture used to read very 'bachelor pad,' but there are so many stylish designs now," says Dodell-Feder. "You can find fluted and burled wood options and tables in every finish imaginable." This one, for example, also comes in black and gray wood as well as a sleek white finish with a marble-effect top.
