Having a smaller home doesn’t mean you need to skimp on flair or order. With some smart arranging concepts, you can get the most out of every bit of space you have.

1. High Shelving

High shelving above a bedroom door.
High shelving above a bedroom door.

Put shelves high up on the walls for items that are not used as much. I keep board games and extra linens on shelves above my bedroom door.

2. Thin Cabinets

Thin bathroom cabinet for toiletries.
Thin bathroom cabinet for toiletries.

In small spaces, thin cabinets can be really helpful. They fit well in small gaps and provide plenty of storage for toiletries in my small bathroom.

3. Vertical Arranging Options

Tall pantry shelf in a small kitchen.
Tall pantry shelf in a small kitchen.

Use your walls by adding tall shelves or wall-mounted units. I once changed a small kitchen corner with a tall shelf, which freed up counter space.

4. Old-fashioned Suitcases

Old-fashioned suitcases stacked for decor and storage.
Old-fashioned suitcases stacked for decor and storage.

Stack old-fashioned suitcases for a unique arranging option that also acts as decor. In my place, they hold off-season items while adding a bit of the past.

5. Staircase Storage

Staircase with pull-out drawers.
Staircase with pull-out drawers.

If you can, add pull-out drawers in your stairs for hidden storage. It’s something I hope to add one day for shoes and winter clothes.

6. Integrated Shelving

Integrated wall shelves full of books and decor.
Integrated wall shelves full of books and decor.

Specially designed integrated shelving can change awkward places into fashionable spaces for storing things. In my own city house, these shelves have become crucial for holding books and decorative stuff.

7. Under-bed Storage

Bedroom showing off under-bed storage boxes.
Bedroom showing off under-bed storage boxes.

Use the space under your bed with storage boxes or drawers. I keep seasonal clothing neatly put away under mine, which frees up closet space.

8. Suspended Shelves

Dining area with suspended shelves.
Dining area with suspended shelves.

Put up suspended shelves for a sleek arranging option without using up floor space. They’re great for showing off plants and pictures in my dining area.

9. Using Corners

Small corner library with corner shelves.
Small corner library with corner shelves.

Don’t forget about the corners! With corner shelving, you can get the most out of every spot. I’ve turned an unused corner into a small library, because of corner shelves.

10. Transforming Accent Walls

Dining area with accent wall mini-bar.
Dining area with accent wall mini-bar.

Turn an accent wall into a useful arranging area with cubbies or shelves. I’ve used this idea to make a mini-bar in my dining area.

11. Kitchen Arrangement

Neat kitchen with pull-out drawers.
Neat kitchen with pull-out drawers.

Get the most out of your kitchen cabinets with pull-out drawers and racks. I’ve found these really helpful for keeping my baking things neat and easy to get to.

12. Seating with Storage

Living room with a storage bench.
Living room with a storage bench.

Pick seating that has another use with hidden areas. In my living room, a bench with storage holds extra pillows and throws.

13. Curtain Camouflage

Studio apartment with curtain-covered shelving.
Studio apartment with curtain-covered shelving.

Hide open shelving with curtains for a neat look. I use this trick in my studio to keep my wardrobe arranged but out of sight.

14. Inventive Shelves

Ladder-style bookshelf in a small living room.
Ladder-style bookshelf in a small living room.

Use inventive shelves that fit into odd spaces. In my living room, a ladder-style shelf adds character and extra book storage without using up much space.

15. Mounted Hooks

Entryway with mounted hooks for bags and coats.
Entryway with mounted hooks for bags and coats.

Put hooks on walls or furniture to hang bags, coats, or keys. I’ve saved a lot of space in my entryway by using this.

16. Boxes and Containers

Living room with woven containers for storage.
Living room with woven containers for storage.

Use boxes and containers to hold smaller items and keep things neat. I hide toys and seasonal items in woven containers, which fit right into my decor.

17. Getting the Most out of Doors

Kitchen door with a mounted spice rack.
Kitchen door with a mounted spice rack.

Hang racks or organizers on your doors for extra storage. I love using door-mounted spice racks in the kitchen to keep my counters free of clutter.

18. Above-the-Sofa Space

Living room with a shelf above the sofa.
Living room with a shelf above the sofa.

Use the space above your sofa with a shelf for art or books. In my home, it’s the best spot for showing off travel memories.

19. Pegboards for Versatility

Kitchen with a pegboard for pots and utensils.
Kitchen with a pegboard for pots and utensils.

Pegboards aren’t just for the garage! I use one in the kitchen to keep pots and utensils easy to reach and off the counters.

20. Versatile Furniture

Living room with a storage bench.
Living room with a storage bench.

Versatile furniture, like benches with hidden spots, can serve as both seating and storage. In my apartment, a storage bench is the ideal spot for extra blankets.