In today’s fast-paced world, making the most of your living space is essential. Whether you live in a cozy apartment in Portland, are renovating your rental home in Baltimore, or are looking at homes for sale in Fort Worth, TX, employing space-saving ideas and strategies can transform your home into a more organized, functional, and pleasant environment. Below our home improvement experts share some of the best tips and tricks to help you optimize your space effectively.
Focus on decluttering your home
Before diving into specific space-saving ideas, start with decluttering. Go through your belongings and assess what you truly need. Below our experts have detailed their best decluttering tips and tricks, starting with donating. “Keeping your home clutter-free is key to maximizing space. Regularly go through your belongings and donate, recycle or dispose of items you no longer need. This not only frees up physical and mental space but also creates a more organized and serene living environment,” shared Abel Dominguez from Temecula Valley Junk Pick-Up.
Sean from The Wreckin’ Haul – Junk Removal notes the importance of organization while going through this process, highlighting that you can “Reduce stress by focusing on decluttering and smart storage solutions. Start by removing unnecessary items and organizing your belongings into categories, keeping only what you truly need. The key to a peaceful, organized space is regular decluttering and keeping only what adds value to your life.”
Have trouble letting go of your belongings? Check out these techniques to make saying goodbye easier:
The team at Live Junk Free recommends using the trading method when focusing on maintaining a clutter free home: “The easiest way to Live Junk Free is by using the trading method. You buy something new and get rid of the item it replaced. The biggest problem is we get attached to things, and when we die, our family sells everything. Living with junk can be stressful, but getting rid of it gives you a happier lifestyle.”
Another great technique is to send your belongings off with a nice verbal sentiment. “One helpful tip that might help homeowners save space in their home is to learn how to say “goodbye” to items that are no longer serving you,” shared The team at Junkdrop- Nashville. “Studies have shown that audibly telling your unwanted items goodbye and thanking them for their use has helped ease the declutter process. As funny as it sounds this has been a great insight that we tell our clients to help them clean their house in a thoughtful way, where you don’t hurt your items feelings.”
Create extra space by utilizing creative storage solutions
Not ready to part with too much stuff? One of the best space-saving ideas to consider is finding better storage methods.
Embrace vertical storage options
When floor space is limited, think vertically. Coming in as one of the top recommended tips by our experts, this is a surefire way to save space in your home: “For smaller rooms, consider vertical storage solutions — wall-mounted shelving and hooks keep surfaces clear and create a visually spacious environment,” says Lindsay Lugo from Houz of Rebel. “When it comes to purchasing furniture, choose items with legs so that you can utilize the storage underneath, like sliding low-profile storage bins under your bed or nesting stools under a coffee table or dining table that double as extra seating when not in use.”
Emily Taber-Moore, Principal at STUDIO HENREE is also a proponent of vertical storage solutions, expressing that “Floating shelves, wall-mounted desks, or hanging organizers are great ways to utilize vertical space. Additionally, you can maximize storage within cabinets and closets by adding shelf risers, pull-out baskets, or stackable containers. These small changes can significantly increase storage capacity and make it easier to keep everything organized.”
In addition to the above space-saving ideas, Sonia from Express Self Storage has even more tips to save space in your home: “At Express Self Storage, we believe that maximizing vertical space is key to creating a clutter-free home. Consider using stackable storage bins to keep items off the floor and make the most of every inch of space. If you find yourself needing even more space, our secure storage units in North Finchley are here to help you keep your home organized and spacious.”
Invest in multifunctional furniture
Multifunctional furniture is a game-changer for space-saving. Look for pieces that offer dual or even triple purposes that will help you make the most of every square inch. Check out the following suggestions for how to best utilize multifunctional furniture. May Sung from Subu Design Architecture recommends “utilizing multi-purpose furniture such as a convertible desk or storage beds, and using docking drawers to get rid of desktop clutters,” with Zachary Foust from Loft Team adding that “a coffee table with built-in storage, a fold-out desk that doubles as a dining area, or even a living room TV that doubles as a computer screen” can help to make your home feel more spacious.
Emily Taber-Moore, principal at STUDIO HENREE, weighed in on this topic as well, suggesting that investing in “pieces like a sofa bed, a dining table with hidden storage, or a lift-top coffee table that doubles as a workspace can transform small spaces and keep them clutter-free. Also consider furniture with hidden storage compartments, like ottomans with removable tops or beds with built-in drawers. These allow you to keep essentials within reach without cluttering the room.”
For additional insight into how to create space in your living areas, check out these tips that Alex Craig from McGregors Furniture & Matress shared: “When managing limited spaces with furniture purchases, opt for pieces like a storage dining bench to maximize hidden space. Drop-leaf tables can be expanded when needed and folded away to save space when not in use, while a pop-up link spring adds a level of effectiveness, allowing a bed to spawn and be put away within seconds. These choices keep your living area organized, efficient, and above all, not too claustrophobic.”
Multifunctional furniture pieces can be utilized in any room of your home, enabling you to save space in the places that you need it most. Carissa and Emily from The Little Things shared that “Maximizing small spaces in your home or rental often requires having some fun by getting creative with furniture choices and room layouts. Have you considered investing in a multi-functional furniture piece? What about a Murphy bed for your office? Or even something as simple as an entry table with hidden shoe storage? We also can’t forget to mention taking advantage of those naturally empty spaces- like under the bed- for ultimate storage!”
Employ design techniques and be mindful of overlooked space-saving ideas
Find more creative ways to stash your favorite items with these space-saving tips.
Create space
As mentioned above, getting creative with the space that you have is key to optimizing the flow of your home. May Sung from Subu Design Architecture came through with these stellar tips for creating space where it may seem that you have none: “If you have high ceilings, consider putting in a loft or built-in double decker bunk bed, add shelving, or combination of wall hooks and shelves. Also, Don’t forget to capture space under the staircase, and if you’re in need of more room in your closet, install a pull out valet rod to add additional hanging space.” May also recommended corner storage as part of your space saving solution: “Capture corner storage in kitchen with hardware such as the blind corner hardware from Hafele.”
Built-in storage
Built-in storage solutions are perfect for creating a seamless look and optimizing space. These options can be customized to fit your needs and make use of every inch of available space. “Opt for furniture with built-in storage, such as beds with drawers or coffee tables with hidden compartments. This helps keep your living areas tidy without sacrificing valuable square footage. Additionally, consider incorporating built-in shelving that extends above doorways or along hallways. This subtle yet elegant solution not only maximizes vertical space but also adds a sophisticated touch to your home’s design. For a more personalized approach, bespoke storage solutions can blend form and function seamlessly, matching your home’s unique style,” recommends Jessica Miller from Mountain Cleaning LLC
Wall niches
In the vein of built-in storage, installing wall niches in your home is a great way to take advantage of unused space. Basma Masood from Basma Interiors suggests “Creating wall niches for shallow storage. This involves carving out shallow recesses within your walls to create built-in shelves or cabinets. These niches can be designed to blend seamlessly with your existing decor, offering a stylish and functional way to store smaller items like books, decorative pieces, or even kitchen spices. Consider using these niches in hallways, bathrooms, or even beside your bed for a sleek, space-saving solution.”
Behind-the-door organizers
When utilizing vertical space, think beyond simply installing shelves on your walls. “Maximizing storage space in small areas can be achieved using vertical space, such as behind-the-door solutions. This often underutilized area can be a practical and efficient way to organize and store small items, reducing clutter in your living space. Behind-the-door organizers provide an ideal storage option for shoes, accessories, cleaning supplies, and pantry items, allowing easy access while keeping your living space tidy and well-organized,” shares Rosslyn Tebbutt, founder and designer at SampleBoard.
Cord management and dual-purpose appliances
Opt for appliances with retractable cords that serve more than one function. In addition, dual-purpose appliances streamline your home’s functionality while freeing up valuable space for other uses. “Sometimes, paying attention to the smallest details like cord management, drawer organization, and dual-purpose appliances – plus utensils can open up new storage solutions you hadn’t yet imagined!” Shared Shivani Vyas from Studio Vyas. “This is key because messy cords take up more space in a cabinet and add visual clutter.”
Overlooked space-saving ideas
When considering the best ways to save space in your home, it’s important to think outside of the box and consider alternatives that you might have overlooked. Celebrity Designer and TV Host Jennifer Farrell provided these top-tier solutions for creating extra space:
-“Instead of big, bulky armchairs, try upholstered armless chairs. Arms can add up to 50% more width on a chair, and armless chairs are just as comfy.
-Look for multi-purpose furniture pieces that pull double duty, like wall art that folds down to become a wall-mount table, or ottomans with storage inside.
-A sliding frosted glass wall is a great option for dividing a small space into two rooms, instead of a thick solid wall.”
-Glass adds class! If you’re remodeling a small space, a frameless glass shower stall can save tons of valuable space over a tiled shower stall.”
Optimize space in regularly used or high-traffic areas of your home
The busiest areas in your home can often become cluttered in ways that inhibit functionality and accessibility. See tips from our experts below detailing some great ways to create extra space in these areas:
Kitchen
Shivani also shared some great tips for optimizing space in your kitchen: “To expand a small kitchen, focus on utilizing every square inch of your space! For example, search for small appliances with cord management built-in, like the Proctor Silex food chopper that features a handy retractable cord reel. In addition to unique cord storage to prevent cabinet messes, dual-purpose kitchen appliances can cut back on the amount of tools you need. For example, the Power Opener double duties as a can open and knife sharpener, further reducing clutter in your kitchen. Lastly, as you organize your kitchen space, consider your lifestyle and storage needs. Place everyday essentials in cabinets or drawers that you can easily access while placing more seasonal items in more remote areas like the top spaces of your wall cabinets.”
Dining area
Another place to optimize space in your home is your dining area. “Round dining tables sit more people and take up less space than long rectangular tables and can be used as a large desk or a game table when not hosting dinner parties. If chair placement feels awkward try placing the chairs in an X formation at the table rather than a straight-on cross formation,” notes J.P. Horton from jphorton.com
Entryway
The entrance to your home can often be a high traffic area, Abel Dominguez from Temecula Valley Junk Pick-Up shared some best practices for keeping your entryway organized: “Keep your entryway clear and clutter-free by using slim storage units, hooks, or wall-mounted mail organizers. A tidy entryway sets the tone for the rest of the home and prevents items from piling up near the door.”
Guest room
Guest rooms can often become an underutilized space when not in use by visitors. “If you have a guest room in your apartment, make the most of it by investing in a nice pull-out sofa so that you can utilize the room as a study or den when guests are not visiting. Leaving a secondary bedroom as a guest room year round is a waste of space when your square footage is limited,” says J.P. Horton from J.P. Horton Interior Design.
While high-traffic areas in your home are key places to optimize space, garage and storage areas are also prime locations to make the most of your square footage. Take a look below at space-saving ideas for these areas of your home:
Garage
Adam Butler from Webfoot Home Improvements shared these tips for organizing and creating space in your garage: “Incorporate storage solutions to make your garage more useful, organized and clutter free. Consider installing custom cabinets, slat wall or motorized storage to help organize bulky, heavy or awkwardly shaped items easily, creating a more organized and functional space.”
Paige Lambert from Simple Storage Co. provided additional insight into making the most of the space in your garage: “We believe that organization isn’t just a chore – it’s a lifestyle. It’s about fostering a culture of efficiency and clarity that extends far beyond the physical spaces we organize. Maximize garage space by using wall-mounted shelves and pegboards. Group similar items together, like tools or sports gear, and label storage bins for quick access.”
Storage unit
While it may be easy to simply throw any unused belongings into a storage unit without much thought, Paige Lambert also provided tips for ensuring your storage space is used advantageously: “Use clear, labeled bins to make finding items easier. Create an inventory list and a layout map of your storage unit to ensure you can always locate what you need.”
Closet
Closets can easily become some of the most cluttered and least organized areas in your home. To avoid this, Zachary Scalzo, owner of Maxie Maids, has detailed tried and true organizing techniques to keep your closet in working order: “Saving space in your home reduces anxiety and saves you time in getting to the things you really need. Here at Maxie Maids, we recommend organizing your closets by relevance and season. When tasked with organizing our clients’ closets we start with shirts on the left side and pants on the right, with clothes not used in the current season being neatly folded and stored elsewhere.”
Make use of modern techniques when designing and renovating your home
These space-saving tips ideas AI to give you the smartest design and storage solutions.
Harness generative design
Generative design uses algorithms and artificial intelligence to create innovative solutions for space management. Modern software can help you visualize how furniture and storage can be arranged most efficiently in a room. “Maximizing space in your home starts with smart design choices. Consider multi-functional furniture and vertical storage to make your home feel more spacious and organized.
For an even more optimized space-saving solutions, generative design can be employed to create custom, space-saving layouts tailored specifically to your needs. These small adjustments, combined with advanced design techniques, can significantly enhance the overall functionality of your living space,” recommended the team at Équipe Maket.
Thwart tradition with new, trending renovations
Tradition and classic charm most definitely have their place in a home. However if you are looking to venture into more modern, innovative design and architecture, the below experts have detailed some amazing space-saving ideas:
“At Rocha Design Studio, we’re passionate about creating innovative and unique space-saving solutions that elevate our clients’ homes. We love to push the boundaries of design, finding ways to make spaces both functional and extraordinary. One of our favorite approaches is ‘furniture on demand,’ where we design versatile pieces that adapt to our clients’ needs. Think custom sofas that transform into guest beds or unique kitchen islands that tuck away when not in use.
For a more intriguing twist, we’ve incorporated bars cleverly concealed under staircases, combining functionality with a sleek, stylish touch. Hidden storage in unexpected places — like a floor that lifts to reveal extra space or a secret room within a closet for storing valuables — adds both efficiency and an element of surprise to a home. Ultimately, our goal is to design homes that perfectly adapt to our clients’ lifestyles, blending practicality with a touch of magic,” shared Ju Rocha.
Ross Smith from ASSEMBLY Architecture + Build also provided us with some unorthodox yet inventive space-saving ideas to make your home more spacious:
- “Forgo closets in the bedrooms. Instead recess built-ins into the bedroom wall. They are more functional and take up less space.
- Stacked washer/dryers can fit into a small closet off the hall or bedroom. It’s a simple space saver when there isn’t space for a mechanical or laundry room.
- Instead of a coat closet at the entrance, you can install a line of hooks. They actually function better, are more frequently used, and can give the place a warm home feel.
- Instead of a separate home office, you can install a desk nook into an underutilized closet or find space on an oversized stair landing or possibly under a staircase.
- Instead of a kitchen island, install a table that works as both dining and food prep. This seems to be a trend that is gaining traction.”
Last but certainly not least, Dan D’Agostino from Plan Architecture shared some top-notch insight into trending, inventive ways to save extra space in your home: “As architects and interior designers, we frequently receive this question, and we answer it differently based on our discipline.
As architects, we love to create flexible spaces that perform multiple functions. For instance, by designing an expandable eat-in area off the kitchen as part of an open floor plan, that intimate space can transform into a formal dining area for larger holiday festivities, eliminating the need for a separate formal dining room altogether. As interior designers, our goal is to create elegant solutions for storing your belongings. This results in features like storage coffee tables and built-ins with clever storage nooks.”
Start your space-saving journey today
Incorporating these space-saving tips can significantly enhance the functionality and comfort of your home. From decluttering and utilizing vertical space to investing in multifunctional furniture and modern storage solutions, every step you take towards maximizing your space will result in a more organized and enjoyable living environment. By making thoughtful adjustments and embracing innovative space-saving ideas, you can transform even the smallest spaces into havens of efficiency and comfort.
