13 Organizing Tricks We Learned From Tiny Houses—That Can Work in Any Home

Think in Zones

Nicole Gabai, a certified virtual organizing professional and founder of B. Organized, says she uses six basic principles as a guide when she’s helping clients who are short on space—but are helpful for spaces of any size. "The first two, sectional organizing and using the 'zones' principle, help guide you in space planning and prioritizing where you store things," she says. "In sectional organizing, I suggest we look at the whole space and determine what activities we will do in the space and determine where each will be done, thereby dividing the room into sections."

After you’ve planned that out, Gabai says you can decide what to store in each section. "Your 'Zone One' items will be the things you use the most frequently, so you can have these at your fingertips," she says. "The 'Zone Two' items can be stored in a slightly less convenient spot, and the 'Zone Three' items would be stored in an even less convenient area as backup storage."

Turn Your Dining Area Into Storage

One way you can add a bit more space in your kitchen is by ensuring that your kitchenette set pulls double duty. "You can maximize your kitchen space by adding storage underneath your seating area or breakfast nook," says Molly Heartfield, professional organizer and Owner of Heart & Co. "This is perfect for larger pots and pans for all the foodies that love to cook."

Take Advantage of Other Hidden Storage Options

Genna Bross and Greta Bodan, the organizers behind happily.catalogued, agree that tiny homes make the most of their space by utilizing furniture pieces that allow them to hide things away while still being useful. They say that adding some of these to your home can be a great way to get visual clutter out of sight and out of mind. "Invest in a divan or ottoman bed and storage sofa for a clean visual while taking advantage of hidden storage components," they say.

Use the Space Under Your Bed

If purchasing new furniture is not an option, you can always work with what you already have by using the space under your bed. You’ll need to purchase some bins with lids for these areas to help keep the dust away, but Bross and Bodan say that the smaller investment can still help you reap big rewards. 

Don’t worry if your bed sits too low to the ground to double as a storage space because they have a solution. "Need more height under the bed? Add risers!" say Bross and Bodan.

Double Your Shelf Space

Shelving is a great way to organize things like kitchen and bathroom essentials, but Bross and Brodan say that there’s a way to make that area work even harder to keep your home organized. "Purchase under-shelf baskets to add additional storage beneath your shelves," they say.

Get Clever With Things That Can Hide

Gabai says one of the things you can learn from tiny homes is that they are really clever when it comes to compartmentalizing things. "Some of the most innovative I have come across [include] an ironing board that folds in half and neatly tucks away into a cabinet and looks like a drawer from the outside," she says.

Not only does this keep your space free of excess clutter, but Gabai says it also eliminates the need for a clunky ironing board.  

Use Vacuum Storage Bags

These additions to your storage arsenal are practical, cost-effective, and space-saving, according to Bross and Bodan. Plus, they make an excellent way to store clothing, linens, and towels. "Label the bags to easily categorize and identify the contents," they say, adding that they recommend storing filled vacuum bags in a plastic storage bin whenever possible to keep them organized. 

Keep Your Socializing Areas Open

If you love to entertain you can ensure you always have extra room as your guests start showing up by picking out tables that can be tucked away when they aren’t needed. "Nesting tables are also a really great option to stack into one another to save space," Heartfield says. That way they can be stacked together, creating a smaller footprint when you don’t need them, or pulled out and put to use when you do. 

Downsize Board Game Boxes

Collectors may flinch when they read Bross and Bodan’s next idea, but we have to admit, it’s a really clever way to keep your favorite games from taking up too much space on your shelves. "We recommend transferring board games to plastic mesh zipper pouches or slim clear project containers to remove the bulk of board game boxes," they say. "Identify your games by outer labeling or cutting down the front of the box and placing it in the container or bin."

As for games like UNO, well they have a smart storage idea for those as well. "Use photo bins for card games!" they say.

Turn Your Door Into Additional Storage

"Create storage space in various areas of your home (closets, pantries, craft rooms, storage rooms, laundry, bathrooms) by using over-the-door organizers," Bross and Bodan say. "Over-the-door organizers come in many options and we recommend investing in an organizer that is sturdy and covers the majority of the door maximizing the amount of usable space."

Go High With Vertical Storage Systems

Bross and Brodan say that installing upward shelving and investing in vertical storage pieces are great ways to optimize storage in multifunctional areas and compact spaces such as closets, which is a very popular choice for those living in tiny homes. "Higher shelving and cabinets are perfect for infrequently used items such as holiday decor, keepsakes, and luggage, enabling you to keep items off the floor," they say. Keep a small step stool handy if you need help accessing higher-up spaces.

Add Pull-Out Cabinets

Heartfield loves the little touches that can help maximize every space in the home, like adding pull-out cabinets in your kitchen. "You will find that slender drawers are perfect for cans, jars, seasonings, etc.,” she says, adding that they will help you stay organized while helping you reserve your other spaces for bigger items. 

Gabai says there’s another benefit to adding pull-out drawers in cabinets. "Without the pull-out, you lose track of what's tucked into the way back," she says, which means that not only can pull-out cabinets help you save space, but they can also help you save money by preventing you from purchasing things you already have at home.