This site contains affiliate links; view our full disclosure to learn more.
This post is about making the most of small spaces.
If you asked me in my twenties what it takes to live well in a small space, I would have said minimalism, without a doubt. In my forties, the answer to that question would center on clarity and vision as requirements for making the most of a small space.
The challenge for many is combining elements that are useful yet beautiful while minimizing clutter.
I’ve put together a few of my favorite tips to help you consider your space and make the most of it.
1. Use a Rolling Cart for Everyday Items
In a small space, rolling carts work in nearly every room. I use them in the bedroom to organize various personal care and small tech items, and to extend storage in our bathroom. I’m sure a cart can also work in the kitchen or a home office to keep your supplies nearby.
2. Choose Furniture and Items That Do Double Duty
Years ago, I purchased a platform bed with storage drawers underneath. It has been one of my best investments, and it is still as beautiful and useful today as it was when I purchased it. I now use it in a smaller bedroom without a dresser, and the space under the mattress is handy for extra storage.
When I am tempted to update or change spaces, I look for:
- Multi-functional items like this coffee maker and air fryer.
- Creative cabinetry
- Ottomans and benches with built-in storage
- Tables that extend or convert to useful surfaces
- Sofas and chairs that conceal storage or convert to sleepers
- And, desks that can be used as a nightstand
3. Limit Your Bedding to What You Actually Use
Extra linen frequently takes up more space than you think. And let’s be real: when you’re rushing out the door, its very presence can complicate the process of making your bed and keeping your room tidy.
This simple formula helps me to manage my bedding without creating excessive clutter:
- 1–2 sheet sets per bed
- 1 comforter or quilt (select one that can be used year-round)
- 2 sets of pillows: display and sleep.
Store a limited number of extras elsewhere or let them go. A small space doesn’t need a full linen closet.
4. Get Creative With Your Storage
Managing clutter and the inevitable disarray that creeps into small spaces gives you the canvas to make your space what you want it to be.
To keep things organized, use baskets to store extra toiletries, feminine products, toilet paper, supplies, and clothing (I even use small matching baskets on my rolling carts for smaller items–it improves the look of the cart and keeps items upright and organized); boxes (especially shoe boxes) can be used to organize your under-sink area; and lidded containers (plastic or glass) can store laundry pods, dish pods, and other household items.
Another tip: group similar items together and keep any extra or duplicate items in the same area to avoid repurchasing items you already own.
5. Use a Trunk Organizer to Keep Your Car Clean
Your car can easily become an extension of your home’s clutter when you’re low on space. I know this firsthand because my SUV has a very small trunk, and with any heavy use or travel, it can become a haven for random items.
To avoid this issue, I make a rule of not storing much in the cabin and use a trunk organizer to keep groceries in place and give structure to everything else (i.e., emergency items, personal care, and everyday overflow).
Final Thought
Small spaces work best when they’re edited—not filled.
When your furniture, storage, and daily items all serve a purpose, your space can feel curated, functional, and easy to maintain.