Storage is everywhere—if you know where to look |
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| NYT Wirecutter, Article |
Sometimes, a space can feel dirty not because it’s actually unclean—but because it’s disorganized. And when a space is disorganized, the mind often follows. There tends to be a bit of a cascading effect.
The key to truly keeping a space organized is twofold: Invest in the right systems to keep things tidy—and then commit to using that system, as in, put things back where they belong. We can’t help you with the latter, but over the next four days, we’ll be diving into the former: challenging you each day to work a simple, expert-tested organizational solution into your home.
We’re starting day one of this challenge with where disorganization tends to thrive: small spaces. Your task today is to identify one cluttered, underused space in your home, and transform it into some storage. Here are five ways our journalists have created order in their tiniest spaces:
- A magnetic rack to expand a small kitchen: This very sturdy rack is excellent for adding storage to the side of your fridge. It can hold spices, oven mitts, paper towels—and anything else you regularly reach for that would otherwise be cluttering up your countertops.
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- No floor space for a nightstand? This felt bedside organizer can keep laptops, notebooks, phones, books, and more neatly stashed away. Just wedge it between your mattress and the bedframe.
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- Take advantage of the insides of doors: Adding an over-the-door rack with basket shelves can add bonus space for things like cleaning supplies and extra soap—and free up precious real estate under your sink. The baskets we recommend in our guide to organizing a linen closet are adjustable to different heights, and are available in mesh or wire. Another tip for inside the closet? Use clear storage bins to see all the contents at a glance and label everything.
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- Get furniture with built-in secret storage: This handsome ottoman does double duty, providing both hidden storage and extra seating. It elegantly stores—and tucks away—your bedroom clutter, and its hinged soft-close lid makes it easy to open, close, and access whatever you stash in there.
- Channel your inner Julia Child: Make use of unused wall space in the kitchen with a metal pegboard to hold awkward pots, pans, and utensils. Our favorites are sturdy, so the holes won’t get bent out of shape, and they come in a range of colors.
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More of our expert advice for small spaces |
One last thing: A little mystery never hurt |
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| Schoolhouse |
These may just look like weathered, regular books on the outside. But inside, you’ll find a secret velvet-lined box ideal for storing your goodies: cash, jewelry, notes from a lover, what have you. We love that these fake book boxes are both playful and practical, and would look nice on a coffee table or nestled innocently on a shelf.
Very cute sneaky storage→
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