Find the Hidden Spaces in Your Home

Whether you’re a young professional moving to an urban flat or an empty-nester looking to downsize, the challenge of living in a smaller space is sometimes daunting. The things you want (keepsakes, books, collections, specialty kitchen appliances) and the things you need (room for clothes, a home office, space for a guest) vie for the same square footage. How can you fit it all into your space without it being a cluttered mess? Find the hidden spaces in your home.

Of course, first up is getting rid of items you no longer use, want, or need. Once that’s done, take stock of what remains. Seasonal items should go on one list and everyday items on another.

• A narrow bookshelf set behind your sofa provides storage for seasonal items and functions as a sofa table.
• Stack vintage suitcases or trunks filled with blankets, seasonal clothing or keepsakes beside the bed or sofa as an end table.
• Slide baskets under a coffee table for smaller items you use often. Or turn a cubby shelf into a coffee table for dual use.
• Put storage bins under the bed for sweaters, blankets, or guest pillows.
• Store sheets and extra blankets under your mattress.
• Use a tall bookshelf behind your bed. It replaces the headboard and nightstands, then adds extra storage both above and behind the bed. Keep seasonal items on the lower shelves behind the mattress and items you use often in the exposed shelves above.
• If you rarely bake, store pans in your oven. 
• Typically eat take-out? Store extra dishes in that unused dishwasher.

Creativity
A little creative effort goes a long way when looking for space. Hack something you already own or an inexpensive purchase into multi-purpose storage.