14 Ways to Stay Organized in a Small Space

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Living in a small space is, well, small. Us apartment and tiny-home dwellers know all too well the struggles of trying to fit all of your bathroom products under the sink or stuffing shoes in a supersmall closet. While there isn't a secret serum to growing the size of your apartment (we can dream!), there are ways to stay organized and make the most of your small space. Read on to see a few of our favorite small-space hacks.

Key Hooks

Key Hooks

If you are anything like us, you have lost or misplaced your keys a few times (more than we would like to admit). Key hooks can help you stay organized and keep your keys off the countertops, floor, or wherever you find yourself dropping them.

Buy it: Wayfair Ginsberg Magnetic Key Hook ($31)

Shoe Racks

Shoe Racks

Shoes are a bit of a beast to fit into any closet and especially difficult to fit in a small space. If you have a free wall in your hallway or bedroom, there are endless types of shoe racks to fit all of your shoes in one place. Why hide your shoes when they can be put on display for everyone to see?

Buy it: Three-Tier Stackable Shoe Shelves Storage Utility Rack ($23)

Coat Rack

Coat Rack

You can never have enough coat hooks, no matter what season it is. (We also think you can't have enough coats, but that's another story.) A wall coat rack can help free up space in your closet, and it can be used for more than just coats. Try hanging bags, hats, and scarves.

Buy it: Umbra Flip Five-Hook Wall-Mounted Rack ($30)

Storage Ottoman

Storage Ottoman

When shopping for living room furniture, look for pieces that can be used as extra seating but also have built-in storage. Replace your typical coffee table with an ottoman and tray or find a couch with hidden storage. This extra space is perfect for throw blankets and extra sheets for your guests.

Buy it: HomePop Round Storage Ottoman ($70)

Magnetic Knife Strip

Magnetic Knife Strip

If you're running out of drawer space but need a way to store all of your knives, this magnetic strip is the tried-and-true way to hang everything up and save space where you need it. This isn't limited to just knives; it can hang any metal utensils you have.

Buy it: Modern Innovations 16-Inch Stainless Steel Magnetic Knife Bar With Multipurpose Use ($15)

Spice Rack

Spice Rack

A spice rack can help free up space in your cabinets. It will also allow for easy access if you need an extra pinch of your favorite seasoning or cooking oil. If you need more counter space, try a wall-mounted spice rack like this one. Use that vertical space!

Buy it: Copper Wire Two-Tier Spice Rack ($13)

Bar Cart

Bar Cart

A bar cart is both festive and functional. Not only will it free up space in the kitchen, but it also adds to the aesthetic of any space. Stack it with cups, bottles, or anything you want on display and save yourself some cabinet space.

Buy it: London Round Two-Tier Bar Cart ($200)

Drawer Dividers

Drawer Dividers

Drawer dividers are the best invention you never knew you needed. Say goodbye to the mornings spent shuffling through your drawers to find socks. Now everything you need will be easy to find in its assigned area.

Buy it: Pillowfort Woven Seven-Piece Drawer Organizer ($20)

Jewelry Holder

Jewelry Holder

Whether you want your jewelry on display or hidden in a safe place, a jewelry holder keeps you organized and ensures your best accessories stay detangled and protected. Forget the struggle of knotted necklaces! If you want to show off your jewelry, we recommend a tall stand like this one on a dresser or makeup table.

Buy it: Highbar Jewelry Stand ($38)

Curtains as Doors

Curtains as Doors

Curtains don't just have to be used as window treatments. If your closet door is obstructing a bed or just taking up too much space, an easy fix is to remove the door and replace it with a curtain. This way all of your clothes are still hidden, but you can clear up space for more storage.

Buy it: Lyra Rose Macrame Portal ($129)

Shower Caddy

Shower Caddy

If you are tired of knocking your shampoo onto the floor in the shower, a shower caddy is just what you need. There are many shapes and sizes that can fit in every type of shower. It will keep you organized, with no assembly required!

Buy it: Bath Bliss Holland Shower Caddy ($43)

Under-the-Sink Storage

Under-the-Sink Storage

Under the sink is a tricky place to organize with low-hanging pipes and wires. Stacking baskets and drawers can help make the most of all of the space and make finding everything you need a breeze.

Buy it: SimpleHouseware Stackable Cabinet Basket Drawer Organizer in Silver ($23)

Over-the-Toilet Storage

Over-the-Toilet Storage

If you are looking for a way to add extra shelving to your bathroom without having to worry about drilling into the walls, an over-the-toilet rack is the storage hack you need. Store all of your linens and towels easily if you don't have a bathroom closet. For even better organization, add baskets or trays to separate small toiletries.

Buy it: Salt Toilet Rack ($30)

Utensil Crock

Utensil Crock

Instead of stuffing your spatulas and wooden spoons in a drawer, try putting them on display in a utensil crock. With so many colors, shapes, and sizes to choose from, it will be easy to find one that fits your space.

Buy it: Faceted Utensil Holder ($20)