You might be so overwhelmed with stuff and the lack of places to put it, you may not even realize there are some places in a small home where you can stow those belongings and make a quick clean up when loved ones call “we’re just around the corner” or “we’re in the neighborhood”. Here are some inexpensive and easy solutions to add space to your limited space.

1. Storage furniture: This is my favorite tip. Inexpensive places like Target, Home Goods, and Wayfair sell affordable and beautiful home decor and comfortable furniture pieces to hide your messy belongings when your home lacks cupboards and your toddler has a mess 24/7. We purchased a storage couch, ottoman, and coffee table and WHAT A DIFFERENCE! Tidying up the house is so freaking simple and the kids can easily do it, it’s very quick, they take up no extra room, look stylish, are inexpensive, and it’s an instant solution to your problems. Best thing we ever did! For some examples, see below: Obviously you’d purchase the coffee table style that suits your specific tastes but you get the idea. You can also repurpose an old chest that is flat on top but inside you just throw toys in it, store winter couch blankets, stow guest bedding, remotes, movies, etc. GAME CHANGER! All of the above-mentioned places also carry mid-century modern design storage couches also and they’re stunning.
2. High up shelves in the garage, laundry room, kitchen, and all rooms. This is so underrated and you might think at first it will look cluttered or not workable, but it is! Here is a visual representation of what I mean:See that top shelf? It’s a simple and easy fix you can purchase from Home Depot or Lowe’s preassembled or IKEA and do yourself. Even just one of these per room will make a BIG impact on style, functionality, and storage capacity with little money and no floor or headspace taken. They’re up against the ceiling in a corner or where needed and just the 3 feet by one foot usage gives you a place to put winter storage, linens, goods, and whatever else is constantly in your way. We did this in the boys’ rooms, my office, the laundry room, and DEFINITELY around the perimeter inside the garage. If that’s not your aesthetic, remember it’s an idea. There are others! Here is a flat style you’re probably preferring. Add another in your kitchen or bathroom. Put one above the TV in the bedroom or desk, hang one above the towel rack, etc. They fit pretty much anywhere and can go as high as you’d like to hide ’em. Make it work your way! Don’t neglect the space above the toilet where you can usually fit two of these.
3. This one requires a little more work or hiring a professional (probably a good idea) but in-wall cubbies are a genius innovation! Under the stairs, between the studs, built in somewhere, wherever! Such a fantastic idea without taking up floor space and even with a licensed contractor (not handyman) it is a cost-effective solution. See what I mean? 
   

   

One goes into the wall a few inches but provides plenty of stylish and helpful storage, another clears the counters and cupboards easily for about $15. We did the second option and it made quite a difference. It automatically makes your home more elegant and welcoming too for almost no cost. I purchased a cheap wine bottle holder almost identical at Home Goods and my husband hung it up in a minute. Done. The other, think built-in soap dish alcove, is what we are doing in our renovation plans because we love the idea of less but having more. No extra cabinets needed when we can do this!

Remember the important fact in all of these tips is to make it your own. They’re very simple ideas to plant inside your mind and work with so you can get the ball rolling on what works for you. If you have more space and budget, you can buy prefab cabinets and such from Lowe’s or Home Depot or call in California Closests and let them design a space for you. We have also done that and it was a great experience but more expensive to some. Do what fits your life! For more images and unique ideas check out my Instagram @agentofparadise or our secret group! Call or message to join for free. Find Jennifer at http://www.facebook.com/JenniferLarsonRealtor.