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Is your house big on charm but short on storage? There are ways to realize every inch of potential your home provides without draining every cent from your bank account. Here’s how to organize your space to bring out the best while sticking to your budget.

Less Is More

One of the best ways to ensure you can optimize all the storage potential in your home is to eliminate your excess stuff and organize what’s left. Spend some time decluttering and sorting items into three categories: “keepers,” “trash,” and “donations.” For every item you intend to keep, have a designated location for it in your house. Then, stow those items where they will be useful so space is efficient, and always return things to their spots when you finish using them.  As you cull the items you won’t be keeping, recycle whatever you can. The best part is that it won’t cost you anything to free up some space inside your home.

Hide in Plain Sight

When space is tight, using hidden storage can be a boon to homeowners. For instance, look for furniture that can multitask, such as ottomans with storage compartments or coffee tables with drawers for storage and castors so they move out of the way when you need floor space. Keep in mind that if these items are upholstered and you’re touching them a lot to move them or put items away, you may need to have them regularly cleaned. You can find a great furniture cleaning service in your area by doing a Google search for “best upholstery cleaning service near me.” Another idea is to create some built-in shelves and cabinets. Not a carpenter? No worries! You can fake-it-till-you-make-it by adding trim and molding to ready-made bookshelves. Minimal skills and tools are required; just paint and install hardware to provide finishing touches. If you need to spend some money on some new storage components for your home, use a Target coupon code to bring those prices down so they won’t harm your budget.

Subtle and Smart

You can make the space you have seem more organized and integrated by using color creatively. Better Homes & Gardens explains that with cleverly applied, simple color schemes which segue joined areas, you can make two different rooms look larger and seamless.  Cramped areas can be broadened and expanded using layering techniques. Retailers like Lowe’s offer plenty of quality, affordable paint for your home, and many stores will help you match whatever color you need to make your rooms pop with joy.

Clever Closet Spaces

If your home currently has the traditional, canned closet it came with, chances are you will benefit from a new closet system. You can DIY the project with supplies from a home improvement store, or hire a pro to come in and do it for you. Regardless of your method, a carefully selected layout that makes the most of your space and organizes your belongings can mean living more comfortably and efficiently. There is everything from wire systems to custom wood cabinetry to pick from, depending on your budget and requirements. 

Cooking Up Cabinetry

Could your kitchen and pantry use a makeover? If you have cupboards you resist opening because if you do you’ll be assaulted by plastic containers and lids, or if you aren’t even sure what’s in the rear of the top shelf anymore, it’s time to rethink your cabinet organization. From what’s under your kitchen sink to what’s hidden over the fridge, all of it can be revamped into spaces you actually use without dread. Lazy Susans, pull-out drawers, and repurposed boxes can all provide solutions to your kitchen storage woes. The more items you can find from second hand stores, the more you can make these projects fit in your budget.

Rethink the Morning Routine

There is nothing worse than not being able to find things when you’re on the run in the morning and have a timeline to keep. If your home doesn’t support your efforts, especially when it comes to your bathroom and hygiene area, you can end up running behind in a heartbeat. On top of that, you might have a mess to come home to. Examine what items you tend to either search for in the mornings or those you find still lying around when you come home after work. Think outside the box on how you could better organize your bathroom storage (Bed Bath and Beyond has plenty of affordable options to choose from), such as assembling a hanging organizer for your hair grooming tools or creating a wall of totes for towels and toilet paper rolls. Simplifying your routine through organization can keep you on track and on time.

You can make the most of every inch of space your home offers without spending a lot of money to bring things together. Minimize your belongings and look for ways to keep what’s left attractive and in order. Create areas of functionality based on your use and comfort, and think about how to create a sense of spaciousness where your home feels cramped. Your small house can be big in space with smart solutions.