How to maximize storage in a small bedroom

Ready to finally get your bedroom clutter under control? Here’s our complete guide on how to maximize storage in a small bedroom!

Ever felt like you’re playing a game of Tetris in real life, trying to fit all your stuff into a small bedroom without it looking like an episode of Hoarders?

We’ve all been there.

Bedroom somehow become dumping grounds for stuff that no one really knows where it goes.

Which is fine if you have one of those Mean Girls style huge rooms with a whole living room and a gigantic walk in closet.

But, if you have a smaller bedroom, you have to actually take some steps to get it organized and looking good.

Here are my best small bedroom ideas for an organized space!

How to maximize storage in a small bedroom

Small rooms can still pack a big punch. Here’s my system to creating more storage in a bedroom!

Assessment of Available Space

The first thing to do before starting any organization project is to assess your space. Check out all of your existing furniture as well as the room’s physical layout.

Make note of any corners, alcoves, or empty vertical spaces.

Is there any furniture that could be doing more to create storage?

We have to be real and recognize a room’s limitations, but we also want to acknowledge the possibilities within your space before going out and buying or making any sort of storage tools.

Purge and Organize

The number one best thing that you can do to make your small room look more organized is just to get rid of as much stuff as possible.

This could mean purging, throwing things away, recycling some things, or even donating and selling things that are still in good condition.

I am not telling you to get rid of all of your stuff, by any means.

However, storage space is limited in a small room.

No amount of bedroom storage ideas are going to be able to contain a huge pile of stuff.

If you don’t like it and don’t use it, just get rid of it. You will feel lighter and better once it is gone.

Optimizing Closet Space

The most obvious place for small bedroom storage is in the closet, if you have one.

I challenge you to take a deep look at the organizer system that is going on in your closet space. If it is just one rod across – we can do much, much better.

We have tutorials on how to build a DIY custom closet system. But, if you don’t want to mess with tools – just order some shelves.

Cube shelves or simple straight shelves can be great for adding additional storage under a vertical rod or shelf.

Don’t miss the closet doors – over-the-door storage racks can be great for shoes and smaller accessories and basically take up zero space!

Utilizing Under-Bed Storage

Another great hidden storage hack for small bedrooms is to take advantage of the space under your furniture. And no, I don’t mean kicking your dirty clothes under the bed when someone is coming over.

The space under the bed is a great extra space for narrow or short items. Just put them in a sliding or rolling bin so they are easy to access and stay organized.

Under the bed is generally best for lesser used items, like off-season clothing or long term storage of stuff you don’t use too often.

Incorporating Multi-Functional Furniture

One of the best small bedroom storage ideas is to pack it with furniture that serves dual purposes. This could mean beds with storage drawers, ottomans with lift-off lids, or low dressers that double as a bedside table.

Making sure that each piece of furniture provides some level of hidden storage is a great way to fit as much stuff as possible in a small space.

Maximizing Vertical Storage

Another often overlooked storage space in home is the walls! Do you need to add floor to ceiling shelves all around the room? No. But, what you lack in square footage you might can make up for with built in storage on the walls.

Some of your options for capitalizing on vertical wall space include:

• floating shelves
• wall-mounted bookcases
• hanging storage bins
• tall chest of drawers
• over-the-door storage racks

Tall and narrow storage units are perfect for optimizing space without overcrowding the room.

Decluttering and Organizing Strategies

Remember – a messy room is going to look messy no matter what storage is underneath.

Create a cleaning schedule – such as once a week putting everything away.

But, I definitely find that having dedicated (preferably labeled) spots for everything makes it 1,000% more likely that they end up back where they belong.

When it’s quick and easy to put something away – it tends to land back in it’s spot. When it’s difficult – it’s less likely to be a successful long term storage solution.

That’s why it’s important to choose furniture that adds storage and is easy to access and organize!

Lighting and Visual Illusions

Finally, don’t skip out on your decor! Bright light, light colored walls, and light-reflecting mirrors will all work together to make a small space feel larger.

Try to avoid dark colors and really heavy, low furniture, which will feel bulky and make a small room feel even tighter.

Most of all, pick up your mess. An organized room – and, dare I even say it, a made bed – will feel better, look better, and encourage you to keep your space clean and organized!