Living in a small space has countless benefits, from improved energy efficiency to easier maintenance. But it also comes with a few challenges, including less storage space. 

Finding storage solutions for small spaces often requires you to get creative, and that's where our real estate agents come in. We've worked on homes of every size in dozens of Chicagoland neighborhoods, and in the process, we've learned a thing or two about maximizing the storage potential of small spaces. 

1. Eliminate Excess
   Decluttering is both an opportunity and a necessity when you live in a limited space, so take some time to assess your belongings and decide what you really need. Items that are rarely or never used are strong contenders for the recycling bin or the donation box. Be especially harsh when it comes to unworn clothes and non-functional decor. 
   
   
2. Look to High Places
   We tend to ignore the open wall space above windows and doors in our homes. These are prime areas for shelves and cabinets, which provide great storage without making the space feel crowded the way large floor-level cabinets might. 
   
   
3. Choose Furniture with Secret Storage
   Big pieces of furniture are the items that take up the greatest amount of space in most homes, so consider investing in furniture that doubles as storage space. Look at ottomans, bench seating and couches that open up, and choose a bed frame with hidden drawers. Your guests will never know that the furniture they're sitting on is actually 'secret' storage space!
   
   
4. Take Advantage of Behind-the-Door Storage
   The spaces behind doors are some of the most underutilized spaces in our homes. In many cases, these narrow empty spaces can easily be converted into storage. One option is to install shelves on the wall behind where a door opens. Just be sure to take careful measurements so that the shelves don't prevent the door from opening fully. Doors themselves can often be turned into storage through the use of hooks and hanging organizers. 
   
   
5. Create Functional Displays
   Art and decor don't have to be fully sacrificed in the name of decluttering a small space. Be selective and consider putting functional items on display instead of purely decorative ones. For example, a handsome set of colorful kitchenware can be proudly displayed in your kitchen or dining room, adding life to the space without crowding it. 
   
   
6. Don't Shy Away from Wall-to-Wall Shelves
   Walls are blank canvasses that we can use in a multitude of ways. Wall-to-wall shelving is one way to use blank wall space in a functional way that vastly increases the storage capacity of your home. A single 'shelf wall' can be used for books, plants, family photos, tchotchkes and anything else you might happen to need a place for. 
   
   
7. Get Into Bins
   Stackable, storable, and available in a virtually limitless array of sizes, colors, and materials, storage bins can be your best friends when space is at a premium. They're especially great in closets, where they can really help you stay organized while getting the most out of the space.
   
   
8. Choose Hanging Plants
   Plants bring a lot of life into our homes, but they can also take up a lot of space. Side-step this problem by choosing relatively small plants in containers that can be hung from the ceiling via hooks. This will free up valuable floor and shelf space for other things. 

Contact us today to learn more about life in the local area. If you're looking for your dream home in Chicagoland, our real estate agents are here to help every step of the way.