Having a tiny cabin rental has forced us to completely rethink the space we have to maximize the tiny living experience for our guests. Tiny house living offers a minimalist lifestyle with the benefits of reduced costs and a smaller environmental footprint. However, one of the biggest challenges tiny house dwellers face is the limited space for storage. Where do people store all their belongings in homes that average between 100 and 400 square feet? The answer lies in creativity, smart organization, and intentional living with also keeping comfort in mind. So much of this looks good on paper but is it realistic? Here’s a detailed look at how people make the most of storage in tiny houses:
1. Multi-Functional Furniture
In tiny homes, furniture often serves more than one purpose. Beds, sofas, and tables are transformed into storage hubs, making every piece of furniture count.
- Beds with built-in storage: Many tiny house owners opt for beds with built-in drawers or lift-up storage underneath. This space is perfect for storing clothes, bedding, or even shoes. I liked this one the best because it makes use of vertical space as opposed to horizontal space which is usually not as available as vertical space is.
- Storage sofas: Sofas may come with compartments beneath the cushions to hold blankets, pillows, or other essentials that need to be tucked away. I like this one because the footstool can be separated, there’s storage underneath the “sofa” part of this unit, and it has a small but practical footprint.
- Convertible tables: Some tables fold down or collapse to save space when not in use, while others double as storage units, with shelves or compartments underneath. Think basic folding tables, nesting tables, couch tray tables, wall mounted folding tables the list goes on depending on your space.
2. Utilizing Vertical Space
Tiny homes are often taller than they are wide, so using vertical space effectively is crucial. I can’t say enough about how important this knowledge is. Ikea also builds their furniture with this concept in mind.
- Lofts: Sleeping lofts free up the lower floor for daily living. They can also be used as storage for seasonal clothing, books, or décor items that are not used frequently. Many tiny houses feature lofts accessed by ladders or stairs, maximizing vertical space. Using the stair space inside for storage is an excellent way to make that space work for you in two ways.
- Wall-mounted shelving: Shelving units installed along walls or above doorways are great for storing kitchen utensils, books, or even indoor plants. Floating shelves in the kitchen can hold spices, jars, and utensils. We have these in our tiny cabin.
- Hooks and pegboards: Wall hooks and pegboards are commonly used to hang pots, pans, cooking utensils, or tools, keeping surfaces clear. In some homes, you’ll even find bikes or sports gear mounted on the walls.
3. Under-the-Stairs Storage
For tiny houses with staircases leading to lofts, the area under the stairs can serve as an excellent storage solution as I mentioned previously.
- Pull-out drawers: Each step can hide a pull-out drawer for storing shoes, clothing, or kitchenware.
- Shelving and cabinets: Larger stairs can accommodate built-in shelving or cabinets for larger items, including pantry staples, books, or electronic equipment.
4. Hidden Storage Spaces
Tiny home builders often incorporate hidden storage into the design to maximize every inch of space.
- Floor storage: Some tiny homes have hidden storage compartments under the floor. These compartments are great for stashing items like books, extra blankets, or non-perishable food items.
- Built-in furniture storage: Dining benches, window seats, or raised platforms can all have storage compartments beneath them, perfect for keeping things out of sight.
- Corner use of space: If you have a corner you can utilize I absolutely love this idea. It’s unfinished and you can paint it or stain it and put your creative touch on it. Put it against a corner wall and put cushions on it for seating. Pop a convertible table in there and you not only have storage under the seating, you have your dining space AND your living area space once you remove the table.
5. Minimalist Closets and Cabinets
Closet and cabinet space may be smaller than in traditional homes, but smart solutions make them work.
- Built-in wardrobes: Custom-built wardrobes and cabinets can be designed to fit specific spaces in the house. These often include shelves, hanging rods, and even pull-out baskets to maximize storage for clothing and other essentials. There’s lots of options to get creative here. These are practical and attractive.
- Fold-down storage: Fold-down closet systems or organizers that hang from doors can also be used to store shoes, accessories, or seasonal items without taking up floor space.
6. Outdoor Storage Options
When indoor space is tight, tiny house dwellers frequently look to outdoor storage solutions for larger items.
- Storage sheds: A small outdoor shed or storage locker is ideal for tools, gardening supplies, or sports equipment like bikes and skis. This one is durable and maximizes your footprint.
- Deck and patio storage: If the tiny house has a deck or patio, this space can be used for additional storage. Some tiny homeowners use outdoor benches with built-in storage compartments to hold firewood, tools, or outdoor cushions. This one serves as a bench as well.
7. Decluttering and Minimalism
Perhaps the most important aspect of tiny house storage is the lifestyle adjustment toward minimalism.
- Intentional ownership: Tiny house owners often embrace minimalism by reducing their belongings and only keeping items they truly need or love. This results in a less cluttered and more organized space.
- Regular decluttering: Many tiny house dwellers regularly go through their belongings to ensure they aren’t holding on to unnecessary items. This allows them to stay on top of clutter and maximize their limited space.
8. Collapsible and Foldable Items
Another trick for conserving space in a tiny house is opting for collapsible and foldable items.
- Foldable chairs and tables: Foldable furniture like chairs and tables can be stored away when not in use, saving valuable space.
- Collapsible kitchenware: Kitchen items like colanders, bowls, and dish racks that fold flat when not in use are popular among tiny house owners. We love this one and this one.
9. Off-site Storage Solutions
For some tiny house dwellers, off-site storage units or family/friends’ basements may provide additional space for long-term storage of items they don’t need every day but want to keep, such as sentimental items, seasonal decorations, or larger equipment.
Living in a tiny house means rethinking the way you store your belongings. With thoughtful planning and a minimalist mindset, tiny house owners can find creative solutions to store all of their stuff while still maintaining a comfortable and functional living environment. From multi-purpose furniture and lofts to outdoor storage and intentional decluttering, there’s always a way to make the most of the available space in a tiny home.
Whether you’re considering tiny living or just looking to downsize and simplify, these storage solutions can help you maximize space and embrace a more organized, minimalist lifestyle.
What’s your best storage and/or tiny living space saving hack? Please feel free to share in the comments below. Have we helped you with any of the hacks in this post? We’d love to hear from you.
More later
Nancy and Don