If you live in a small house, getting organized can be a challenge - and finding cheap storage solutions that don't take up much space can be even trickier. Before moving into my current home, I lived in what the college called a "converted triple" dorm room, which was actually a large room divided into three small spaces.
Budget Friendly Storage Products For Small Rooms: Why Small Rooms Deserve Practical Storage Solutions
One of those spaces became my bedroom, which had a built-in closet but no extra room for a dresser or chest of drawers. Finding a storage solution that could fit in my tiny dorm room closet - hold my clothes, and not break my piggy bank was a top priority, and something I knew I'd need to figure out before moving in. After searching high and low, I found a small rolling cart that was about 15 inches deep and under five inches wide. It was made of light wood with four metal wheels and three open shelves, perfect for slipping behind my hanging clothes to hold my T-shirts - sweatshirts, and sweatpants.
I was thrilled to find this solution, especially since it only cost me $16.71. Fast-forward a couple of years: I now own a house with my husband, and we're working hard on turning it into our dream home. Even though we've got three bedrooms and a decent amount of storage space, I still use my trusty college closet cart to organize my makeup bag and store my hair tools in the bathroom. See - sometimes the simplest solutions are the very best.
How to Choose the Right Storage Option for Your Space
This search for the perfect storage option wasn't something I did just once. For years, I've spent way too much time searching for ways to organize my life. In my previous apartment - a one-bedroom, no less - I spent hours upon hours trying to figure out how to fit all of our stuff into our tiny space. Now, I spend a good chunk of my time trying to figure out how to organize our garage, mudroom - closets, and utility room.
While there are some expensive solutions out there, I personally like to stick with what's budget friendly. But whatever your budget, there are plenty of options to choose from. Below, I'm sharing my favorite cheap storage solutions that are perfect for small homes and apartments.
Rolling Carts and Pull-Out Drawers
When it comes to maximizing space in a small home - rolling carts are one of the best and most versatile storage solutions out there. They're perfect for keeping shoes organized in the mudroom, adding extra storage to a walk-in closet, or holding supplies in the office. We used a rolling cart in our college closet, and we also have one in our garage.
Another great option for adding storage without taking up too much space? Pull-out drawers. These can be added to any cabinet or shelving unit to help corral clutter. We have a set of pull-out drawers in our kitchen cabinets that hold silverware and utensils. You can pick up a 2-pack of pull-out storage organizers from Amazon for $21.99.
Acrylic Risers and Shelving Cubes
Love the look of open shelving, but hate the thought of clutter taking over your space? Acrylic risers are the perfect solution. They come in a variety of sizes and colors - and can be used to organize everything from books to bath products. I picked up a pack of four large risers from Target for $6.99.
Yet another versatile storage option is shelving cubes. Typically around $25 each, shelving cubes can be used alone or stacked together to create the perfect amount of shelving for your space. One popular option, from Wayfair, costs $25.92.
Moving Forward With Storage Solutions That Last
As my husband and I move forward with our home improvement projects, we're learning more and more about the importance of storage. Of course - we want our home to look good, but we also want to make sure it functions well.
So whether you're trying to organize a college dorm room closet or a sprawling garage, finding the right storage solution can prevent the need for a move later on. And while you're at it, be sure to secure any freestanding furniture to the wall, which can help prevent tip-overs that can seriously injure children and others. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recently released a new rule - the Safety Standard for Clothing Storage Units, which is effective May 24, 2023, to reduce tip-over hazards from clothing storage units, such as dressers and chests.
Just a few simple tips can help you win the organization game. Finding the right storage solution for your small home or apartment doesn't have to be difficult or expensive. From rolling carts to risers - there are plenty of budget friendly storage products out there, regardless of how you roll.
References
- $16.71. - lifehacker.com
- Safety Standard for Clothing Storage - federalregister.gov
Further reading
- https://www.insurance.wa.gov/premera-blue-cross-340
- https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/departments/neighborhood-safety/story/
- https://legacy.sba.gov/event/87448
- https://www.slc.gov/mayor/2021/12/10/winners-chosen-in-empowered-living-tiny-home-design-contest/
Disclaimer
This article is a personal reflection shared for general informational purposes only. It is not financial, investment, insurance, or tax advice. For decisions about your own money, please consult a qualified financial professional.
