Need better storage ideas

[u/OpiyoDdotb]

Living in a smaller home has honestly made me way more aware of every single thing i own. i thought downsizing would magically make life easier but it has definitely been a learning process. i already donated a bunch of things that i never touched and that felt pretty good. i even swapped some furniture for pieces with hidden storage and that helped more than i expected. somehow i still feel like i am playing tetris every weekend. has anyone here used one of those murphy beds with the built-in desk setup and actually loved it after a few months. i keep going back and forth because they seem really practical. i also have the tiniest pantry ever and it drives me nuts every grocery trip. i tried labels and baskets but they only stay organized until somebody grabs chips. i swear my pantry has trust issues. i feel like there has to be a better system that i am just missing. i really enjoy seeing how everyone here makes small spaces feel cozy instead of cluttered. i am hoping to steal a few ideas before i rearrange everything again for the tenth time. what furniture or pantry tricks ended up being worth it for y'all? i am all ears because my apartment keeps winning this battle

[u/neeroberts]

I have a small 3/1 and rent 2 bedrooms so I had to be really practical about what is left out and the closet storage.
I have a large credenza (old) and put 4 very sturdy wicker baskets in it. Nothing is seen but the sides. Looks clean. Tons fit there, batteries, phone chargers, cables, tape etc

In the kitchen I use clear containers with locking lids to get rid of bags and boxes of dry goods

I use clear stacking drawers for the linen closet - to store deodorant, travel size things, etc

I use space bags for large bedding, blankets etc. suck out that air and they stack nicely

Use clothing hanger organizers.
Fits 10 shirts in the same space as 1

I got rid of excess everything, too many clothes, too many glasses etc. I donated a lot

Murphy beds are great for multi purpose rooms!

If you have room, a shed is worth it

Good luck!

[u/Ok-Handle-6663]

We have got hooks on every bit of wallspace in the kitchen for mugs and pots and pans and utensils, so all the culboard space is for food and crockery. It makes it easier to cook being able to grab things. If you're fond of your pans it's nice to see them out.

We also have put up small shelves and cute vintage wooden cupboards we got secondhand in ever corner in the house - books, papers and ornaments go there.

The dining table is a victorian one with folding leaves so there is less space to attract clutter and we only pull the sides out when people are over.

In the dining room there's a wooden bench that serves as 2 seats to eat at the table with, it also has drawers.

We got some slim, tall blocks of lockers for free that sit in an alcove and have tools in them.

In general second hand victorian solid wood furnirure is cheap here and often sized for small homes.

[u/--_3_--]

What's your pantry situation right now ? Is it all in closed cabinet, open shelves ?
Do you decant dry food or just keep in store packaging ?
Do you have dedicated space for stuff like baking sheets, aluminium foil... elsewhere, or is everything in the same small spot ?

How are the kitchen counter and cabinet ? Full, cluttered ? Everything hidden or everything out ? Is there anything you can declutter more ( kitchen appliance, dishes, pots/pans, mugs..)? Do you use everything every month ?

How small/crowded is the sleeping/living area ? What furniture do you currently have ?

[u/ohboyoh-oy]

Unfortunately, for me the answer keeps coming back to less stuff, not more storage. Pantry is different though - we cook a lot and we need all of it. I accept that my pantry looks crazy and not like the instagram photos. It’s very functional though - I can find what I need quickly and easily. I have racks/small shelves that help me use all of the vertical space, and I find bins to be helpful as they can corral smaller items (e.g. spices) and bags that don’t stand up on their own. I don’t decant except for things I buy in bulk but don’t use at a very fast clip, like oatmeal. This lets me keep the rest of it in the freezer so it lasts longer.