6 Expert Tips To Maximize Storage Space In A Small Room

We’ve never been more in need of savvy storage and organization tips for our homes, as they’re only getting busier. More homes now double as the workplace than seen in the last 20 years, with 5.6 million people reporting that they worked from home in 2020.

If it’s your bedroom that doubles as your WFH spot, it’s important to know that our sleepy slumber rooms are actually getting smaller. So if you’re used to a tight squeeze during the journey from snooze to work, it may be time to rethink your space.

To help you master bedroom storage, Jonathan Warren, director and bed specialist at Time4Sleep, has partnered with Ingrid Jansen and Lesley Spellman of The Declutter Hub Podcast, and KateWindleton, a feng shui enthusiast and relocation manager at Strong Move, to share six ways to keep your shrinking bedroom organized:

Jonathan suggests: “The bed tends to be the largest item in a bedroom and in a particularly small space it’s important to consider how it can do more than just be your snoozing spot.

“If you’re not keen on exposed storage boxes underneath a bed, a storage bed or ottoman bed is a great option, providing you with a hidden storage space that’s effectively the same size as your bed,” he adds. “If you’re really pinched for space you can get storage beds in a single size too to hold everything from unseasonal clothes to luggage and linen. You can make the most of the space by investing in vacuum storage bags and a label maker to pack in as much as possible whilst staying organized.”

Ingrid and Lesley say: “A reset a day keeps the floordrobe away! Each morning after you have got yourself up and ready for the day, be sure to make your bed and reset your bedroom by putting anything away that’s out of place.

“Make a bedroom reset a daily habit by working out your non-negotiables.”

Jonathan says: “You might have managed to squeeze a kingsize bed into your room to enjoy the extra stretch space whilst you sleep, but it’s likely that this tactic will be visually overcrowding your bedroom. This will reduce your storage options and might be forcing you to uncomfortably manoeuvre around your space.

“Having a bed that fits comfortably within the room will allow you to have additional freestanding storage options such as wardrobes and drawers whilst avoiding looking too busy in a space that should ideally be promoting a sense of calm.”

Ingrid and Lesley add: “Maximize your wardrobe. If you want to make the most out of the hanging space you have in your bedroom, velvet or flocked hangers will be your friend. They’ll save space and give you a streamlined calming look. If you are going to do a hanger swap, count how many hangers you are going to need – it’s always more than you think … lots more in fact!”

Kate Windleton explains how organizing your room with Chinese geomancy in mind can aid in creating balance.

She says: “You’ll need space on both sides of the bed for a nightstand to ensure symmetry in the room. Nightstands also provide a great opportunity to personalise your space with lamps, plants and accessories. I would also advise having a headboard – for they help represent stability.

“I’d suggest having some green plants and paintings in the bedroom, so as to bring a light, positive energy to your room. For chances of deeper, undisturbed sleep, it’s wise to remove anything too active out of your room – keeping fitness equipment and work-related materials separate to your sleep routine is important,” Windleton adds.

Ingrid and Lesley comment: “Don’t make your bedside table a dumping ground. For a restful night’s sleep, have only those things by your bedside that you need to aid sleep.

“Ditch the pile of books, the laptop, the old medication boxes and the old batteries and lightbulbs and think calm! Less clutter means more calm and more sleep.”

This article was written by Eve Crabtree and originally appeared on Your Coffee Break.