A small condo becomes problematic when you have too many items lying around. Perhaps you've inherited family heirlooms or can never seem to declutter enough to live comfortably. Whatever your situation is, upgrading your unit with additional storage can help. From limited closets to minimal counter space for preparing food, these strategies offer functionality and square footage, so you don't have to move.
Why Add Storage to a Condo Unit?
Studies highlight changing home preferences in buying decisions. For instance, 34% and 36% of Gen-Z and millennials want more living areas, respectively, while 18% of baby boomers are eager to downsize. Yet, the sky-high housing market makes small condos a viable choice for prospective homeowners.
Of course, living in a condo requires you to consider what's most important. Rather than get rid of everything you love, you need additional storage. Storage solutions keep you organized, free up living space and keep your unit looking neat.
If surveys are any indication, storage could also benefit a condo's resale value. According to Homelight, 67% of real estate experts say kitchen renovations are significant selling points in single-family homes, while 38% say finished basements are also appealing. Without basements to consider, condo owners must find other ways to attract buyers.
7 Storage Solutions for Small Condos
A condo is more manageable than a single-family home, but does it mean you must sacrifice your belongings and liveability for convenience? Not always. Here are seven practical storage solutions for a cramped unit.
1. Built-In Storage
Built-ins are excellent storage solutions for small condos, delivering greater functionality and decorative appeal. These features create a focal point in the living room, surrounding the television.
Some offer open cubbies, while others have closed cabinetry or a combination. Display beloved treasures or use baskets in each slot to hide things you don't currently need.
2. Vertical Solutions
Make the most of underutilized areas of your condo, transforming them into vertical storage. Think open shelves in the kitchen or above doorways and windowsills. Other ideas could include hanging plants, wall-mounted furniture, or rods and hooks.
3. Upgraded Kitchen Cabinetry
The kitchen is a gathering place, whether you live in a small condo or a mansion. Therefore, you'll want to maximize the space you have.
Kitchen upgrades could comprise custom cabinetry to hold utensils and cookware of all shapes and sizes. A small island or peninsula with cabinets and drawers creates access to essentials when preparing meals, while a new layout could make it easier to move around.
4. Baskets
Basket storage isn't limited to built-in cubbies. Consider using them in the bathroom and bedroom, too. You can store rolled-up towels beside the vanity or keep your kids' and pets' belongings in them. They can even serve as decor under a console table in the foyer or living room.
5. Multipurpose Furniture
Even storage solutions take up space. As such, you can create more square footage by purchasing multipurpose furniture. For instance, some coffee tables come with cabinetry, while an ottoman may have a compartment for your belongings when you lift the top. If you lift the seat, benches may also have room for blankets, books and other personal effects.
6. Over-the-Door Racks
Keep your spices organized in the kitchen with an over-the-door rack. These solutions are also helpful in getting shoes and linens off the bedroom, closet or bathroom floor.
They simply hang over the top of a door with either baskets or bars to hold your belongings. Depending on your style, you can also purchase them in metal or wood.
7. Underbed Storage
Use large, flat containers under your bed to utilize empty extra storage space — a cheap and easy-to-find option at big-name stores. You can put your holiday decorations or seasonal clothes in these boxes so they’re easy to access and swap out.
Live Clutter-Free in a Small Condo
You may be surprised to learn your small condo has additional storage areas in numerous places. Some solutions may require more creativity than others, but they will always ensure more comfortable, clutter-free living.
Evelyn Long is a writer that specializes in housing market trends. She is also the founder of Renovated Magazine, where she writes essential resources for renters and homeowners. She has contributed to several other sites like the National Association of Realtors and Realty Executives.