If you live in a huge condo with a lot of bedrooms, you probably don’t need the advice we’re about to share. But this is not the reality for most people, and usually, condos are strapped for space. You’re always looking for where to put this and where to move that and if you’re not creative with your storage, you’ll end up living in clutter.
But with the right storage, even a studio can seem spacious and well-organized. One thing about storage is that the word doesn’t sound pretty and you’re probably not imagining something that looks stylish.
You might be thinking of a unit, an old cardboard box, an ugly dresser, or a pile of garbage bags you stuff in your basement. But clutter can be tucked away in some truly stylish places, all you need to do is to give it some thought. And if you’re not creative or don’t feel like researching, keep reading and we’ll give you the secret recipe for a tidy condo where everything has its place.
5 Storage (Solution) Options
If you live in a small condo, making the space work can be like solving a 3000-piece puzzle. Possible, but time-consuming and annoying.
Look at condos in Philadelphia (Pennsylvania):
| Neighborhood | Avg 1-bedroom Condo Size (sq ft) | Percentage of 1-bedroom Units | Avg 2-bedroom Condo Size (sq ft) | Percentage of 2-bedroom Units |
| Rittenhouse Square | 800 | 50 | 1,400 | 40 |
| Old City | 750 | 45 | 1,300 | 35 |
| Society Hall | 780 | 40 | 1,350 | 45 |
| Logan Square | 800 | 50 | 1,300 | 40 |
| Chinatown | 700 | 55 | 1,200 | 35 |
The majority of condos are 1-bedroom units, with the second-largest portion being 2-bedroom condos. And the remainder is usually a small percentage of other types of units (e.g., studios, 3-bedroom condos, larger properties).
When you look at condos in Old City, Philadelphia, 45% of them only have one bedroom, so where are you supposed to keep all the stuff you have, especially if you don’t live alone?
Believe it or not, this is easier than you think.
1. Convertible Furniture
Look for furniture that does more than one job. A Murphy bed is a classic example because it’s a bed that seamlessly folds into a wall when you don’t need it. Modern designs even have desks and shelves, so your “bedroom” can also be a home office.
Sofa beds and futons are just as practical because they’re comfortable seating surfaces by day and beds by night. For a dining room, look for an expandable table. It can save you a good amount of square footage. When you don’t need it, you can shrink it to a size for a single person or a couple, but you can also extend it to host a dinner party.
Coffee tables that have tops that lift are a perfect addition because you can store some of your stuff in them. Convertible furniture saves space and it can adapt to your lifestyle, so it’s a must for condos.
2. Modular Storage Systems
These adapt to your needs, both now and in the future. Modular storage systems consist of stackable, customizable units that can suit literally any space. You can use it to make a layout that works perfectly for what you need.
For example, say you have a lot of books and decor; modular shelves can grow with your collection. You can easily rearrange stackable cubes if you want to redesign your space. In closets, you can use them to fit your wardrobe and have a mix of hanging rods, shelves, and drawers. Modular systems are very flexible and the best thing about them is they can keep up with all changes you want to make.
3. Vertical Storage
You don’t need to sacrifice floor space for storage – just go up! Walls, doors, and even ceilings can be storage areas if you use them creatively. With the use of floating shelves, it becomes possible to add storage without affecting the floor area.
Wall-mounted racks can also be used in kitchens where all the pots, pans, and utensils can be kept so as to avoid a messy countertop. Over-the-door organizers are useful and helpful in places such as the entryway, bathroom, or closet to store a pair of shoes, some accessories, or toiletries (as an example).
Vertical storage uses areas that would usually be left empty/unused so that they offer additional space without the problem of adding clutter.
4. Under-Furniture Storage
Well, make sure to utilize the space beneath your furniture, as it may have untapped potential. In the modern world, for instance, it’s popular to use raised storage beds which can be constructed to include storage spaces, which are ideal for season clothes, additional bed sheets, and even travel bags – all of which usually take quite a bit of space and are typically awkward to store. Additional designs allow for the fitting of hydraulic lifts, hence no heavy lifting (on your end) is required to reach the stored items.
There are also sofas with hidden compartments, where you can put away blankets, pillows, or board games. Ottomans also often come with storage.
5. Hidden Storage
Who says you can’t have a minimalist, clean space just because you live in a compact condo? Concealed compartments in furniture is just what you need to keep all clutter at bay. Headboards with built-in shelves or drawers give you hidden storage for books, chargers, or personal items.
Staircases can also double as storage, with drawers or pull-out cabinets integrated into the steps. This is especially useful in condos that are built as lofts and where stairs are a focal feature.
Conclusion
You can use up every inch of your condo, and if you’re living in a small space, you have to. Otherwise, you’ll drown in clutter, and forget about ever inviting anyone to come over. No matter how compact your home is, it can feel airy and spacious, and every single thing you own can have its own place.
A little creativity, a little more planning, and you’ll have a home you’ll be proud of.
