Due to their relatively small size, condos can offer benefits like reduced energy costs and less surface area to clean. However, one of the challenges that often come up with this style of home is learning how to maximize space in a small condo.

When it comes to living in an area that doesn’t offer ample square footage, every object in your home matters. Discovering clever ways to strategically purchase and store your household items will prevent your space from looking cluttered.

While a smaller space may initially seem like a barrier, this situation provides the perfect opportunity to assess your belongings and focus less on consumerism. You’ll quickly discover that you in fact have more than enough storage space for your needs.

If you’ve recently found yourself running out of storage space in your condo, we have some handy space-saving condo tips that will keep your home feeling open, airy, and far from cramped.

Our List of 5 Ways to Maximize Storage in Your Small Condo

1. Invest in Multipurpose Furniture

When purchasing furniture, consider buying styles that offer more than one use. A quick internet search leads you to countless creative furniture designs specially crafted for people living in tight spaces. Some of the most appealing products include:

• Sleeper Sofas: A sleeper sofa is a perfect solution for hosting when you don’t have a guest room. Sleeper sofas function as sofas most of the time but can easily transition into a spare bed.
• Fold-Up/Floating Desks: A desk or table that folds is ideal for a smaller home. They are simple to set up but can just as quickly be folded and tucked in a closet.
• Coffee Tables with Storage: Coffee tables that have subtle storage space built-in are a great way to discreetly store items like board games and books.

2. Vertical Storage Ideas for Small Spaces

Vertical storage ideas are abundant in most condos. When storing their objects, most people think of finding a place somewhere on the ground. They don’t often consider their higher spaces, like upper walls and even ceilings.

Instead of taking up your precious floor space with bulky lamps, consider lighting styles that are mounted on the walls, such as sconces or LED-lit “candles.” This ambient lighting will even give your home a little extra style and elegance.

Another idea is to opt for tall, skinny bookshelves. This storage opportunity utilizes almost every centimeter of one section of a wall, from top to bottom. Don’t just think of stacking it with books. Consider using the space to store records, electronics, plants, etc.

3. Analyse Your Shopping Habits

You knew this part was coming. The most obvious solution to storage issues is to have fewer items to store in the first place. Purge your unused items and stop yourself from making impulse buys in the future.

Do you really need all the clothing in your closet? Or would a customer at a used-clothing store get more use out of those items you haven’t worn in years? Spend an afternoon sifting through your belongings.

Donating your unwanted items, gifting them to a friend, or even selling them are all ways to cut down on your storage needs.

4. Get “Hooked” on Maximizing Storage

Installing hooks in your condo is a convenient way to get extra storage space affordably. You can install a few hooks by your front door for your keys, purse, or backpack.

Hooks are also a good fit in a tiny area like a bathroom. Hanging hooks on the back of your bathroom door provides space to hang towels, robes, or clothes that need to dry. Some models even have multi-tiered hooks to hold several items at once.

If you’re a bicyclist, it would be a wise storage move to install heavy-duty hooks in an area of your condo to store your bicycle off the floor. Some mechanisms even let you hook your bicycle flat against the ceiling!

5. Use Your Kitchen Island for More than Cooking

If you have a kitchen island, considering using this space for more than just food prep. When you’re not cooking, you can use the area for a work desk or dining table.

For residents without a kitchen island, consider purchasing one with a swinging table edge. This collapsible board can extend to provide extra eating space, while also folding down to save space when not needed.

Do you live in a Catalyst Condo Management property? Do you have more questions about maximizing storage in your condo? Contact us for more information. We’re always happy to help!