6 Clever Storage Hacks to Steal from the Real Simple Home

Ditch the Bulky Products and Packaging

If you need to save space in the laundry room, kitchen, or linen closet, take a tip from this laundry room and decant the bulkiest products into pretty glass canisters. In the laundry room, detergent is poured out of its unattractive plastic packaging and into a glass dispenser with a spigot. Clothes pins are also stored in a glass canister, so they're within reach and easy to see. Get the same effect in your bathroom by decanting bulk shampoo and conditioner into space-saving containers, then place cotton balls and cotton swabs into their own separate glass jars.

Install as Much Wall-Hanging Storage as Possible

Here, a tiny nook in the corner of the child's bedroom was transformed into a highly functional work area. While the desk itself only has two small drawers, installing a pegboard (found on Etsy) above the desk instantly doubles the available storage space. Outfitted with shallow shelves for holding pen cups and knick-knacks, along with extra pegs for hanging scissors and tape, the pegboard provides plenty of space for desk essentials without adding another piece of furniture to the room. To work the same idea into your own home, consider mounting a pegboard on the wall behind your workspace, or add one in the kitchen for hanging pots, pans, and gadgets.

Make Your Closet Modular

In this utility closet designed by the NEAT Method, modular features let the space change with the seasons. Move the clothing rod higher to accommodate long winter coats, or lower it to fit two rows of spring jackets and light sweaters. A modular closet is an investment (this one is by California Closets), but a closet that adapts alongside your life is pretty priceless.

Add a Bar Cart in (Almost) Every Room

While every single room doesn't need a bar cart, it is possible to work one into almost every room in your house. Here, a bar cart appears in both the home office (where it holds classic cocktail supplies) and in the kitchen (where it stores extra glassware and fresh flowers). Think outside the traditional uses for a bar cart, and roll one into your office to stash supplies or a wireless printer, or place one in the laundry room for holding detergents, a portable steamer, and freshly-folded towels.

To buy: Rickey Bar Cart, $150, jossandmain.com.

Choose Furniture with Hidden Storage

The smartest storage idea: hide it right in plain sight. In the living room, a stunning armoire not only provides shelving for collectibles and serving dishes, but it also has a lower cabinet for hiding extra throw blankets and pillows. Other pieces, like a storage ottoman or bench, can also sneak in more storage space.