More and more people are seeking smaller footprints when it comes to their place of living.
Gone are the days when bigger was always better.
Whether it’s the opportunity to save money on a monthly mortgage payment, prevent the need for cleaning that never ends, or help protect our planet, smaller homes are becoming a way of life.
Enter manufactured homes and tiny homes.
These small spaces can come with all the bells and whistles of any traditional, stick-built home. Chandeliers. High-end appliances. Fireplaces. Smart-home technology.
There really is no limit, with one exception.
Tiny homes come with less storage space than their larger counterparts.
That’s why this article is all about sharing some clever DIY storage ideas to help you maximize the space in your small footprint home.
What are Manufactured Homes and Tiny Homes?
Before we get into all of those helpful tips and suggestions, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page about what manufactured homes and tiny homes are in the first place.
Sure, you’ve probably heard of them, but you might not understand the details.
Simply said, manufactured homes are factory-built residences designed to be moved to a permanent site.
They can vary in size, often offering similar features to traditional homes, with some models reaching up to 2,300 square feet.
This means they can easily accommodate families or individuals looking for the comfort of a larger space while benefiting from a more affordable structure.
On the other hand, tiny homes are specifically designed to make the most of a small footprint, typically staying under 600 square feet.
These compact homes emphasize efficiency and simplicity, which are ideal for those who prioritize lifestyle flexibility, financial savings, or minimalistic living.
Though small, tiny homes often come equipped with creative and functional features that make them comfortable, livable spaces.
Both types of homes continue to grow in popularity.
So all that said, how do you maximize storage in such a small space?
We’re so glad you asked.
1. Start with Multi-functional Furniture
Today’s furniture is so much more versatile than what we might have seen in previous decades.
Furniture manufacturers have taken the storage challenge head-on and have gifted homeowners and savvy DIYers with some clever ideas.
Here are some of the most popular and effective ways to let your furniture take up as little space as possible.
And even better, if you are crafty and handy, you can DIY these solutions independently.
Storage Ottomans or Benches:
Add hidden storage by using ottomans or benches with lift-top seats, perfect for stashing blankets, shoes, or other items.
Murphy Beds with Shelves:
Install shelving around a Murphy bed for extra storage, using vertical space for books, decor, or essentials.
Fold-Down Tables or Desks:
Mount a drop-leaf table or desk to the wall that folds away when not in use, ideal for compact workspaces or dining areas.
2. Use Vertical Space Wisely
Have you ever visited a highly congested city like San Francisco or New York City?
If so, you’ve probably noticed some pretty unique buildings that go high in the sky.
But just why is that?
Well, with little real estate spread horizontally, the only option is to go up.
That’s why you’ll see skinny buildings with so many floors.
And you’ll even notice clever parking garages that have found ways to literally park cars above one another on special lifts.
You can use this same way of thinking to get more storage out of your manufactured home or tiny home.
Here are some popular ideas from other DIYers.
Floating Shelves:
Install floating shelves to add storage without taking up floor space—great for displaying decor or storing essentials.
Wall-Mounted Hooks and Pegboards:
Use hooks or pegboards in entryways or kitchens for organizing keys, utensils, and other everyday items.
Hanging Baskets and Storage Nets:
Hang baskets or nets in bathrooms, kitchens, or kids’ rooms to keep frequently used items within easy reach.
3. Take Advantage of Hidden Storage Solutions
Remember those clever furniture options we mentioned earlier that are designed to take up less space?
Well, there are just as many unique ways of letting your furniture double as a storage system.
And no, we don’t mean simply stacking blankets and clothing on your furniture to create an eye sore.
Check out these fun ways to create furniture that does more than provide a great place to sit or a focal point for your room.
Under-Bed Storage Drawers or Bins:
Repurpose or build low-profile bins to slide under the bed, perfect for storing seasonal clothes or extra bedding.
False Bottoms in Cabinets or Closets:
Add a hidden layer inside cabinets or closets for valuables or smaller items you’d like to keep out of sight.
Behind-the-Door Storage:
Install narrow shelves or hooks on closet, kitchen, or bathroom doors to maximize storage for toiletries, cleaning supplies, or pantry items.
4. Closet Customization
The very purpose of a closet is to help you store away things that you don’t need access to at any given moment.
And closets don’t just have to be for your clothes and shoes.
But the problem is that even though closets are made for storage, they often aren’t designed in a way that helps you get as much space out of it as possible.
Here are some tips and tricks to help you leverage your closet better, but still in a way that will be efficient and effective.
Adjustable Shelving Systems:
Install adjustable shelves to reconfigure closet space for different items and seasonal needs.
DIY Closet Organizers:
Create simple dividers and small drawers for organizing shoes, accessories, or off-season clothing.
Hanging Storage for Accessories:
Use hanging racks or small containers to store jewelry, belts, and scarves, keeping them visible and accessible.
5. Make Use of All Those Nooks and Crannies
Most homes have some sort of nooks or crannies that you often wonder what to do with.
And this is your golden opportunity.
Whether you are a book lover, have some fun collectibles, or just need more space, these ideas are easy, cost-effective, and totally DIY.
Corner Shelving:
Install small corner shelves to display knick-knacks, plants, or books without taking up valuable floor space.
Stairway Storage:
Add drawers or cabinets under or alongside stairs for a clever way to store shoes, bags, or other items.
Window Seat Storage:
Build a cozy window seat with storage compartments underneath, perfect for stashing blankets, books, or seasonal items.
6. Add Roller Storage
While a small home might not give you the space to rollerskate through your main level, that doesn’t mean roller storage isn’t in the cards.
Roller storage makes accessing things easier, saving your back and knees.
Here are some popular options perfect for someone handy with a screwdriver.
Rolling Kitchen Island or Cart:
Create a small island or cart on wheels for extra counter space, which can easily be moved or stored as needed.
Rolling Under-Bed Bins:
Add wheels to storage bins for quick access to items stored under the bed.
Portable Closet or Wardrobe Racks:
Build or repurpose a rolling rack for extra clothing storage, perfect for small closets or seasonal wardrobes.
Don’t Let Your Small Home Prevent You from the Best Storage Solutions
Our money doesn’t seem to go as far as it used to.
And that is indeed a big reason why so many people are turning to tiny homes and manufactured homes.
They are significantly less expensive than traditional stick-built homes, they can be seriously energy efficient, and they provide the flexibility to live the way you want to live.
So if you live in one of these smaller homes or are thinking of going in that direction but you’re worried about storage, let those worries be a thing of the past.
With all of these tips we’ve shared, you’re sure to have plenty of storage space and a small home you’ll love.