10 Ways to Add Storage Without Adding Square Footage

Running out of room doesn’t always mean you need a remodel. Most houses—especially older ones—have storage potential that’s just not being used right.

With a little strategy and some sweat, you can create space without knocking down walls or building additions. Here are ten practical ways to add storage using what you’ve already got.

Use the Backs of Doors

The back of a door is wasted space in most homes. Hang an over-the-door rack, a few hooks, or a slim shelf unit and you’ve got instant storage. It works great for cleaning supplies, jackets, tools, or pantry overflow.

Closet doors, bathroom doors, even utility room doors can all pull double duty. Just make sure whatever you hang isn’t so bulky that it bangs around or keeps the door from closing right.

Add Shelves Above Eye Level

Most folks stop shelving at about shoulder height, but there’s a whole lot of space above that going unused. Add a shelf or two near the ceiling for items you don’t need every day—seasonal gear, extra paper goods, or storage bins.

This works especially well in laundry rooms, bathrooms, and garages. Use brackets that can handle the weight, and anchor them into studs. It’s out of the way and doesn’t eat up any living space, which is the whole point.

Install Wall-Mounted Racks

Wall space is some of the most underused real estate in any home. Mount a few racks to hold gear vertically—brooms, fishing poles, even backpacks. In the garage, a basic slat wall system can turn one wall into a catch-all without crowding the floor.

Don’t overthink it. A few well-placed hooks or racks can organize a mess in no time. Just make sure you’re not drilling into plumbing or electrical lines when you mount them. Stud finders and pilot holes go a long way here.

Use Under-Bed Storage

That space under your bed isn’t just for dust bunnies. Toss in some rolling bins, low-profile totes, or storage drawers and you’ve suddenly got room for clothes, tools, or even extra bedding without losing a single inch of floor space.

If your bed’s too low, grab some risers or build a simple platform. It doesn’t have to look fancy—just function. Label what’s under there so you’re not digging around every time you need something.

Rethink Your Closet Setup

Most closets are built with one rod and one shelf. That’s fine for hanging coats but terrible for maximizing space. Add another rod below the first, throw in some hanging shelves, or install vertical dividers for better organization.

You don’t need custom cabinetry—just a weekend and a hardware store run. Doubling up hanging space or using stackable bins can turn a chaotic closet into something that actually works. The goal is to use every inch from top to bottom.

Put Drawers or Shelves in Dead Corners

Corners are usually where stuff gets shoved and forgotten. Fix that by adding corner shelving or drawer units that tuck in tight. You’ll gain storage without cutting into the usable space of a room.

Look at entryways, kitchens, or bathrooms—wherever you’ve got an awkward angle or blank wall. Even a single triangular shelf can hold daily-use items and free up other spots.

Add Storage to Furniture You Already Own

If you’ve got an entry bench, coffee table, or ottoman, make sure it pulls double duty. Swap out basic pieces for versions with hidden storage, or modify what you’ve got to add a hinged lid or a drawer.

In small spaces, every piece of furniture should earn its keep. You can build a lift-top coffee table or even add baskets underneath a console. These tweaks don’t cost much and make the room work harder without feeling cramped.

Use Vertical Cabinet Space

Most cabinets have wasted air space between shelves. Adding stackable organizers, wire racks, or shelf risers lets you store more without piling things up into a mess. You’ll find this especially helpful in kitchens and bathroom cabinets.

Take a look inside your pantry or under the sink. If there’s a big empty gap between items and the shelf above, that’s storage you’re not using. A couple cheap add-ons can double the usable space without any power tools or drywall dust.

Hang a Pegboard

Pegboards aren’t just for garages. Mounted on a wall, they let you hang and rearrange tools, craft supplies, kitchen gear, or whatever clutter’s taking over. You decide the layout, and you can always tweak it later.

Paint it to match your walls or leave it raw for a shop look. It’s great for small areas that need flexible storage, like laundry rooms, pantries, or even inside closets. With the right hooks and bins, a pegboard clears off countertops fast.

Use the Space Above Your Doors

That empty gap between the top of a door and the ceiling? It’s prime storage real estate. Mount a shelf up there and it becomes a perfect spot for storing stuff you don’t use every day—like extra towels, lightbulbs, or camping gear.

Make sure the shelf is well-anchored and doesn’t block the door’s swing. It’s not a spot you’ll access often, but it’s one more way to squeeze extra function out of a small footprint. And once it’s up, it’s out of sight and out of the way.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.