In this guide
Small spaces reward cleverness more than money. The best organization hacks use the parts of a home that sit empty: the back of a door, the gap under a shelf and the air above a cabinet. These twelve are cheap and quick, and most need no tools at all, so you can try one this afternoon.
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Think vertical and hidden
When the floor is full, go up and go behind. Walls, doors and the insides of cabinets hold more than you would think. Always measure first, since a hack only works if it fits the space, and put the things you use most within easy reach.
Doors and walls
An over-the-door organizer
The back of a door is free storage. A hanging organizer holds shoes, cleaning supplies or pantry items. Check the door thickness and that the door still closes.
(opens Amazon in a new tab)See our pick: over-the-door organizers (opens Amazon in a new tab)
Adhesive hooks
Hooks hold bags, towels and keys and come off cleanly. They are the cheapest storage you can add, and you can put one almost anywhere.
(opens Amazon in a new tab)See our pick: adhesive wall hooks (opens Amazon in a new tab)
Floating shelves
A shelf above a door or along a bare wall uses space no furniture does. Check the load limit and use proper wall fixings.
(opens Amazon in a new tab)See our pick: floating shelves (opens Amazon in a new tab)
A tension rod
A rod across a cabinet gives you a place to hang spray bottles or to hold trays upright. It needs no screws.
(opens Amazon in a new tab)See our pick: tension rods (opens Amazon in a new tab)
In cabinets and drawers
An under-shelf basket
A basket that hooks under a shelf uses wasted air. It suits wraps, bags and small packets.
(opens Amazon in a new tab)See our pick: under-shelf baskets (opens Amazon in a new tab)
A turntable
A turntable keeps deep cabinets usable. One spin brings the back row forward.
(opens Amazon in a new tab)See our pick: turntable organizers (opens Amazon in a new tab)
Drawer dividers
Dividers stop a drawer turning into a pile. Expandable ones fit most drawers.
(opens Amazon in a new tab)See our pick: adjustable drawer dividers (opens Amazon in a new tab)
Slim hangers
Swap bulky hangers for slim ones and gain rail space for almost nothing.
(opens Amazon in a new tab)See our pick: slim velvet hangers (opens Amazon in a new tab)
Furniture and floor
Under-bed storage
Flat boxes use the dead space under a bed and hold off-season clothes and spare bedding. Measure the clearance first.
(opens Amazon in a new tab)See our pick: under-bed storage (opens Amazon in a new tab)
A storage ottoman
Furniture that stores things earns its space. An ottoman is a seat and a place to hide blankets.
(opens Amazon in a new tab)See our pick: storage ottomans (opens Amazon in a new tab)
A slim rolling cart
A narrow cart slides into a gap and holds supplies. It rolls out when needed and back when you are done.
(opens Amazon in a new tab)See our pick: slim rolling carts (opens Amazon in a new tab)
Fabric cubes
Cubes hide clutter and fold flat when empty. They suit a bookshelf or a closet.
(opens Amazon in a new tab)See our pick: fabric storage cubes (opens Amazon in a new tab)
Do one at a time
Pick the spot that bothers you most, fix it, and live with the change for a week. Small changes add up faster than one big overhaul, and each one makes the next easier.