Stop Overlooking These 6 Spots of Your Home—They're Storage Saviors

Everyone could use a little extra space for storage, but if you feel as though you've exhausted all of the possibilities in your home, you're going to want to read on, as there is definitely still hope.

Below, home organization experts share some key under-the-radar spots throughout the house that are major storage saviors. These sneaky nooks and crannies will come to your rescue when it comes to stashing away toys, sports gear, kitchen supplies, and so much more.

1. Under the Stairs

The area under the stairs is often a forgotten spot that can be turned into valuable storage. Michelle Hansen, the founder of the organizing blog Practical Perfection, recommends adding shelving, cabinets, or drawers to this spot.

Not sure what to store here? If you're trying to organize the space underneath the main stairwell by the front door, fill bins with items that you often need to grab when preparing to leave the house. This can be any outerwear (hats, mittens, and gloves), reusable shopping bags for grocery trips or donation runs, or outdoor gear (baseball hats, extra sunglasses, and sunscreen). This will make it easy for you and your family to rush out to the car or school bus, even on the craziest of mornings.

2. Inside and Behind Doors

Once you've tackled the insides of your closets, allow the doors to provide a bit of function, too. Hanging organizers and hooks are great for both the insides and backs of doors, Hansen says, particularly when it comes to tucking away cleaning supplies, shoes, and other small but necessary items.

Louisa Roberts, owner of the NEAT Method New York City, relies on the Elfa door rack from The Container Store in her work. "It can hold everything from shoes to cleaning supplies to wrapping paper," she says.

3. Within the Pantry or Closet

Are you utilizing your pantries and closets to their full potential? Likely not, says Jessie Carillo, professional organizer and owner of A Charming Home.

"Many contractor-grade closets and pantries have two to four feet of extra space above the top shelf, which is such a waste," she comments. Therefore, Carillo recommends installing shelving to make the most of this extra vertical space.

"If that is not an option for you, use the space in creative ways like a hat or purse display in the closet and stackable, labeled bins of infrequently used kitchen items in the pantry," Carillo says.

4. Over the Toilet

Whether your bathroom is tiny or you're just looking for a way to fit extra products into the space, don't forget to make the most of the vertical space above your toilet.

"Install a shelf, cabinet, or floating shelves to store toiletries, towels, or other bathroom essentials," Hansen advises.

Installing storage above the toilet can also be an excellent way to carve out extra space in a bathroom that roommates or siblings share. Each individual can have more of a designated area beyond the medicine cabinet to tuck away daily products, travel toiletries, cosmetic bags, and the like.

5. Inside Furniture

When you're in search of extra storage solutions, be strategic about the furniture you bring into your home.

"Choose pieces of furniture like ottomans, coffee tables, or benches with hidden storage compartments to keep clutter out of sight," Hansen suggests.

This will allow your furniture to double as decor and extra storage space. For example, if you host guests often, you can use a storage ottoman to easily store blankets or pillows.

6. Under the Bed

On a related note, many beds also come with built-in storage drawers which are handy for stashing out-of-season clothing, sports gear, extra sheets, and blankets.

Carillo relies on under-the-bed storage in her own home but weighs in with a few key pointers.

"Source storage drawers with castors rather than soft storage bins that sit directly on the floor," she suggests. "They are quick to access and easy to keep dust-free. Ikea has several good options; you can even add stylish drawer pulls!"

In her house, Carillo has made the most of under-bed drawers in her daughter's room, where they hold toys and art supplies.