8 ways to stay organized in a small living space

Ah, the famous storage bench we have all come to know and love. From the bedroom to the foyer, this versatile piece will hold all the extras that don’t fit in your limited closet and shelf space. From safekeeping items to outerwear, and those bulk items that don’t fit elsewhere, you’ll have ample storage- not to mention the perfect seat when changing up shoes.

Catch-all storage bench, $499, CB2.

When kitchen counter space is limited, there’s nothing worse than having to take up extra space next to the drying rack once it’s been filled to the brim. Enter, your new best friend. This simplehuman™ Steel Frame Dish Rack from Williams-Sonoma is organized and efficient, leaving just enough room for all you might need. From flip-out cup holders to a removable side rack for drying wine glasses, and even a built-in bamboo knife block, you can say goodbye to disorder and hello to smooth sailing.

simplehuman Steel Frame Dish Rack with Wine Glass Dryer, $90, Williams-Sonoma.

This cleverly designed laundry rack will never let you down. Taking up no legroom, it expands when in use, and tucks away when clothes are dry. Its handy shelf above leaves room for bottles and cleaning materials, making this product both organized and small-space approved.

Wallmount Drying Rack, $315, Online only at Potterybarn.com.

If you’re only ever stocking a few wine bottles at a time, there’s no need for ample storage or worse, leaving them astray on the counter or a shelf. Our advice: mount a wine rack on the wall to maximize space. This one, from CB2, will feature your signature bottles in an effortlessly cool way while reducing counter clutter.

Stacked wine storage, $35, CB2.

We like anything with a double duty function, so when it’s triple duty…we’re in love. This RÅGRUND Chair with towel rack from IKEA will store your bath towels, give you a place to sit, and offer you extra space for storing miscellaneous items below. Its smooth and compact design is perfect for tight washrooms, and its bamboo composition makes it warm and inviting.

RÅGRUND Chair with towel rack, $60, IKEA.

Start storing face down, and you’ll never go back. At $5 an insert, you’ll be surprised at how much these simple IKEA spice jar inserts can change the way you organize. Take over a drawer that doesn’t get so much use, and it will be spiced up in minutes. The best part? You’ll have a new and unexpected source of space.

VARIERA Insert for spice jars, $5, IKEA.

If you were dealt one of those tiny foyers that lack a nearby closet and space all together, you’ll be glad to know there’s always the coat rack. Throw your coats on the higher hooks, and your scarves and bags on the ones below. You’ll never lose track of where you put them again.

Anchor Coat Rack, $150, Urban Barn.

Click on pink "up" arrow for retail information and tips on how to organize with the suggested product.