1. Over-The-Door Shoe Organizers
An over-the-door shoe organizer seems like a great idea at first. They’re touted as a way to utilize the otherwise unused space behind your door. However, they can actually be quite bulky and awkward, taking up more room than you might think. These organizers hang down quite a bit, often preventing the door from opening fully.
This can make the room feel smaller and more cramped. Further, unless you have a significant number of shoes, they can often end up half-empty. In these cases, a simple shoe rack on the floor or in the bottom of your closet can save more space.
2. Large Storage Bins
Big, bulky storage bins are often pitched as the ultimate storage solution. They’re supposed to hold a lot of stuff and keep it out of sight. But, here’s the thing: unless you’re storing large items, these bins often end up half-filled and wasting space. Storage bins can also lead to disorganization.
When items are thrown together in a large bin, it’s easy to forget what’s even in there. Smaller, more purposeful storage containers can actually save more space and keep your belongings more organized.
3. Vertical Paper Organizers
Vertical paper organizers may seem like a good idea for managing paperwork and mail. They’re designed to keep papers organized and easily accessible. Despite their intentions, they can actually waste more space than they save. For one, these organizers take up a lot of desk or countertop space.
They’re also often larger than necessary, leading to a lot of wasted space within the organizer itself. If you don’t have a large amount of paperwork to manage, a simple file folder can take up much less space.
4. Bulky Coat Racks
Coat racks can be a stylish and practical addition to your entryway. They offer a convenient place to hang coats, hats, and scarves. However, they can take up a lot of space, especially in small rooms or narrow hallways.
A wall-mounted rack or hooks can provide the same utility without taking up floor space. They also tend to look cleaner and more streamlined, contributing to an overall sense of spaciousness in the room.
5. Large Jewelry Boxes
Jewelry boxes can be beautiful and even sentimental pieces. They can also be quite large and bulky, taking up valuable dresser or countertop space. If you don’t have a large jewelry collection, a smaller, more compact jewelry organizer can save a lot of space.
A wall-mounted jewelry organizer can also be a great space-saving solution. They can hold a surprisingly large amount of jewelry without taking up any counter or dresser space.
6. Plastic Drawer Organizers
Plastic drawer organizers are a popular solution for organizing small items in drawers. However, they can often be too large or the wrong shape for your drawer or items, wasting space.
Instead, consider custom drawer dividers. These can be adjusted to fit your drawer and your items perfectly, ensuring no space is wasted.
7. Hanging Closet Organizers
Hanging closet organizers are designed to add extra storage space to your closet. However, they often end up taking more space than they save.
These organizers hang from your closet rod, taking up valuable hanging space. If you don’t have a large closet, this can lead to a cramped, disorganized closet. Consider other solutions, like under-bed storage or a small dresser, to save more space.
8. Over-The-Toilet Storage
Over-the-toilet storage units are a popular solution for small bathrooms. They’re designed to utilize the space above the toilet for extra storage. However, they can often be bulky and make the bathroom feel smaller.
Instead, consider wall-mounted shelves. These can provide the same amount of storage without taking up as much space. They also tend to look more streamlined and less cluttered.
9. Large Desk Organizers
Large desk organizers can seem like a good idea for keeping your workspace organized. However, they can often take up more space than they save. Desk organizers can often be bulky and take up a lot of desk space.
If you don’t have a large amount of desk supplies, a smaller, more compact organizer can save a lot of space.
10. Drawer Spice Racks
Drawer spice racks are designed to keep your spices organized and easily accessible. However, they can often waste a lot of drawer space. These racks are often larger than necessary, leading to a lot of wasted space within the drawer. If you don’t have a large spice collection, a smaller, more compact spice rack can save a lot of space.
11. Over-The-Sink Dish Racks
Over-the-sink dish racks are designed to save counter space by utilizing the space above your sink. However, they can often make the kitchen feel cramped and cluttered. Instead, consider a roll-up dish rack. These can be rolled out over the sink when needed, then rolled up and stored away when not in use. They save a lot of space and keep your kitchen looking clean and organized.
12. Bulky Laundry Hampers
Laundry hampers are a necessity for keeping your dirty clothes contained. However, they can often be too large and take up a lot of space. Instead, consider a slim, tall hamper. These take up less floor space and can often hold the same amount of laundry. They also tend to look cleaner and less cluttered.
13. Large Bookshelves
Bookshelves are a great way to display your book collection. However, they can often be too large and bulky, taking up a lot of space. Instead, consider wall-mounted shelves or a smaller, more compact bookcase. These can hold the same amount of books without taking up as much space.
14. Hanging Pot Racks
Hanging pot racks are a popular solution for storing pots and pans. However, they can often make the kitchen feel crowded and cluttered. Instead, consider cabinet organizers or a pot rack that mounts on the wall. These can hold the same amount of pots and pans without taking up as much space.
15. Under-Sink Organizers
Under-sink organizers are designed to utilize the space under your sink for extra storage. However, they can often be too large or the wrong shape for your cabinet, wasting space. Instead, consider custom cabinet organizers. These can be adjusted to fit your cabinet and your items perfectly, ensuring no space is wasted.
16. Large Toy Boxes
Toy boxes are a popular solution for storing children’s toys. However, they can often be too large and take up a lot of space. Instead, consider smaller, more purposeful storage containers. These can hold the same amount of toys without taking up as much space.
17. Bulky TV Stands
TV stands can be a great way to hold your TV and other electronics. However, they can often be too large and bulky, taking up a lot of space. Instead, consider a wall-mounted TV or a smaller, more compact TV stand. These can hold the same amount of electronics without taking up as much space.
18. Over-The-Fridge Cabinets
Over-the-fridge cabinets are designed to utilize the space above your fridge for extra storage. However, they can often be too high to reach easily, leading to wasted space. Instead, consider using this space for items you don’t use often. This way, the space isn’t wasted, but you don’t have to struggle to reach items you need frequently.
