How to Organize a Bedroom With No Storage — 10 Ways You Can Make The Most Out of Your Space

Working out how to organize a bedroom that has no storage can be quite a challenging task, especially if you're dealing with a small space. However, the key to getting the most out of what you've got need not be a stress — all you need is a bit of strategic thinking and the ideas to put your organizational skills to the forefront.

It's time to pull out those bedroom storage ideas and get to work. Professional organizer Barbara Brock from Barbara Brock Inc. says "When a bedroom has no storage, we begin to think creatively in how to keep clothes and accessories off the floor. I’ve found that the most underutilized areas are backs of closet doors, walls, and ceilings."

Here, the experts give us the lowdown of exactly how you can organize a bedroom with no storage — without the worry of items piling up around your much-loved space of slumber.

1. Get Bed Risers

If you're wondering how you should to organize a bedroom with no storage, Diane Quintana, a professional organizer from DNQ Solutions, LLC says you can use bed risers to get more from your under bed storage.

Bed risers essentially raise the height of your bed and, therefore, allow you to create extra storage underneath. "Get bed risers to lift the bed higher off the floor," says Diane. "This makes the space under the bed more accessible. Then get some under the bed drawers."

She continues: "The ones sold at The Container Store are my favorite. They are easy to use and have a solid lid, which helps to keep dust bunnies out." The expert says you can store extra sheets and towels in these drawers, as well as bathroom supplies or clothes that may be out of season.

2. Install Shelves Above or Near Your Bed

Curious to explore those potential bedroom shelving ideas? You can add a shelf or two, above or even next to your bed — this will certainly give you the storage space you desire. You can use these shelves to add your everyday essentials, such as accessories and more.

"If the room is so small that there is no room for a bedside table, install shelves above and on either side of the bed. This is not as daunting as it may sound," Diane says. "Use The Container Store Elfa system. It is completely customizable."

The professional organizer says you should keep the shelving shallow, so it's easy to access. "By installing it above and on both sides of the bed, you give yourself space for the things you may normally keep on a bedside table — like small lamps, tissues, your books," she notes. "Use the shelves above the bed for books, decorative items, or baskets of things that you might normally keep in a chest of drawers; underwear, t-shirts or jeans."

3. Use The Back of The Bedroom Door

Ideal for those small bedroom organization ideas, Diane says you could also utilize the back of your bedroom door to store things away. She adds: "Use the back of the bedroom door for more storage. You can hang a clear pocket organizer to hold shoes, hats, and gloves."

This Over the Door Organizer from Amazon with 5 tiers may just be your saving grace. It has extra large storage space and 10 compartments that you can use to place your shoes, clothes and maybe even books.

4. Get Stacking Cubes & Baskets

Storage baskets and cubes are the go-to method for organizing and decluttering a space. I particularly love this method, as it's easy to use and oftentimes, cubes and baskets have deeper spaces where you can stores clothes, shoes and so much more. I often use storage baskets to store away clothing that may be out of season, and sometimes even miscellaneous items.

Professional Organizer Diane says: "I recommend only stacking them 2 or 3 high and putting baskets inside. The benefit of using cubes is they are easy to move and reconfigure, as needed." And I could not agree more (speaking from experience, of course).

5. Have a Clothes Chair

Although this may seem counter-productive to some, if you do have limited space, rather than throwing things onto the floor, why not utilize the furniture you have in your bedroom? Do you have a chair sitting around? Well, Barbara Brock, a professional organizer at Barbara Brock Inc. says you should use it as a "clothes chair".

"A chair can be used for clothing instead of the floor, also," explains Barbara. "I’m very much in favor of a 'clothes chair' to throw things on during the week, with two stipulations: that they use this chair to toss clothes and not on the floor and that on the weekend or a designated day, you can hang up, wash, take to cleaner's, the clothes on the chair."

6. Have a Nightstand Near Your Bed

A small bedside table or nightstand is a great way to organize a bedroom with no storage. Barbara says this is the perfect way to place personal and necessary items, so it's easy to access when you need it most. She recommends getting furniture with drawers, as this will allow you to store all sorts of items. I particularly like this classy wood finish Beckett One Drawer Solid Wood Nightstand from Wayfair — priced at just $178.49.

She continues: "A nightstand is a very important piece of furniture. Everyone develops a nighttime routine, and a well-organized night table can contribute to a good night’s sleep by keeping important items like a book, water, or soothing items at hand. By keeping items like these at hand, it promotes relaxation and reduces the need to get out of bed."

The expert says it also serves as a space to store objects like electronic devices, medication and other important items. "Usually there is a lamp on a nightstand, so, therefore try to avoid overcrowding the nightstand top with books, photos, and medicines," she notes. "Too many things on top of the nightstand begin to get very messy."

7. Use Closet Doors, Walls & Ceilings

For those genius hidden storage ideas, you can easily organize your bedroom by using the space behind your closet door, the walls in your room or even ceilings. These spaces are a great way to add hooks, shelving and so much more.

Barbara tells us: "I’ve found that the most underutilized areas are backs of closet doors, walls, and ceilings. Walls can be used to hang clothing on pegs, or can be used to put up shelves."

She continues: "Many more items can be hung on the walls for additional storage solutions. In today’s container world, there are more options for hanging storage, including shoes and over the door peg holders."

8. Think Vertically

Another way to organize a bedroom with no storage is by incorporating some of the many ways to use vertical storage. For this, professional organizer Barbara says you can add cubbies into your space.

"Utilize vertical shelving or cubbies, which don’t take up floor space but have great storage," says Barbara. "Stacked boxes — wood, cardboard, cloth etc — can hold many items. It’s better to see things in a closed container than strewn all over the place."

9. Built-in Storage

Oftentimes, the bed, which is likely the largest piece of furniture in the room, inevitably becomes the focal point and takes up most of the space. So why not opt for a statement headboard with discrete drawers and shelves, which will offer plenty more storage space for your bedroom.

Barry Fox, principal of the LA-based Private Image Inc tells us: "For bedrooms with little to no storage space, dual-purpose furniture is the key. Beds should double as storage." Bed storage can come in a variety of forms. Under-bed storage is the most common strategy, which most commonly takes the form of beds with drawers or ottomans with a spring-like mechanism that flips up to reveal stacks of storage space.

The drawer storage bed option is perfect for staying organized, while ottoman beds are at risk of becoming a little more prone to haphazardly throwing in bits and pieces (without the order that drawers command).

10. Opt for a Chic Storage Bench

You could also opt for a chic and stylish storage bench to store your clothes and essentials away for the day, or maybe even your extra pillows and sheets.

For Barry, the space surrounding the bed is also key to an organized room where storage can be maximized. "Other great space savers are trunks or benches at the end of a bed," he says. A stylish ottoman is a great place to stash bulky bedding, but can also double up as seating.

FAQs

How can I stay more organized if my bedroom is small with no storage?

If you're wondering how to utilize those small organization ideas, Barbara says there a few steps you can take to a more organized bedroom. "Making a bed is a huge way to keep your bedroom organized," she notes. "It’s a large mass and by keeping it smooth helps organize the room."

The expert says you should also stack items neatly and fold clothing neatly. "The neater the stacks of items around the room will help to stay more organized. Set routines: regular cleaning helps to dust the cobwebs away, not only in the home but also in the brain."

"Each week straighten or neaten one tabletop area — whether it’s a desk, or bedside table. Visually this will be calming. It’s like making the bed — if the bed is made, the whole bedroom looks tidier," Barbara adds.