10 Ways to Utilize Vertical Storage to Save Space

Do you need more room in your home? Vertical storage lets you reclaim your space, declutter and organize while keeping things aesthetic and easy to access. Here are some ways you can utilize the vertical space in your home for more storage.

1. Dual-Rack Lazy Susan

A lazy Susan — a circular rotating shelf — can fit on a counter, a cabinet or a closet, depending on how many racks it has. While many people use it for pantry items, it has endless possibilities. Since it spins, it’s a huge space saver in small places like fridges, closets and desks. 

Instead of stacking items on top of each other or wasting space in a shelf or fridge, use a multi-level lazy Susan for a functional way to stack things.

2. Under-Shelf Drawer

Take a quick peek at your cabinets and closets — is there any empty space in between the shelves? Under-shelf drawers attach to your existing shelving and slide out from underneath. They save a ton of space since they only take up a few inches. 

An under-shelf drawer is ideal in pantries, closets and laundry rooms because it’s easier to mount and use in standing spaces. If you’re worried about forgetting what you’re storing, get a wire or clear plastic model to see what’s inside without pulling it out.

3. Wall-Mounted Wine Rack

A wall-mounted wine rack is a durable, aesthetic storage solution for any home. It can be installed on drywall, concrete or wood, so you can place it in any room you’d like. The great thing about wine racks is they can be used for other items. Hang one in your bathroom and roll your towels to create a spa-like towel rack. If you have plants taking up space on tables or counters, hang them on the wall in a wine rack instead.

4. Over-the-Door Organizer

You may already have over-the-door organizers in your closets, but you can use them for more than just shoes. Think about any room in your house that has a door that takes up a lot of wall and floor space. In a small pantry, you can use a door organizer to store any snacks or kitchen tools that don’t fit elsewhere. In your laundry room, use it to store your supplies. In a garage, you can organize tools that may otherwise live on the floor.  

5. Repurposed Wooden Pallet

Repurposing wooden pallets for storage requires almost no work since you only have to attach hooks or landscaping fabric. Plus, your local hardware store probably offers pallets for free, so it’s a great low-cost option if you’re on a budget. 

Using wooden pallets as shelving can give your home a rustic look. If you want something more practical, consider using them as mini hanging gardens or storage boxes for hand tools. Even though repurposing them requires DIY work, the finished product is worth the effort.

6. Pull-Out Cabinet Basket

Pull-out cabinet baskets are much better than fixed storage bins because they can slide out for easy access. You can reach something at the back of the shelf in seconds instead of blindly fumbling around. The built-in compartments, trays and bars make organization a breeze.  

Have you ever wished you had another shelf in your cabinets to take advantage of that unused space above your dishes or bathroom essentials? If so, consider stacking the pull-out baskets to turn the emptiness into extra storage. 

7. Slatwall Hooks and Shelves

A slatwall is a large, flat board with thin horizontal slats. It’s like a peg board but with lines instead of holes. Slatwall hooks can hold a ton of weight, so they can handle heavy objects like power tools or exercise equipment. They’re also great for clothes, robes, towels and coats. 

You can use slatwall shelving if you prefer a more put-together look. Some types come with rails, so you don’t ever have to worry about accidentally knocking items onto the ground. The best part is you can rearrange your shelves in minutes since the hangers are temporary. 

8. Floating Shelves

Floating shelves are a common go-to because they take up a fraction of the space storage cabinets and drawers do. Thankfully, you only need a few power tools to install them. Best of all, you can put them wherever you want since they come in practically every material and style.

9. Wall-Mounted Magazine Rack 

Wall-mounted magazine racks are great for books, DVDs, video games and cookbooks. You can also use them to store decorations, office supplies and bathroom essentials, depending on their size and shape. 

10. Rolling Storage Cart 

A rolling cart can follow you wherever you go. You can store your DVD collection, bathroom essentials, blankets, kitchen utensils or extra sheets in it. Whatever you use it for, moving it takes only a few seconds so you won’t have to worry about it getting in the way.

Whether you have kids, pets or a messy partner, a rolling storage cart lowers the chances of things ending up on the floor because it minimizes the trips you need to take to put things away. It’s one of the best vertical storage solutions for people with messy hobbies or a lot of clutter.  

Vertical Storage Helps You Reclaim Your Space

Whether you’re a DIY master or want an out-of-the-box solution you can pick up on your way home from work, you have numerous vertical storage options. Consider using them to reclaim your space and keep your home clutter-free.