Practical Tips For Seasonal Storage In Smaller Homes

Small homes are cozy, practical, and often easier on the budget, but they definitely have challenges, especially when it comes to storage. If you live in a smaller house, you probably have to get creative when it comes to everyday organization. Seasonal storage is a whole other conundrum.

Use neutral styles for foundation pieces, so you don’t have to store many large items. Maximize vertical storage and free up space under the bed by using risers. Store bulky fabric pieces in vacuum-sealed bags, purchase multi-use furniture, and create a rotation system for seasonal storage. Edit pieces before packing things away, and label containers clearly. 

When it comes to items that you’re only supposed to use during one part of the year, it can be tricky to figure out storage when you’re in a smaller home. Where are you supposed to stash everything when it isn’t on display or in use? If you’re stuck, keep these practical tips in mind to store your seasonal items. 

Debunking the Myth: “You Can’t Bother With Seasonal Decor When You Live In A Small House”

When you’re short on square footage, it can become easy to assume you can’t decorate a lot for different holidays or change up your home’s decor each season. But just because you live in a small home doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy changing things up throughout the year. However, you will need to be intentional with your seasonal storage, so you don’t feel like you’re living in the stockroom of a home-goods store.

Start With Flexible Foundation Pieces

When choosing seasonal items, gravitate toward pieces that can transition easily from one season to another with a few minor tweaks. This keeps you from needing to store larger items. For example, use a neutral vase that works just as well in the winter as in the spring. Then, let the flowers you choose tell the story of the season. You can keep the vase on display year-round, simply changing the blooms and contents.

Another example is throw pillows. Instead of purchasing five different pillows for each holiday, choose removable covers you can swap throughout the year. Folded covers take up a lot less space in storage than bulky pillows. Washable rugs are another great way to change up decor easily. The bulkier rug pad stays down year-round, and the top part folds up for easy storage.

More Tips For Seasonal Storage In A Smaller Home

Sticking to smart choices for your foundation pieces is an excellent starting point for successful seasonal storage in a small house. You limit the space your items take up when you don’t have to store these larger pieces in the off-season. Consequently, you maximize storage capacity for the pieces you need to store when a holiday or season ends. But it’s still essential to remain intentional about how you organize and store these pieces, so your home stays comfortable, tidy, and aesthetically appealing.

1. Bed Risers Aren't Just For College Dorms

Every new college student knows that if they’re moving into a dorm, they need to bring out the bed risers. The space under the bed is valuable real estate in a tiny dorm room, providing storage for everything from clothes to sports gear. Of course, when you look at pics of college dorms, the raised beds are a bit exaggerated. Students pack so many cinderblocks under those things that they can fit small dressers.

But the concept of lifting your bed to create more storage space applies to any home. Although Feng Shui advocates recommend keeping the area under the bed clear, when you’re limited on space, every inch of it counts. So raise your bed and get drawers or bins to store off-season items, whether it’s clothing or decor.

2. Use Vacuum-Seal Bags

To maximize your storage space, store bulky fabric items in vacuum-sealed bags to fit more than twice as much. These bags are ideal for comforters, coats, blankets, and select sweaters, especially for short-term storage of about three to six months, as they are well-suited as a seasonal storage solution. However, ensure that anything you store in vacuum-sealed containers is clean and dry first. Also, avoid storing delicate fabrics, such as cashmere or wool, for extended periods to prevent fiber damage. Ideally, this type of storage is best for synthetic fabrics or synthetic blends.

3. Rotate Seasonal Storage To Keep Current Items Accessible

The whole point of seasonal storage is to keep the things you don’t need in the moment tucked out of sight. Otherwise, everything is out in the open 24/7, confusing your design and cramping your space. To make rotating items functional and effective, they need to be easy to use. Create a system where the items you need next are kept at the front of your storage areas.

Whenever you put things away, don’t just stick them back in the same place, because when it’s time to set up for the next season, you’re dragging a bunch of stuff out of the way to reach what you need. Instead, put things away and move them to the back. Likewise, pull the next season’s items to the front.

4. Take Advantage Of All Vertical Space

When you live in a small home, every inch counts, so you need to maximize vertical storage. Tall shelves, cubby cabinets, and door organizers are only the beginning. To truly utilize as much vertical space as possible, you need to think outside the box a bit. Hang shelves above door frames and use baskets to store seasonal decor. Hooks on the rear wall of your closet are perfect for storing bulky coats and other seasonal clothing. You can also store wreaths in garment bags and hang them here, too. 

5. Invest In Multi-Functional Storage

Skip single-use furniture when you live in a smaller home. You need all the storage you can get, so things like storage ottomans and benches are great picks. You can get sofas with lift-up seats or drawers underneath. There are beds with built-in storage underneath and inside the headboards. Opt for nightstands and end tables with shelves or drawers, and coffee tables with storage.

You can also get creative with pieces that match your design. Think stacked vintage suitcases that double as an end table and an old steamer trunk as your coffee table. This doesn’t necessarily mean every single piece of furniture you buy has to offer storage or some type of secondary function. However, be intentional and choose some key pieces that provide extra opportunities for organization.

6. Label Everything Clearly

Since seasonal storage sits for several months before switching out, it can be easy to forget what goes where. That’s why labeling is critical. Clear labels prevent you from pulling out the wrong items and putting things away in the wrong place. When you know where stuff goes, and you can get to it easily and quickly, it makes your overall storage much more effective. In a small house, efficient storage is vital, and the right labels provide added assurance that your systems keep running smoothly.

7. Always Edit Before Switching Seasons

A final tip for seasonal storage in a small home is to practise good storage habits. (Really, this is a priority no matter where you live.) When it’s time to put away the decorations, decor, seasonal clothing, sports gear, or coats, take some time to assess. What didn’t you use this season? What things are broken or worn out? Which pieces did you suddenly realize you didn’t enjoy anymore, or better yet, which things didn’t even make it out of storage in the first place? It’s time for these items to go. Why devote valuable storage space to things you don’t want or aren’t going to use? Donate or toss them, then put away the rest before you set up for the next season.

Small Houses Can Embrace Every Season

The size of your house should not prevent you from embracing a seasonal design transformation. Making changes to your design to suit a spring refresh or a winter wonderland is part of the fun of enjoying your home.

Sure, if you live in a small home, you need to be more intentional about the elements you choose and how much stuff you have. However, maximizing your available space and being smart about your storage methods enables you to handle seasonal items like a boss.

Related Guides:

• Smart Storage Ideas For Seasonal Decor
• Which Decorations To Keep, Donate, And Trash After The Holidays
• What's The Difference Between Spring And Summer Decor?