How to Maximize Storage in a Small Home

Smaller houses are becoming more popular these days—especially among millennials. In previous generations, baby boomers out of college or returning from overseas were generally purchasing larger homes.  The first generation born after the Great Depression, boomers built and bought larger homes to provide for and accommodate their generally larger families.

Fast forward to today, and the script has flipped. Millennials are graduating college with substantial debt, which is impacting the age they are getting married and having children. Due to smaller budgets and beginning families later, millennials are buying smaller homes.

While smaller homes have their benefits like lower cost and less maintenance, it is creating a whole new need for storage space. Sure, homeowners have always needed space-saving ideas for organizing their belongings-but they used to have a larger space to work within.

If organizing your small home is at the top of your New Year's resolution list, look for stress-free, space-saving ideas. While many people tackle storage for small spaces with containers to pack odds and ends, others seek to adopt a minimalist home. Even with that, the lack of storage in small spaces is challenging. That's why making the most of your storage is key. For example, turn the hall closet into a kitchen pantry or add shelves that reach the ceiling to maximize space.

But what if you're already doing these things and still need space-saving ideas for your small home? Become part of the rising trend of homeowners turning to a backyard shed solution. 

“The housing trend has transitioned from homeowners purchasing huge 4,000-square-foot homes to smaller ones,” says Jason Bergeron, director of marketing for Heartland Sheds. “Which, if you go to a smaller house, you generally have more of a need for supplementary storage solutions. We're seeing accelerated growth in the shed industry as a byproduct of this.”

Beyond perks like lower price and maintenance, millennials are also seeking smaller homes to have more time and money to enjoy hobbies. Even if you've aced organization, sheds are ideal for storing skis, kayaks, fishing and camping gear, and sports equipment. It's also convenient for getting bulky seasonal items out of the way (i.e. holiday decorations) to create a more serene, functional space. Aspirational backyard sheds are also becoming increasingly popular. For example, with limited space inside the home, homeowners are transforming backyard sheds into home offices, fitness studios and more. 

If you're thinking that your home's aesthetic may be compromised in the process, you'd be guessing wrong. The design flexibility for backyard sheds allow you to create a true extension of your home that complements its existing exterior. LP^® Outdoor Building Solutions^® offers a unique collection of engineered wood building products that provide lasting durability with a beautiful finish and plenty of style options. Specifically, LP^® SmartSide^® Trim & Siding is available in a textured or smooth finish so you can choose what complements your home's exterior best.

It's time to get started on making that New Year's resolution to organize your small home a reality. Click here to visualize the ways you can use a backyard shed featuring LP Outdoor Building Solutions products.