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Add a small space to sit down and put your shoes on with a small storage bench. “These are visually appealing while also providing storage,” Fournet says. “You can add a bench with built-in drawers or that lifts up to put shoes in.”
Why We Like It: A storage shoe bench is a great way to keep clutter contained at an entryway, and can even contain a bin for gloves and hats, too. Starting around $35, this can also be a budget-friendly solution for any home.
A long, narrow table, sometimes with drawers, console tables can be a great landing spot for entryway clutter like keys, mail or other items. “I’m a big fan of a little console or something that has drawers to drop off and contain trinkets,” Fournet says. “Look for antiques and vintage items at estate sales and thrift stores for more sustainable finds,” Fournet says.
Why We Like It: Console tables pack a lot of function and storage into a small footprint perfect for an entryway. They can also be inexpensive, starting at around $50 for a basic piece.
If you don’t have a closet in your entryway, consider adding a standing coat rack to hang coats, jackets and scarves. “Standing coat racks look great,” Fournet says. “Look for vintage or antique coat racks for a bit of personality.”
Why We Like It: Inexpensive (you can find them for less than $10!) and adaptable to many home styles, standing coat racks are also renter-friendly and are a great way to use vertical space for storage.
Baskets are a versatile catch-all style of storage that works for shoes, hats and gloves or dog walking gear. “Baskets help hide chaos and make the system effortless to maintain,” Hale says. She recommends woven baskets to add warmth to the space, but you can use repurposed items as well. Online tutorials show you how to turn cardboard boxes into cute storage baskets, so this can be a really budget-friendly storage solution.
Why We Like It: Baskets are easy to use catchalls that not only compartmentalize items, but also hide them from plain view. They’re also easy to customize and match to existing decor.
For wider entryways, a bureau or dresser is a great way to keep clutter under control. “Don’t underestimate repurposing furniture from other areas of the home by using it in non-traditional ways,” Hale says. “A dresser may be the perfect size for concealing hats, scarves and mail.”
Why We Like It: We love repurposed items that can be used in creative ways, like the vintage bureau in my front entryway that doubles as a console table and shoe storage in the drawers.
Use a mail organizer to keep the constant flow of bills, flyers and bank statements accessible and less visually offensive. You can use tabletop, stackable organizers or wall mount options to capitalize on that precious vertical wall space.
Why We Like It: Mail organizers really do help keep the constant in- and out-flow of mail, well, organized. This can be another way to repurpose a small, cardboard box, but there are inexpensive options available for under $10.
“Add at least one tray to corral commonly used items like keys, sunglasses and change,” Hale says. “A tray isn’t just decor; it’s a boundary.” Repurpose a shallow bowl or an unused jewelry tray from your bedroom to instantly create a landing spot for entryway odds and ends.
Why We Like It: A potentially free solution if using repurposed items, a catchall tray is also intuitive, so everyone in your household is likely to use it.
Finding an attractive and effective way to store shoes is one of the more challenging aspects of entryway design. But it’s a crucial job to do. “Taming shoe chaos in the entryway instantly calms the entire area, especially for busy people juggling work, kids or caregiving,” Hale says.
Why We Like It: The options are endless, and entry level shoe racks are less than $20. Wall mount options are one of our favorites to free up floor space and keep shoes easily accessible.
“Make the most of vertical space by using wall hooks wherever it makes sense,” Hale says. “Suddenly coats, bags and leashes have a home. A simple peg rail can make even the tiniest entryway feel intentional and beautiful,” Hale says.
Why We Like It: Hooks are inexpensive (starting around $5), easy to customize and install, and they’re also intuitive, so even guests will know what to do. “The best systems are intuitive—no constant reminders needed,” Hale says.
Carve out an entryway landing zone in any space with a freestanding hall tree with hooks, a top shelf and a shoe storage bench. There are many sizes, materials and price points available to fit any home and budget.
Why We Like It: Affordable options start at $35, are easy to assemble and instantly add entryway storage space to help corral clutter.
Add an umbrella stand to give this otherwise awkward-to-store item a permanent home. I like to hang my umbrella stand on the wall to free up floor space in my entryway. Opt for a vintage find to add personality and beauty to an otherwise utilitarian storage solution.
Why We Like It: I’ve never found a better way to store umbrellas that do a better job than an umbrella stand. They’re simple, effective and intuitive.
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While the most serious auto recalls are usually related to brakes and engines, those aren’t the only problem areas on a car. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) just announced that tens of thousands of Nissan vehicles are faulty. If you own a newer Nissan, you just might have bubbles in your windshield. These defective components render the vehicles unsafe to drive, so it’s essential to determine if yours is on the list and how to rectify the issue promptly.
According to the NHTSA brief, the Nissan vehicles in question have defective windshield glass. “The windshield glass may have visible air bubbles,” the report explains. These windshield glass bubbles “can obscure the driver’s visibility.” The brief continues, warning that “reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of a crash,” and “these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 205, ‘Glazing Materials.'”
According to the report, nearly 42,000 2025 Nissan Sentra vehicles are affected by this issue. If you own one, keep an eye on your mailbox. Nissan will mail out owner notification letters in mid-January 2026. If that feels like too long of a time to wait, have no fear. As of November 21, 2025, you can also search your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA site to see if your Nissan has this windshield bubble problem.
You should always practice defensive driving anyway, but if your Nissan has a defective windshield, then you should be even more diligent than usual. Avoid driving the vehicle if possible, and have it repaired as soon as possible.
Nissan says, “Dealers will inspect and replace the windshield as necessary, free of charge.” Once the repair is available, be sure to schedule yours at your earliest convenience. Driving in the winter already means that storms and other bad weather can diminish visibility. You don’t want to make it any worse by keeping a defective windshield.
If you have further questions, you can reach Nissan’s customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan’s number for this recall is PMA58 and the NHTSA’s number for it is25V807000.
Windshield Air Bubbles Can Obscure Visibility/FMVSS 205, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2025.
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Do you have mesh or nylon laundry bags lying around your home? Well, you can actually use these to keep your clothes compact and organized. These breathable mesh bags are perfect for naturally “compressing” clothes without needing a vacuum sealer.
“Get those mesh or nylon laundry bags with a drawstring and roll garments tightly and pack your belongings by category,” says Gareth Lloyd Jones, managing director at HIPPO. “They’re perfect not just for small wardrobes, but also for travel if you don’t have much space in your suitcase.”
Do you do a lot of work in the kitchen? Jones recommends using baby food jars to hold your spices, similar to a spice rack, especially if you have some jars that are going to be tossed anyway. “Soak off labels, dry thoroughly and fill and add lid or side labels with the spice name and date,” says Jones. “Line up in a drawer or on a wall shelf and group by cuisine or usage.”
If you have items that need to be put away in under the bed in the bedroom, then Jones recommends getting some vintage suitcases for them. “They make excellent hidden storage with character,” he says. “All you need to do is clean the interior and line with fabric or cedar sheet,” Jones says. “Then load with blankets, shoes, out-of-season clothes, or old toys. They are perfect for small bedrooms or guest rooms – a good alternative to plastic totes.”
Transforming an old wine rack into a sleek towel organizer can make it look stylish and practical in a bathroom or kitchen. Jones recommends cleaning and repainting the rack if needed, and placing the paper towels into a slot. Place the rack on a shelf or mount it on the wall, depending on the desired look. This upcycled storage idea is great for small spaces where every inch is a precious commodity that can be wasted.
If you live in a small apartment or tiny home, then you know the importance of utilizing vertical space. Paul McManus, licensed contractor and president of McManus Kitchen and Bath in Tallahassee, FL, suggests using an old wooden ladder for vertical storage. “This is perfect for towels, blanket, or magazines,” McManus tells FH. “You may not have one of these laying around but you can find them at flea markets and thrift shops.”
Instead of buying a set of hooks to hold your keys, light jackets and other household essentials, McManus says to whip out an old rake head. “Take the head off a garden rake and paint it a fun colors. Screw it to the wall and you have a cool, funky organizer for hanging keys, belts or whatever you like.” You can add a more personal touch to this by painting it to blend in with your space or covering it in colored duct tape.
Do you have any leftover gift baskets sitting around your home collecting dust from a raffle you won or a wine basket someone brought over? Elizabeth Vergara, home renovation expert at Vergara Homes, recommends repurposing these old baskets from gift sets as bathroom storage for towels or toilet paper. “If you want an elevated look you can line them with a linen cloth,” she adds.
According to Vergara, this one may be controversial to some people but old books make great hidden storage. “All you need to do is hollow out the inside of a hardcover book and use it to stash remotes or keys,” she tells Family Handman. “In order to hollow it out, first you need to seal the edges together with Mod Podge or glue, apply a weight on top and let that dry overnight, then mark out the space you want to cut out, and lastly, use a utility knife to cut the pages little by little.”
If you love to light candles, then you probably have many empty glass candle jars sprawled out throughout your home. “Once the wax is gone, clean the jar and use it to store cotton rounds, matches, or even small desk supplies,” says Vergara. “All you have to do is pop it in the freezer for a few hours to make the leftover wax easier to remove.”
Instead of keeping your cleaning supplies underneath the bathroom sink, Sarah Trop, founder and CEO at FunCycled, has an upcycled storage idea of turning a shoe organizer into a cleaning supply caddy. “Hang it over a door in the laundry or pantry and store sprays, brushes, and small tools in pockets.”
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Widely available and easy to customize, cube units offer a simple way to add storage anywhere. They can be dressed up with nicer bins and hold an impressive amount. I’ve used them as a bureau, toy storage, a bookcase and for hats and gloves in the mudroom. They’re inexpensive, too, starting at around $40 for a six-cube unit.
Why We Like It: They’re lightweight, quick to assemble and adaptable to almost any home style. Their compartmental design keeps items organized and makes them useful in virtually any room.
Instantly add a closet to your home with a wardrobe or armoire. I have a large wardrobe from Ikea with hanging rods, shelves and drawers, all tucked behind two sliding doors. These are great for renters, or if you’re not ready for a remodel, West says. IKEA’s wardrobes start at $199, and go up to $2000 for a large corner unit.
Why We Like It: These are renter-friendly, customizable and offer tons of storage space.
Build a standard closet for around $1,500 to $2,000 in an unused corner of a room. You’ll spend more for a larger size or customized features. “If you don’t have the space for a full-depth closet, think creatively,” West says. “Shallow closets are great for storing folded clothes, linens, toys, books, and office gear, and can even be great hanging storage if lined with hooks, particularly for entries with no proper coat closet.”
Why We Like It If you don’t rent and your budget allows, this is the ultimate solution for not enough closet space.
“Hooks work especially well where folks need temporary hanging space,” West says. “A whole wall of hooks can hold bags, clothes on hangers, hats, coats, robes, towels and more. Just be sure to hang them high enough that in a narrow space, no one will snag their clothes on a hook as they pass by in a small bedroom, or worse, hit their head.”
Why We Like It: Hooks are easy to install, inexpensive (starting around $5), and utilize often-overlooked vertical wall space.
Turn an unused bedroom, office or pantry space into the ultimate walk-in closet. Add hanging rods, a shoe rack and shelves for an instant closet conversion. Tenants in one of my rentals often turn a small office into a closet, so this setup can be renter-friendly too.
Why We Like It: A room-to-closet conversion doesn’t require renovation and offers an expansive storage solution.
“Storage beds with built-in drawers or lift-up frames can provide as much storage as a good-sized dresser,” West says. If you aren’t in the market for a new bed, consider plastic under-bed bins or use bed-lifters to raise the bed height a bit for even more storage opportunities. A captain’s bed with integrated drawers will be more of an investment, while bed lifters and plastic bins are more budget-friendly.
Why We Like It: Under-bed storage can vastly increase your existing storage space, and it beats storing just dust bunnies under there.
“Take a cue from luxury lifestyle design and put hats, purses, scarves or shoes on display on 12-in. deep bookshelves, saving your 24-in. deep closets for bulkier items,” West says. Garment racks also work well, but you’ll need to keep things neat to avoid adding visual clutter. “When storage looks good, you’re more likely to keep it that way,” Hale adds.
Why We Like It: Displaying items encourages you to only keep clothing that you actually wear and are in good shape, a key practice when closet space is at a minimum.
Who needs closets when you can use drawers? Turn bureaus into storage space for purses, sweaters, even shoes, and save any actual closet space for things that need to be hung, West says. Buy new or repurpose a vintage bureau for a unique look.
Why We Like It: Bureaus and dressers are easy to find, and drawers make stored items easy to access.
Install a closet system meant for the inside of a closet along an empty wall to transform it into a usable ‘closet’ in rooms that lack built-in storage. Look for freestanding clothes rack frames or closet systems with wall-mounted standards and brackets for easy installation and customization. Costs will vary depending on the size, material and features, but a basic wire shelf system should cost under $200.
Why We Like It: This idea is both renter- and homeowner-friendly, providing ample versatile storage space.
Starting around $50, room dividers or privacy screens are a great way to partition off part of a room for closet storage. “As an interior designer, I’ve carved out walk-in pantries and work-from-home spaces in houses where folks didn’t think it was possible,” West says. Pair the divider with a garment rack or closet system for screened off storage.
Why We Like It: Part of the allure of a closet is that stored items don’t have to look perfect all the time. Using a divider to hide the mess helps duplicate this perk.
Maximize the closet space you have by investing in hanger extenders for $10 or less. “These interconnecting hangers or chain systems double and triple the amount of hanging storage you have, depending on the length of your space and the clothes you want to hang,” West says.
Why We Like It: Hanger extenders quickly and easily increase your storage capacity with very little effort and money.
I learned this trick from a roommate back in college: store extra linens between the mattress and the box spring until you need them. When the pieces are folded neatly and laid out flat, the space becomes a practical hideaway for spare sheets, pillowcases and extra towels.
Why We Like It: This is a completely free way to gain clever, out-of-sight storage in a spot that most people never think to use. It’s perfect for small apartments, shared bedrooms or anyone looking to declutter without buying organizers.
Store toiletries, shoes, makeup, medicine or toys behind any door by adding over-door shelves or pockets. This space-saving solution keeps clutter off counters and floors while making everything easy to reach. It’s an easy way to maximize small spaces and keep your home neatly organized.
Why We Like It: Over-door shelves are inexpensive, starting at around $20, and are easy to install for instant additional storage.
Garment racks can be a stylish and affordable way to easily add clothing storage. “If boutique stores can store 100 outfits in 200 square feet, you can do it too,” Hale says. “Curate a collection of clothes that feel fantastic on you and make you feel great.” They’re affordable, too, starting at around $20.
Why We Like It: When done right, garment racks can easily integrate into any design aesthetic while adding crucial clothes-hanging space.
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