Even for the most organized people in the world, small-space living has its challenges. For one thing, you just don’t have as much room to decorate or arrange your belongings. But beyond that, it can be almost impossible to find somewhere to keep the gadgets and appliances that make living easier, or find ones small enough to work in your tiny abode.
All hope is not lost though, as more and more companies are coming out with tools that are not only useful but sized perfectly for small spaces. And if you’re not sure where to start, we rounded up 10 trusty gadgets that are sure to make living little feel like you’re living large.
View the full spread here.
1: Handheld Fabric Steamer
When I first moved to New York City, I naively thought I’d have space to store my much-used iron and ironing board. But after one glimpse of my tiny room with no closets to speak of, I realized it was time to say goodbye. Now, I couldn’t be happier with my no-iron lifestyle. My handheld steamer not only blasts out any wrinkle in no time, making my clothes look professionally pressed, but it can also be used to refresh upholstery and remove tough odors. Oh, and its compact size means it fits perfectly into smaller homes and apartments.
Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam Fabric Steamer, $59.99; target.com
2: Hand Vacuum
Gone are the days of hulking around an oversized (and likely overpriced) vacuum, thanks to this handy, high-powered handheld version. It’s equally equipped to take care of wet and dry spills, and it doesn’t use any cords. Thanks to its wall-mount/charging station, it also fits seamlessly onto any free wall, whether in a closet, cabinet or even the kitchen.
BLACK+DECKER Wet/Dry Cordless Hand Vacuum, $44.99; amazon.com
3: Immersion Hand Blender
Blenders and food processors tend to be bulky, and let’s be honest, not used all that frequently, so why do we dedicate so much counter or cabinet space to them? Well, thanks to immersion blenders those days are in the past. These sleek gadgets can be used to make smoothies, soups, purees and more, and this version even comes with a whisk attachment, beaker and mini food chopper.
Ovente 6 Speed 3-in-1 Immersion Hand Blender, $34.99; amazon.com
4: Personal Blender
While immersion blenders are great for people who want to go beyond just smoothies and shakes, if delectable drinks are all you’ll be making, a personal blender may be more your speed. The compact size means it will slide easily into any open space on your counter or in a cabinet, and you blend your beverage right in the travel bottle so there’s less cleanup.
Oster MyBlend 20 oz Personal Blender, $24.94; walmart.com
5: USB Bed Lifts
Any small-space dweller knows the importance of utilizing every square inch, even under the bed, which is where bed lifts come in. Adding even a few inches of space can drastically change how much you’re able to store, and the genius inclusion of power outlets and a USB port eliminates the need for keeping clunky power strips on the floor.
Studio 3B 4-Piece USB Bed Lift Set, $29.99; bedbathandbeyond.com
6: Compact Humidifier
If your small space suffers from a lack of great circulation, or dry air leaves your sinuses feeling worse for wear, it might be time to consider a humidifier. Don’t worry about it taking up the entire room, or making a ton of noise though, this smaller version is extra quiet and can be adjusted to your perfect level of moisture.
Honeywell Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier, $49.95; honeywellstore.com
7: Mini Bath Scale
While keeping a scale at home is definitely not for everyone, people who do rely on them to keep their health on track know they can often take up a considerable amount of space. That’s what makes this shrunken-down version so great; it still offers accurate readings, just at a much smaller scale.
Taylor Mini Digital Glass Scale, $18.99; shoptaylorusa.com
8: 1.5-Quart Slow Cooker
Whip up dips, soups and mini meals in this little slow cooker. Its small size means it can be tucked away easily, and makes it ideal for home cooks who only have one or two mouths to feed.
Cooks 1.5 Quart Slow Cooker, $20; jcpenney.com
9: Handheld Espresso Maker
Say goodbye to the days of dedicating half your kitchen counter to that barely functional coffee maker you’ve had for years. This little gadget lets you churn out one cup of perfect espresso at a time, and is the perfect size to keep tucked in a drawer, or to bring with you on your travels.
Minipresso Hand Espresso Maker, $59.95; crateandbarrel.com
10: Mini Laundry Machine
One of the biggest downfalls of small-space living (in my humble opinion) is that there’s rarely enough room for a washer and dryer. And having to spend your free time at a laundromat is just not fun. Enter the Laundry Pod: a portable laundry machine that’s eco-friendly, compact and easy to use. It has enough space to wash up to 10 garments at once, uses minimal water and no electricity at all. What could be better?
Laundry Pod, $79.99; storebound.com
