16 Gadgets and Accessories Perfect for Small-Space Living
When it comes to these small-space game-changers, it's true — good things come in small packages.
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, whether that's a shared dorm room or a tiny, city apartment.
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 some trusty gadgets that are sure to make living little feel like you're living large.
Clothing + Laundry Space-Savers
If you live in a really small space, you probably don't have a good spot for storing a full-size ironing board and iron. This handy steamer/iron combo lets you tackle wrinkles super easily, and at only 1.5 pounds and about 5 inches, it's easy to store and transport.
If you prefer steaming, this compact steamer may be a better pick for you. It heats up in just 70 seconds and will give you between seven and 10 minutes of constant steam time until it needs to be refilled. It weighs just 1.35 pounds, making it easy to store and pack, too.
If you have a small closet and only room for a limited wardrobe, this compact fabric shaver will ensure all of your favorite sweaters are in tip-top shape and ready to wear. Simply run it over fuzz that's accumulated on clothing and even furniture. It features three settings for different fabric types and a detachable lint catcher for easy emptying. This model requires two AA batteries (not included), but you can also choose a rechargeable model for $23.
If you don't have an in-unit washer and dryer set but want to reduce the times you have to go to a communal laundromat, you might find this wash bag handy. It's essentially a waterproof bag with grooves inside that you fill with dirty laundry, water and soap. Then you roll the bag closed, work back and forth on the floor to scrub and then rinse before air-drying. While you definitely can't fit a full load of laundry in this bag at once, it's a great item to have on hand to tackle one-off dirty items in between trips to the laundromat. Plus, it's compact, lightweight size (.3 pounds) makes it great for camping and backpacking when you need a way to do laundry on the road, too.
Speaking of lightweight items that pack down, if you're headed to college or simply like to be prepared when you go out, this top-rated, packable rain jacket is super handy. It's lightweight, waterproof and quick-drying, plus it packs down to pocket size and comes with a carrying pouch. If you don't have space for a dedicated coat rack or mudroom and don't want to carry heavier umbrellas, this stylish jacket, available in several colors, is perfect for keeping in your bag.
Organization Space-Savers
When living in a small space, keeping toiletries and makeup corralled is a must. Otherwise, every countertop will quickly be covered with lotions, lipsticks and lash curlers. This circular bucket bag unfurls to reveal easy-to-access pockets around the border for holding all of the essentials. The drawstring closure makes it easy to transport from a bathroom to a desk-meets-vanity table to the floor if your morning skincare routine happens to take place in front of a floor-length mirror. Plus, it's a great travel bag, so whenever you travel, your everyday essentials are ready to go.
While chic jewelry boxes and holders that sit on top of dressers can be chic, surface real estate is precious in small spaces. If your jewelry collection is more than just a couple of pieces, consider keeping your items organized in a compact zip-up bag like this one. It's available in several colors and patterns and can keep your rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, hair accessories and more organized and tangle-free. Plus, when you're tacking jewelry on the go, simply toss this organizer in your bag.
If you live with a roommate, avoid constantly asking, "Is that my charger or yours? Are those my headphones?" with a cable organizer. This compact zip-up bag can hold all of your charging cables, headphones, extra batteries, camera cards and whatever else you might not want to lose. It's great to keep tech accessories in one place, which also makes it easy to toss in a backpack or suitcase when you're on the go.
Speaking of tech, outlets are hard to come by in small spaces, so make sure you always have enough ports for your laptop, phone and whatever else you need to plug in with this travel power strip and surge protector.
Food + Drink Space-Savers
For tiny or makeshift "kitchens" in dorms, you likely won't have room for many dishes, but hydration is still important. This reusable BPA-free water bottle from Vapur holds one whole liter of liquid and collapses down when not in use to the size of a keychain that can fit in your pocket.
Don't have room for a full-size coffeemaker? This Aeropress coffeemaker can make one to three cups of delicious coffee in about and can be stowed away in a drawer or cabinet when not in use. It also comes in super handy on camping and backpacking trips.
Another way to save space on kitchen storage? These collapsible silicone food storage containers. These BPA-free, microwave-, dishwasher- and freezer-safe containers are perfect for storing snacks and leftovers. When not in use, they pack flat and take up hardly any space.
If you love straws but want a reusable option so you don't have to take the plastic straw with your takeout order, this stainless steel straw collapses down to fit in a keychain size carrying case, so you'll always have your own straw whether at home or on the go. It also comes with a cleaning brush that nests inside the straw.
More Compact Appliances
The one benefit to living in a small space? Less space you have to clean! You'll still need the right small-space friendly tools when you do have to tackle dirt and crumbs. This compact, handheld cordless vacuum is a favorite for HGTV Managing Editor Kayla Kitts who docks it right next to her cats' litter boxes so she can quickly grab pet hair and stray litter. The triple-level filtration makes it clean like a beast, and the large dirt bin makes it a cinch to clean out between uses. It comes with a motorized brush tool, an upholstery tool and a crevice tool.
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If you love aromatherapy but don't have space for a diffuser with a larger tank, a portable travel diffuser is a perfect solution. Not only can you easily move around this USB diffuser from your nightstand to your desk or even bring it on trips, but it's also a great option for shared spaces if your roommate may not love the smell of essential oils as much as you because this one will permeate a much smaller space than a larger diffuser.
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.
