IKEA Storage Ideas for Organizing Your Home
Aug 27, 2026 / Matthew Sanderson
IKEA storage solutions can help organize a home or apartment by using shelves, bookcases, and cube storage to make better use of vertical space. Popular systems such as IVAR, BILLY, and KALLAX can support a range of home-organization projects, from tidying books and shoes to creating flexible storage in a small apartment.
Before adding new organizers, declutter the room and decide which items you use now, which items you want to donate, and which belongings you want to store for later.
Key Takeaways
- IKEA shelving systems can help organize books, décor, clothing, hobby supplies, and everyday household items.
- IVAR, BILLY, and KALLAX offer different storage approaches, including open shelving, narrow bookcases, and cube storage.
- Vertical storage can help open up floor space in apartments, dorms, closets, and shared rooms.
- Baskets, bins, and doors can help tidy smaller items and reduce visual clutter.
- Public Storage, the largest self‑storage brand in the United States, can help you store extra furniture, seasonal décor, and household items while you revamp your space.
Best IKEA Storage Systems for Home Organization
The best IKEA storage system depends on the room, the items you want to organize, and the amount of floor and wall space available. Open shelving can work well for frequently used items, while bookcases and cube storage can help group belongings by category.
IKEA Storage Solutions at a Glance
| IKEA Storage System | Best For | Organization Benefit |
| IVAR | Garages, closets, kitchens, hobby areas, and utility spaces | Adjustable open shelving can help organize bins, supplies, and larger household items. |
| BILLY | Books, décor, shoes, and smaller rooms | Narrow bookcase options can add vertical storage without taking up much floor space. |
| KALLAX | Toys, books, baskets, media, and room dividers | Cube compartments make it easy to group items by category. |
| Wall shelves | Small décor, books, and frequently used items | Uses wall space and keeps surfaces more open. |
| Storage carts | Kitchen, bathroom, office, or craft supplies | Adds movable storage for everyday items. |
In short: IKEA storage solutions can help make a home feel more organized by giving books, décor, clothing, and household supplies a designated place.
Use the IVAR System for Flexible Shelving
The IKEA IVAR system is known for its simple wood shelving and modular design. It can work in a closet, kitchen, garage, laundry area, or hobby space, depending on the configuration and available room.
Open shelving can make it easier to see what you have, especially when you group similar items together. For example, use one shelf for baskets, another for labeled bins, and a lower shelf for heavier household supplies.
Ways to Organize IVAR Shelves
- Group similar items together, such as cleaning tools, hobby supplies, or pantry items.
- Use labeled bins or baskets for smaller supplies.
- Keep everyday items on shelves that are easy to reach.
- Put heavier items on lower shelves.
- Leave some open space instead of filling every shelf.
- Add containers in similar colors or materials for a more coordinated look.
If you plan to paint, stain, or customize shelving, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and allow materials to dry fully before adding them to your home.
Use a BILLY Bookcase for Vertical Storage
A BILLY bookcase can organize more than books. Its vertical shape can make it useful in apartments, bedrooms, home offices, closets, and living rooms where floor space is limited.
Use a bookcase to display items you use or enjoy, then add baskets or storage boxes for smaller items that can look cluttered on open shelves.
BILLY Bookcase Organization Ideas
| Room | What to Organize | Helpful Setup |
| Living room | Books, framed photos, and décor | Group books by size or color and leave open shelf space between displays. |
| Home office | Notebooks, supplies, and reference materials | Use bins for cords, paper supplies, and smaller office items. |
| Bedroom | Shoes, accessories, and folded clothing | Add baskets or fabric bins to keep smaller items together. |
| Closet | Bags, hats, and seasonal clothing | Place current-season items at eye level and put away overflow. |
| Entryway | Reusable bags, umbrellas, and everyday accessories | Use lower baskets for items you grab before leaving home. |
Use KALLAX Cube Storage to Group Items by Category
KALLAX cube storage can work well when you want to separate items into easy-to-find categories. Each cube can hold books, baskets, bins, or décor, making the system useful in a child’s room, home office, living area, or apartment with an open floor plan.
A horizontal KALLAX unit can also create a low display surface, while a taller configuration can add vertical storage or help define separate areas in a shared room.
KALLAX Organization Ideas
- Use fabric bins for toys, games, or hobby supplies.
- Store books upright in some cubes and use baskets in others.
- Create one cube for each family member’s everyday items.
- Use a few open cubes for plants or décor that fits your current style.
- Place frequently used items in easy-to-reach compartments.
- Put away overflow items that do not fit your current setup.
Choose Storage That Fits Your Space
Before bringing home shelves, bookcases, or cube storage, measure the available wall and floor space. Also measure doorways, hallways, stairways, and elevators if you live in an apartment building.
What to Measure Before Choosing a Storage Organizer
| Area to Measure | Why It Matters |
| Wall width and height | Helps confirm the organizer fits the intended location. |
| Floor depth | Helps keep walkways open and furniture properly spaced. |
| Doorways and hallways | Helps you plan how to bring the organizer into your home. |
| Nearby outlets and switches | Helps avoid blocking access to everyday features. |
| Storage items | Helps you choose shelf heights, bin sizes, and compartment styles. |
A storage organizer works best when it fits both your room and the items you plan to keep there. Choosing one system for a specific purpose can help prevent shelves from becoming catch-all spaces.
Declutter Before You Organize
New shelves and bins can help organize a room, but they work best after you sort through what you already have. Start by taking items out of one area at a time, then decide what fits your current home and routine.
Consider these categories as you declutter:
- Use now: Everyday clothing, cookware, books, and supplies.
- Donate: Items in good condition that no longer fit your space or routine.
- Recycle or discard: Worn, broken, or unusable items.
- Store for later: Seasonal décor, extra furniture, moving boxes, and household items you want to keep in reserve.
Make Room Before You Add New Storage
Adding a new organizer may mean rearranging furniture or clearing out items that no longer fit your room. If extra furniture, seasonal décor, or household overflow is taking up space at home, Public Storage has climate-controlled storage units to help you store your belongings while you organize and revamp your layout.
Find a storage option that can help you make room for your IKEA organization project using our storage unit size guide.
FAQs About IKEA Storage and Home Organization
What are the best IKEA storage options for a small apartment?
BILLY bookcases, KALLAX cube storage, wall shelves, and storage carts can help add organization without taking up much floor space. The best option depends on your room measurements and the items you want to organize.
How can I use IKEA storage to organize a closet?
Use shelving for folded clothing, baskets for accessories, and lower compartments for shoes or bags. Keep current-season clothing easy to reach and put away overflow items.
Is IVAR good for garage or utility-room storage?
IVAR open shelving can work well for organizing bins, household supplies, and hobby materials in utility spaces. Measure your available area and follow IKEA’s assembly and use instructions.
What can I store in a KALLAX unit?
KALLAX units can hold books, baskets, toys, games, hobby supplies, folded linens, and décor. Use bins or inserts to group smaller items together.
What should I do with extra furniture while reorganizing my home?
You can store eligible extra furniture, seasonal décor, moving boxes, and household items that are not part of your current layout. A storage unit can help create room while you organize your home.
IKEA storage ideas can help you create a tidier, more functional home by giving everyday items a designated place. Start with one room, choose storage that fits your space, and make room for the setup that works best for your routine.
