Under Stairs Closet Organization

Whether you’re looking for under the stairs storage inspiration or clever under stairs ideas to make the most of a tight closet space, this project proves that a little intention goes a long way. Our under the stairs closet had become a daily-use spot filled with backpacks, a purse, and even our vacuum—but beyond those essentials, the rest was a cluttered mess of things we didn’t use often (and couldn’t even reach when we needed them). I knew it had potential, but I hadn’t yet taken the time to organize it with purpose.

I finally decided it was time to give this hardworking little closet the attention it deserved. With a fresh perspective, I started sorting, donating, and rethinking how to use the space. This under stairs storage closet needed a mix of practicality and aesthetics—something that looked as good as it functioned. With a few easy upgrades, a bit of creativity, and some smart storage solutions, I transformed this under the stairs closet into a neat, beautiful, and highly functional storage in our home.

In this post, I’m walking you through the entire process—from how I decluttered to what I kept and the storage systems that made the biggest difference. If you’ve got a small, overstuffed under stairs storage closet, I hope these organization ideas help you reimagine it into something that truly works for your everyday life.

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Decluttering and Letting Go

This small under stairs storage closet had become a catch-all for everything. From backpacks and purses to shoes and a vacuum, and a bunch of other stuff I don’t even remember now! I accessed it daily, but it was a mess. This closet was -stairs storage closet had become a catch-all for everything, from backpacks and purses to shoes and a vacuumstuffed with things I needed but couldn’t reach and things I hadn’t used in years.

Here are a couple of pictures from 2020 when I attempted to make it functional. It was clearly just a dump room. It only served to hang my son’s backpack and store (a lot of unused) shoes. At that time, I didn’t even have a proper shoe storage cabinet; I was using an old toy storage unit that I had removed from the playroom turned videogame room.

My goal was to transform the chaotic closet under the stairs into a purposeful storage space. I began by emptying out all the items, donating, and only putting back what served a purpose. I needed this under-stairs storage to be functional for our daily routines, which meant I had to find a designated place for items that previously had no home.

Planning a Functional Storage in the Under the Stairs Closet

One of the biggest challenges of organizing a closet under the stairs is its awkward shape. Accommodating a single storage unit is tough, so you need to get resourceful. To make the most of every inch, I carefully measured the space. I purchased two shelving units with cubbies—one short 4-cube unit that fits perfectly along the lower-sloped wall. A taller 6-cube unit now serves as the main organizer and the first thing you see when you open the closet’s door.

When you enter, you’re greeted with a wall hook on the left that holds my purse, the boys’ hats, and an occasional sweatshirt or jacket.

A shoe storage cabinet on the right helps this small hallway-like entry feel like an intentional part of our home. My husband humorously refers to this under-stairs closet as my new living room.

This space also serves as storage for our beach and pool gear. I keep grab-and-go pool bags, beach towels, and pool towels here so that everything is ready when we need it. Keeping all of this in the under-stairs storage closet saves time and helps keep the rest of the house less chaotic during busy seasons.

A Dual-Purpose Storage Nook Under the Stairs

The zone at the far end of the closet is now home to the tall unit that holds all my recipe books and our cat’s daily essentials. With storage bins and easy access, feeding time and meal planning feel more organized.

Recipe Book Library

My biggest win in this under-the-stairs-closet makeover was giving our recipe books a proper home. Before, they were scattered all over our home; very few were near the kitchen! Since the closet is just around the corner from the kitchen, I wanted a spot that made grabbing a recipe book quick and easy. The taller shelving unit holds the most items: my recipe books sit neatly on top for easy access, and my cat’s wet food and treats now live on the middle shelf.

Now, I can just walk into the under stairs storage closet, pull out what I need, and get cooking. It’s a simple solution, but it’s made meal planning and prep more enjoyable and streamlined.

Pet Food and Other Supplies Storage

One of the best ideas I implemented to maximize the use of this under stairs closet, was creating a designated spot for our cat’s things. Since adopting her, I never had a solid plan for where to store her food. It used to live on a rolling cart that wasn’t very practical.

Now, her food, the bulky automatic feeder we use when we travel, and a silicone faux grass mat (that helps slow her down when she eats treats) all live neatly in the closet. It’s accessible, out of the way, and doesn’t clutter the living room.

The four lower cubbies are filled with baskets for organized, out-of-sight storage. One holds the larger bag of dry cat food and extra wet food. A second basket holds tennis balls and a drawstring bag for quick access when we decide to hit the court. A third is dedicated to random lunch boxes I don’t necessarily need in the kitchen. The fourth keeps miscellaneous hardware for a future project.

These cubby shelves transformed an awkward nook into smart, vertical under the stair storage. They allow everything to have its place while still feeling open and accessible.

Visually Appealing Closet and Pretty Shoe Storage

To freshen up the space without doing a full-blown makeover, I gave the closet walls a fresh coat of white paint to cover up scuffs and marks. I added an accent wall using leftover contact paper from past DIYs. You might recognize it from other projects on the blog (bathroom mirror cabinet and makeup drawer organization). It adds just the right amount of personality (and my favorite shade of blue!) without feeling overdone.

I also painted an old, small, skinny shoe cabinet in Midnight Blue, which beautifully pops against the white walls. It provides storage and a design element that makes the space feel intentional.

The shoe cabinet adds a cheerful touch while keeping shoes tucked neatly out of the way. On top of the cabinet, I added a small faux plant and an underused kitchen spices caddy to collect little odds and ends. I hung an inspirational quote I picked up last minute at Hobby Lobby on the wall!

And then there’s the runner! Moona, our cat, loves the runner (she might or might not use it to file her nails). I finally opened a kitchen runner I’d been saving for ages, with no idea what I was saving it for. It turned out to be perfect for this narrow closet. It instantly makes the entrance feel like a real room in the house rather than just a storage area.

To add more charm and function, I installed a new hook rack for my purse, hats, and the occasional sweatshirt. These finishing touches brought beauty and life to the closet! It now feels less like a utility space and more like a mini extension of our home.

Awkward Under Stair Slope: Clever Storage

Tucked under the sloped ceiling, I placed the 4-cubby shelving that stores our cat’s automatic feeder, a spare Keurig coffee maker, a picnic basket, a cat’s carrier, and beach towels. I even had room to tuck a couple of ready-to-go pool bags.

Our coolers and picnic basket used to be spread out in random places throughout the house—wherever they’d fit. I finally gathered them all together and gave them a permanent spot in the under stairs storage closet. Now, they’re easy to find and grab whenever we’re heading out to the pool, beach or a party. Just one more way this project has made our home feel more functional.

Whether you’re looking for under stairs ideas or trying to maximize every inch of your home, don’t underestimate the potential of a small space. With some thoughtful edits, light decor, and practical storage, our under stairs storage closet went from cluttered to organized and surprisingly charming. And best of all, it’s a space I now love using every single day.

happy organizing, Flavia

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