Homeschool Tools, Storage, & Accessories

Improvising and finding inspiration when setting up a learning area in cramped quarters doesn’t mean you have to give up style too.

I have not always had such large homeschool spaces to have my boys learn in, but I’m always up for new and creative ideas to expand on what I have already used. Does that resonate with you too?

Look at these top 10 tips for maximizing space in really tiny homeschool spaces.

ONE// When space is at a premium, use one side of a door for a chalkboard area.

(Credit: The Domestic Diva)

TWO// Laundry mesh bags aren’t just for laundry.

Store puzzle pieces, school supplies and even books in them.

(Credit: Two Twenty One)

Use a S hook and hang the bags on the wall. Looking at a row of clear mesh bags, it’s easy for you to take down what you need. Your children can bring one or two bags down and put them away when not in use.

THREE// Use a versatile table for learning.

Have you seen dining room tables, which lowers and raises? When it’s lowered, it can be used for younger children or do double duty as a coffee table.

If you have older kids, raise it to use as a school table.

For younger kids, use storage folding lap desks, which can be folded and tucked away behind a sofa or in the closet.

When my boys were younger and we were limited on homeschool space, they sat on the floor and set up lap desks on the floor for our science activities.

Homeschool Learning Spaces Without Limits

FOUR// An over the door organizer equals versatile flexible storage.

An over-the-door organizer is one of the most versatile and inexpensive ways to add instant storage. Sure, it can be a shoe organizer, but an over the door organizer can come with different size pockets.

Not only do they come in pretty colors, (you know a little aqua luv doesn’t hurt) but you want to be sure they have clear pockets so that you can easily identify what’s in them.

Just be sure to label each pocket so that your children know what belongs in each one.

FIVE//  Keep your books underfoot.

Books are always challenging to store in small spaces. Don’t forget floor spaces under furniture.If you have the room to create a drawer, that is best.

(Credit: Lushome)

However if you don’t have the space, you can glue a set of small wheels that you can buy inexpensively at any hardware store. Glue them on a slim rectangle clear plastic storage case or slim wooden crate, fill it with books and roll it under your sofa. Roll out the container and let your children choose their favorite books to read.

Also, grab some more super helpful ideas from my article, 17 Creative Book Storage Ideas When You Homeschool.

SIX// Use every nook and cranny.

The small wall area between the bottom of a widow and the floor may seem like wasted space. Create DIY shelves to fit the exact niche by using inexpensive repurposed wood or sturdier industrial looking pipes.

And I love how the space is used here at Hip Homeschool Moms.

(Credit: Hip Homeschool Moms)

SEVEN//  Curtain rods are not just for curtains.

Use magnetic curtain rods. And though you can put them on your walls, hang them on your refrigerator for extra storage.

In addition, you can add two or three stylish curtain rods at eye level on a wall. Add and use drapery clips to hold clear storage bags.

Tiny Spaces Homeschool Hacks

The storage uses for a humble curtain rod are endless. It can corral paper clutter, school supplies and even a book. The best thing is that when you hang clear bags, you can see what is inside.

EIGHT// Baby gate alphabet walls.

Many years, I used several baby gates in my home. That too is valuable ‘wall space’ that is just waiting to be used.

I love this idea from Lalymom. Create an activity center for your preschooler by creating the wall with soft fabric.

Adding pockets for a preschooler to sort letters or numbers in makes this a great learning area.

(Credit: Lalymom)

Not only does it make for a pretty cover for your gate, it doubles as an activity center. When the baby is up, put away the small pieces, like letters or numbers that fit in the pockets.

NINE// DIY Sofa Shelf.

Then I just couldn’t pass up sharing this next genius spacing saving hack.

Can you say, oh let me add some more books there? And the best part is that not only can you do this skinny minny table yourself, but it’s inexpensive.

I would, however, measure my books and use the one that has the largest depth to use as the width of the table.

Look at the tutorial over at Always Never Done.

(Credit: Always Never Done)

TEN// Free up precious wall space. Use the middle of the floor.

When the boys were preteens, I bought a large oversized craft table and put it in the middle of the floor to free up valuable wall space.

Our wall space was also limited because one wall had all windows.

The added bookshelves under the table was a welcomed storage space.
Also, grab some more ideas from my article, How to Turn a House Into a Homeschool Space Part 1 and How to Turn a House Into a Homeschool Space Part 2.

Taking a homeschool space from drab to fab is worth it especially when you’re homeschooling because of how much time we spend in an area.

What tiny space hacks are you going to try or have used?

Hugs and love ya,

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