Different people have different perceptions of living in a box. Hobos in the United States really live under boxes in a dark alley; with a folded box as a bed and another, stronger box that serves as a table for the rare occasion that they have meals. The Philippines have their own version called the “kariton”. Basically, it is a three-wheeled box used to transport scraps to sell. And when the day is over, it serves as both bedroom, dining room, and living room. But here in New Zealand, living in a box can mean that as urban dwellers, we are limited to a little space to call home and we have to make it work. And we can’t say that we always have. Which is why we present you with an idea of how to organize and have storage in a figurative shoebox of a home.

But sometimes the challenge lies within the home itself. There are some places that you cannot paint (why?), or cannot drill because it causes some neighbors to gnash their teeth in fear. Or they just find it annoying and noisy. Do not let these rules and a limited space, erm, limit you from having a smartly stored room. Start with the most important component of every comfortable home, the bed. With a space this small we can use the UTAKER stackable bed. It can be both a sofa and a bed at the same time. It saves you space and it is a neat trick for when you want to host sleepovers. Then organize your wardrobe with the minimalist MULIG clothes bar and clothes rack.

We now realize that the space will be too small for a normal bookcase or shelving unit. But the designer, Mia Gustaffson, figured that stacking KNAGGLIG boxes will make up for the shelving. And it also comes with a unique styling. Now that custom storage shelf can act as a divider to your tiny dining table. Employ the use of TERJE folding chairs because folding chairs are really good at freeing up space when not needed.

Kitchens are still essential in a home no matter how small. The SUNNERSTA trolley can be a vital part of a kitchen without a lot of space to spare. You can keep all your cooking essentials in it and it can also double as a work island when you have the stove working. You guessed it! Washing dishes is still very much a part of life so a tiny FINTORP dish drainer might come in handy - if not essential.