Hidden Gems: Making the Most of the “Non-Prime Real Estate” in Your Home

Xtreme Audacity
May 12
5 min read

When most people think about home organization, they focus on the obvious: closets, cabinets, pantries, and garages. But what if I told you the secret to living an organized life isn’t just about making better use of prime spaces—it’s about discovering the potential in what I call “non-prime real estate” in your home?

As a professional organizer based in Charlotte, I work with clients every day who are bursting at the seams, thinking they’ve run out of room. But in truth, they’re often surrounded by opportunities to reclaim control of their space without any major renovations, just a shift in perspective.

Let’s talk about the hidden spots in your home and how you can turn them into functional, clutter-free zones that support your lifestyle.

When I work with clients, I almost always begin by tapping into the “non-prime real estate” areas of their home. These often-overlooked spaces hold the secret to creating functional, organized environments. In fact, they’re the foundation for building S.Y.S.T.E.M.s that Save You Space, Time, Energy, and Money!

What Is Non-Prime Real Estate in the Home?

“Non-prime real estate” areas refer to those overlooked, awkward, or underutilized spaces in your home. The places that don’t typically come to mind when you think “storage.” These include but are not limited to areas like:

Under the stairs
Behind doors
Above cabinets
Corner cabinets
The space between appliances
The sides of furniture
High vertical wall space
Corners and nooks
The tops of closets
Under beds and sofas
Entryway walls or narrow hallways
Storage room

These spots may seem insignificant, but with the right tools and mindset, they can be transformed into the foundation and key elements of a calm and organized lifestyle.

1. Under the Stairs: A Hidden Opportunity

Whether you live in a traditional two-story home or a compact townhouse, the space under your stairs is often underutilized. This triangular zone can be turned into:

A built-in bookshelf
A shoe and coat drop zone
A pull-out drawer system for seasonal items

2. Over the Door: From Wasted Space to Organizational Heaven

Behind almost every door in your home lies a golden opportunity. The back of a bathroom, bedroom, or closet door can hold a wide range of storage solutions:

Over-the-door shoe organizers (great for kids’ rooms or craft supplies)
Towel bars or hooks for robes, bags, or hats
Slim shelving for cleaning supplies or toiletries

For clients with smaller homes or limited closet space, I always suggest these zones. It’s all about vertical thinking.

3. Above Kitchen Cabinets: Not Just for Dust

That awkward gap between your kitchen cabinets and ceiling? It's not just for collecting dust—it’s a great place to store or display:

Baskets of rarely-used kitchen tools
Pantry overflow (just make sure it's sealed tightly)
Decorative storage boxes labeled for easy access

This space can often be dusty so be sure to clean it before you begin to use it. Incorporate some visual style here while making it functional. Clear, matching containers or decorative bins keep the space from feeling cluttered.

4. Between and Beside Appliances

The slim sliver between your washer and dryer or fridge and wall is valuable real estate. A slide-out shelving unit can house:

Laundry detergent and dryer sheets
SpaceKeeper Slim Rolling Cart for Cleaning supplies
Step ladder

5. Vertical Wall Space: Go High

One of the most underused areas in any home is vertical wall space. Many people decorate the mid-zone of a wall and leave the upper areas blank. But if you’re craving organization, consider:

High-mounted floating shelves for books, decor and underutilized items
Wall-hung baskets in the kitchen or bathroom
Pegboards in a home office or garage

In smaller homes where square footage is limited, maximizing vertical space is a lifesaver. It keeps things off counters and floors while creating visual interest.

6. The Forgotten Corners

That quiet little nook in your hallway or the corner in your guest bedroom can become:

A mini command center with a mail sorter and charging station
A meditation or reading nook with floating shelves and lighting
A small vanity or work-from-home station

Just because it’s tucked away doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful and functional.

7. Under Beds and Sofas: Storage Gold

We often think of these areas as graveyards for lost socks or forgotten toys. But with intentionality, they become powerful storage solutions.

Use long, shallow storage containers to store off-season clothing or extra linens
Opt for furniture with built-in drawers when possible
Invest in vacuum-sealed bags for bulkier items

These items are great for compressing clothes, blankets, or kids’ clothing you want to rotate throughout the year.

8. Behind Cabinet Doors

Even inside your cabinets, there’s often unused space—especially on the back of the door. Install:

Small baskets for foil, zip-top bags, or wraps
Hooks for measuring cups or utensils
Chalkboard decals for lists or meal planning

These small touches help reduce visual clutter in your main kitchen or bathroom drawers and keep everything within arms reach.

Creating an Organized Life—One Spot at a Time

Living an organized life isn’t just about having more space—it’s about using what you already have in smarter, more intentional ways. Whether you’re working with a 3,000-square-foot home in a suburb or a cozy apartment, the goal is the same: peace and productivity.

As a professional organizer, I believe in helping clients design a lifestyle where organization isn’t a one-time project—it’s a way of living. That’s why I always encourage my clients to view their homes with fresh eyes. Ask yourself:

What areas am I ignoring?
What space could be multi-functional?
Where am I wasting vertical space or corners?

Tips for Getting Started

Ready to dive into your own non-prime real estate makeover? Here are a few tips to get started:

Start with one space. Choose one small area like the back of a door or a corner. Don’t overwhelm yourself.
Measure before buying. Products like rolling carts or shelf risers only work if they fit properly.
Label everything. Labeling is your secret weapon for maintenance and peace of mind.
Keep aesthetics in mind. Beautiful systems are sustainable systems—when your space looks good, you’ll want to keep it that way.

Final Thoughts

Every square inch of your home holds potential. Even those “non-prime real estate” spaces you’ve overlooked! They’re waiting to be transformed and utilized. You don’t need a huge renovation budget or a bigger house—you just need strategy, vision, and a little help from the right tools to utilize your space in a more functional way.

Attempting to get a handle on clutter and living an organized life starts with honoring your space and making it work for you. And if you need guidance? That’s what I’m here for. I offer in-person and virtual sessions. In 2025 my virtual sessions and workshops have taken off.

People are not just waiting on someone to come rescue them. They are learning the tools needed to create The Organized Life!

Ready to reclaim the forgotten corners of your home? Let’s make it happen—one hidden gem at a time.