I stayed in a tiny cabin full of space-saving hacks. I'm so impressed, I'll use them in my new apartment.

Maria NoyenJan 13, 2024, 04:45 IST

Insider's reporter picked up a few storage hacks from her two-night stay in a tiny cabin in the woods.Maria Noyen/Insider

I recently spent two nights in a tiny, 161-square-feet cabin in the woods.
I noticed several space-saving storage hacks in the cabin and plan to replicate some in my new home.

In a few weeks, I'm moving out from my family's home in London, and into an 867-square-foot apartment in New York City.

As excited as I am about my new place, I'm also aware that it's a significant downsize; the house I currently live in is multi-storied, has three bedrooms, and a basement.

But a recent stay in a cabin in the British countryside showed me that you don't need a ton of space to live comfortably — you just need really smart storage solutions.

The cabin was one of nearly 100 off-grid, tiny cabins run by the company Unyoked throughout Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. It was tiny — 161-square-feet in total — which is a fraction of the size of my new apartment. That said, I never felt cramped or suffocated during the stay thanks to the cabin's many clever storage hacks.

Although some of these space-saving techniques would be a little tricky to replicate in a rented apartment, I'm keeping a few in mind ahead of my move.

Earlier this year, I paid $398 to spend two nights in a tiny cabin in the British countryside.

After two nights in the woods, the author was ready to return to the city.Maria Noyen/Insider

The cabin wasn't luxe but, surprisingly, it felt spacious.

The Unyoked cabin interior.Maria Noyen/Insider

I'm about to move into an 867-square-foot apartment in New York City. Before I do, I'm going to keep in mind a few storage hacks I picked up while staying in the tiny home.

The author is moving into a shared apartment in New York City.Alexander Spatari/Getty Images, Maria Noyen/Insider

I'm about to move into an 867-square-foot apartment in New York City. Before I do, I'm going to keep in mind a few storage hacks I picked up while staying in the tiny home.

It wouldn't be the easiest aspect to re-create in my new apartment but I was impressed by how elements of the cabin's furniture — like the dining chairs, table, and bed — were built into to the walls, saving tons of floor space.

The dining table and bed were built into the walls.Maria Noyen/Insider

It wouldn't be the easiest aspect to re-create in my new apartment but I was impressed by how elements of the cabin's furniture — like the dining chairs, table, and bed — were built into to the walls, saving tons of floor space.

I also loved how some of the furniture in the cabin featured hidden storage spaces. One of the dining chairs, for example, contained a large storage bin.

There was more storage space hidden beneath a dining chair.Maria Noyen/Insider

There was also plenty of storage space beneath the bed for several bags, a humidifier, and two yoga mats, which minimized unnecessary clutter in the rest of the room.

There was storage space beneath the bed.Maria Noyen/Insider

This isn't a space-saving technique per se, but the huge windows next to the bed — where I spent a lot of time reading, working, and writing — made the area feel more spacious.

The windows created a sense of airiness and space.Maria Noyen/Insider

This isn't a space-saving technique per se, but the huge windows next to the bed — where I spent a lot of time reading, working, and writing — made the area feel more spacious.

Over in the kitchen, cooking essentials were accessibly stored beneath the counter and on a small ledge above it. Both helped keep the cooking space from becoming overcrowded with miscellaneous items whenever I made a meal.

Tiny shelves in the kitchen made cooking easier.Maria Noyen/Insider

Over in the kitchen, cooking essentials were accessibly stored beneath the counter and on a small ledge above it. Both helped keep the cooking space from becoming overcrowded with miscellaneous items whenever I made a meal.

I was most impressed by the pocket door connecting the main living space to the bathroom, which efficiently retracted back into the wall instead of swinging out and restricting walking space.

The pocket door.Maria Noyen/Insider

I was most impressed by the pocket door connecting the main living space to the bathroom, which efficiently retracted back into the wall instead of swinging out and restricting walking space.

I still have a lot to consider for the interior design of my new place, but after staying in a much smaller place with smart storage solutions, I'm less apprehensive about downsizing.

The author is still on the lookout for ways she can save space in her new apartment.Maria Noyen/Insider

I still have a lot to consider for the interior design of my new place, but after staying in a much smaller place with smart storage solutions, I'm less apprehensive about downsizing.

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I stayed in a tiny cabin full of space-saving hacks. I'm so impressed, I'll use them in my new apartment.

Earlier this year, I paid $398 to spend two nights in a tiny cabin in the British countryside.

The cabin wasn't luxe but, surprisingly, it felt spacious.

I'm about to move into an 867-square-foot apartment in New York City. Before I do, I'm going to keep in mind a few storage hacks I picked up while staying in the tiny home.

It wouldn't be the easiest aspect to re-create in my new apartment but I was impressed by how elements of the cabin's furniture — like the dining chairs, table, and bed — were built into to the walls, saving tons of floor space.

I also loved how some of the furniture in the cabin featured hidden storage spaces. One of the dining chairs, for example, contained a large storage bin.

There was also plenty of storage space beneath the bed for several bags, a humidifier, and two yoga mats, which minimized unnecessary clutter in the rest of the room.

This isn't a space-saving technique per se, but the huge windows next to the bed — where I spent a lot of time reading, working, and writing — made the area feel more spacious.

Over in the kitchen, cooking essentials were accessibly stored beneath the counter and on a small ledge above it. Both helped keep the cooking space from becoming overcrowded with miscellaneous items whenever I made a meal.

I was most impressed by the pocket door connecting the main living space to the bathroom, which efficiently retracted back into the wall instead of swinging out and restricting walking space.

I still have a lot to consider for the interior design of my new place, but after staying in a much smaller place with smart storage solutions, I'm less apprehensive about downsizing.