Creating storage in a mobile home is tough sometimes. With only 696 square feet of living space for 3 people, 2 dogs, and a cats storage has been a challenge to say the least. We found one solution to put an unused area in our dining room to work with a window seat bench. It may work well in your mobile home, too.
1978 Homette Single Wide Layout
Thankfully, our home has a great layout. It even has a walk-in pantry and a separate coat closet at the front door. It can easily become a modern, contemporary home with some time and money invested and we definitely plan to do just that. Here’s the basic layout of our 1978 Homette single wide:
Our kitchen and dining room are on the right end of the home. Open floor plans were popular in the 1970′s, too!
We have moved the fish tank that was separating the dining room from the living room after I killed all the fish on accident. Also, there is a step up from the living room to the dining/kitchen that’s about 4 inches high. I love the platform kitchen but I can see that it will likely become an issue for us as we age. I guess we’ll worry about that when the time comes.
A more detailed graphic of our kitchen/dining room area is below. You can see there are two small walls that stand out about 2 feet on both sides of the dining room window. They kind of act as a separator for the dining area from the kitchen and living room. The purple blocks represent those walls and that’s where we built the storage bench.
Related: 31 Amazing Kitchen Makeover Ideas and Storage Solutions
Creating Storage in a Mobile Home with a Window Seat: Building the Bench
Building a storage bench, or window seat, in a mobile home isn’t difficult. If you can frame out a box you can build a storage bench.
First, you need to determine the size you want your window seat storage bench and frame it out. We decided on 14” off-center, which means the framing, or the studs, set 14” apart from center line. We installed a ledger board to the mobile home’s exterior wall studs.
We had this lumber left over from a previous project. It’s not grade A material but it will be painted and sealed so it should do fine.
Once the frame is built, you will need to figure out the hinged doors that open from the top. We made the top frame a little higher so the top would set evenly.
Additional Storage Ideas for a Mobile Home
Creating storage in a mobile home can be challenging but a little creativity can help. Look for areas in your home that aren’t being utilized. Installing shelves above doors is a good example.
This photo shows a great use of space and is perfect for creating additional storage in mobile homes. Drawer tracks are not very expensive and you can build the drawers easily with a Kreig Jig, one of the most useful tools ever made. The jig allows you to create the right angle connections and joints for furniture, or any type of building. It’s a great tool for anyone that does do-it-yourself projects at home.
The cabinet and drawer concept below is a great idea that maximizes storage space in a mobile home. Turning the shelves like that really increases the storage.
Related: Awesome, but Affordable, Mobile Home Kitchen Remodeling Ideas 
Use your Kitchen Cabinet Space Efficiently
One way to maximize space in the kitchen is to be sure you have the right size dishwasher for your needs. A dishwasher that is too large can be replaced with a smaller one and storage space can be added in the unused space. Contractor Culture has put together a great guide to help you decide what size dishwasher may meet your needs.
The storage bench below is a great addition to any home and would certainly increase storage in a mobile home, especially by the front or back door, or in a bedroom.
Storage for mobile homes can make your home work better for you and your family. A place for everything and everything in its place!
Walk around the house and look at the areas you don’t use often. Think about what could be done to improve the space, and you’re bound to come up with some great ideas! Shelving, baskets, boxes, adding wheels or modifying an existing piece of furniture just a bit can make a big difference. Bedrooms are a great place to look for extra space. Contractor Culture has a great article about the cost of remodeling your bedroom which could add more storage space.
A smart tip from the professionals is to always by furniture that is multi-functional or can be used in different ways. An ottoman that doubles as storage, for instance, is one of the best furniture purchases I’ve ever made. We use it for everything. They even make sofas with storage bins under them!
Great ideas Sandra! Thanks so much for sharing!
I hung “Command” hooks on the back of the medicine cabinet doors for all the keys we were forever misplacing. Works great!
An upcoming projects building a n elevated base for the washer and dryer so we can store shoes and boots on trays that slide underneath quite easily.
We added hooks in the bathroom for additional cost storage. My favorite hook is an antique reproduction hook with five movable arms.
I have several antique crocks that we use for storing potatoes, onions, bird seed, and pet food.
We have a broom closet in the kitchen. I installed an LED light on the underside of the shelf to make it easier to find what we need.
Awesome. The inspiration pictures especially spark some ideas for my limited space storage. Great info. Thanks.
Hi Chelle!
That is a great way to add storage to your dining area! I wish we would’ve seen it before we built ours. I searched around a bit and found these plans. They may help you a bit. I would think a basic bench would be built and then you would just add drawer hardware on the interior so you could slide the drawer out and then use a piano hinge for the door. Check these out and they may help you visualize your own plan:
http://designsbystudioc.com/diy-plans-build-storage-settee/
http://www.plansnow.com/cabinets.html
http://www.finewoodworking.com/woodworking-plans/article/weekend-project-build-an-arts-and-crafts-storage-bench.aspx
Good luck! When you get it finished please share it with us please!
Where can I find plans to make the table and bench seating with the drawers? This is perfect for what I am looking for!
Thank you!
I really like your ideas.
Hi Renee! Thank you!
We’ve all dealt with the walls!! They aren’t as bad these days, especially with new products available. I’ve got an entire article all about those walls that should answer your questions and point you in the right direction. Just click the link —-> https://mobilehomeliving.org/how-to-update-vinyl-coated-drywall-in-mobile-homes/
If you have any other questions just let me know – always happy to help! Oh, and congratulations on your new home!
Love the site! We just bought a home and it has the vinyl looking wallpaper and the strips between seams in other rooms. Have you painted over this and if so how?
When you remove the strips I am thinking of using a patch and than painting top and cottage strips below but wider. Any suggestions would be helpful!!!!