As a young adult living in a tiny apartment, the idea of organizing your space is daunting. But if you’ve got limited square footage to work with, it can be done!
In this article, I’ll share some of my favorite ways to organize small spaces so that they’re more functional and beautiful than ever before.
| Takeaway |
|---|
| – Vertical shelving is a great way to help maximize storage space in your small apartment. |
| – Furniture with hidden storage, such as storage beds or tables, can help you save space and keep your apartment organized. |
| – Decluttering and purging unnecessary items is key to keeping a small apartment organized. |
| – To add additional storage, consider using multifunctional furniture such as bed risers or hanging organizers. |
| – Small containers and baskets can do wonders in helping you organize your apartment and keep things tidy. |
Use Space Efficiently
In order to make the most of your small apartment, you’ll want to optimize your space. This means not wasting any area and using everything.
Don’t be afraid to use vertical space: Pushable bookcases and shelving units are great for storing items that would otherwise take up valuable floor space. You can also try hanging things on the wall with wire baskets or hooks.
Don’t be afraid to use the surface of your furniture: If you have a bed frame or chest of drawers that has storage space underneath, it’s worth considering what you might store there instead of in an overhead cabinet!
In addition, think about ways that you could make use of empty surfaces like shelves or tabletops as extra storage options—just remember not to overload them so they don’t collapse under their own weight!
Don’t be afraid to use the surface of walls: One easy solution is simply hanging up some floating shelves with brackets from Ikea; however if those aren’t quite tall enough then another option would be using command strips which come off easily when needed but stick firmly enough during everyday use without damaging walls over time (and come at less than $10 per pack).
Just remember not do this until AFTER painting since paint may damage adhesive tapes when Applied Directly Afterward.
Maximizing storage in a small apartment is challenging, but it’s not impossible. With a little creativity, you can find additional space in your apartment that you never knew existed. From using stackable crates to vertical shelving, our detailed guide on maximizing storage in small spaces provides you with several ideas to effectively utilize limited space in your apartment.
Utilize Wall Space
One of the first things to consider when you’re looking at how to organize your apartment is how you’re going to use available wall space.
While it may be tempting to assume that every inch of your tiny apartment needs a purpose, there are actually some pretty great ways that you can utilize walls in unexpected ways.
One solution involves using your walls not just for storage but also as a backdrop for displaying items like photographs or art pieces. The key with this approach is getting creative!
Another way to utilize wall space is by hanging items from the ceiling—this technique works especially well if you have a large mirror on one end of the room and want it reflected across multiple surfaces so that no matter where someone stands, they can see themselves from multiple angles without having move around too much (after all, nobody likes moving furniture!).
Another option is using pegboard: pegboards allow for easy organization and display without taking up any floor space whatsoever!
Lastly, consider using hooks instead of nails when hanging up pictures or other items; this allows you better flexibility in terms of changing things up later down the line if necessary
Wall Storage Solutions
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| IKEA ALGOT Wall Upright/Shelf | A modular storage system that can be customized to fit your apartment’s storage needs. It can be used to store anything from clothes to books. |
| Elfa Customizable Wall-Mounted Shelving System | A versatile shelving system that includes brackets, shelves, and a variety of accessories to create a customized storage solution for your apartment. |
| Wayfair Woven Wall Organizer | A decorative, space-saving wall organizer that can be used to store small items such as mail, keys, or jewelry. |
| The Container Store Wall Control Galvanized Steel Pegboard | A pegboard system that can be used with different accessories to create a custom storage solution for your apartment. Perfect for garages, kitchens, and home offices. |
| Pottery Barn Mercer Magazine Rack | A stylish and functional wall-mounted magazine rack that features storage pockets for magazines and newspapers. Perfect for small apartments where floor space is at a premium. |
These wall storage solutions can help you maximize your apartment’s storage space while adding a decorative touch to your walls.
The IKEA ALGOT Wall Upright/Shelf system allows you to create customized storage solutions for any room in your apartment, while the Elfa Customizable Wall-Mounted Shelving System provides a versatile storage option with several accessories to choose from.
The Wayfair Woven Wall Organizer adds a space-saving solution that can hold small items such as mail, keys, and jewelry. The Container Store Wall Control Galvanized Steel Pegboard is a durable and versatile storage solution that can be used in garages, kitchens, and home offices.
Finally, Pottery Barn’s Mercer Magazine Rack adds a stylish and functional touch to living rooms or home offices where floor space is at a premium.
Save Vertical Space
One of the best ways to save vertical space is by building in shelves and hooks. The best thing about this is that you can hang anything from shoes to cooking utensils! You can also use a hanging shoe organizer to maximize your wall space.
This will help keep shoes organized and make it easy to find what you need without taking up much room on the floor or in your closet. Another great option is a wall mounted jewelry organizer, which allows you to store necklaces, bracelets, earrings and more with ease!
If you’re looking for an easy way to keep things neat and tidy in your tiny apartment this list of tips will help make organization easier than ever before!
Living in a small space does not have to feel cramped and uncomfortable. With just a few adjustments, you can turn your small apartment into a functional and comfortable living space. Our comprehensive guide on small space living is packed with practical tips and ideas to help you maximize every inch of your apartment. From multi-purpose furniture to clever storage solutions, we’ve got you covered.
Use The Surface Of Your Furniture
Do you have a table that is just sitting there, empty, waiting for you to find something to put on it? How about a shelf that is just begging for more than one book?
Think outside the box—literally. If it’s possible to use the surface of your furniture to store items, display items or create a functional workspace then do so!
- Use the surface of your furniture to create a decorative workspace.
Think about how many surfaces in your tiny apartment could be dressed up with some flair: shelves, tables and even windowsills are opportunities waiting for their moment in the spotlight!
You don’t have to get crazy a few plants here and there will add life where there was none before but stepping out of your comfort zone can be beneficial when thinking about different ways to utilize every available inch in an efficient manner.
Maximize Closets And Cabinets
Closets and cabinets are the most common storage areas in a home. Rather than trying to cram everything into these spaces, use shelves and drawers to maximize storage space. Look for stackable shelves that can be added easily to existing closets or cabinets.
If your closet has no shelf space, consider installing a section of wall-to-wall shelving above your hanging clothes to store items like books, boxes of files and even shoes.
Use baskets to store smaller items like scarves, gloves or scissors; they’ll be easier to reach this way than they would if they were stacked on top of each other in a drawer.
Clear containers will allow you see what’s inside at a glance so you won’t have dig through piles of clutter looking for something specific when it comes time to grab it out of the closet (eBay link).
Limited space in a small bathroom can make it difficult to keep things organized and tidy. However, there are several clever solutions that you can use to maximize space and create a clutter-free bathroom. Our guide on small bathroom organization ideas provides you with easy-to-implement tips and advice on how to keep your bathroom organized and functional. From over-the-toilet storage to wall-mounted shelves, we’ve got plenty of ideas to inspire you.
Hide Some Things In Plain Sight, While Decorating With Others
Use the surface of your furniture. One of the best ways to do this is by using a tray or basket that can be used as a catch-all for things like remotes and pens.
If you have more than one piece of furniture in your living space, consider adding two or three trays so that you don’t have to worry about stepping on something while walking around your home.
Store small items in larger ones. It’s often easier to hide small objects within another object instead of storing them out in the open—for example, you could keep batteries inside an old pill bottle instead of keeping them where everyone can see them sitting on your dresser top.
Another easy way is placing all of your extra batteries into an old candy tin (or other container) and putting it behind an inconspicuous bookshelf or hanging picture frame; no one will know they’re there!
This trick works well with anything from small toys to cables, too—you’ll be surprised at how much stuff fits into tiny places once you start looking around!
Store items off the floor and bedding surfaces whenever possible so they don’t get damaged by pets or children running around crazy destroying everything under their feet (not that I would know anything about this).
You might even consider getting some large baskets for storing blankets/pillows/etc., since these tend not fit well under most beds anyway–and who wants those falling off every time someone sits down? Not me!
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Umbra Cubist Wall Shelf | A floating wall shelf with a wooden box that can be used to store and display small items such as plants, books, and decorative objects. |
| West Elm Marble-Topped Pedestal Coffee Table | A coffee table with a pedestal base and marble top that can be used to store small items inside the table. Perfect for living rooms that also serve as home offices. |
| Pottery Barn Tava Round Rattan Tray | A decorative tray made from handwoven natural fibers that can be used to corral small items such as remotes, magazines, or candles. |
| Crate & Barrel Baxter Magazine Rack | A sleek and modern magazine rack made from stainless steel that can be used to store and organize magazines and newspapers. |
| Target Room Essentials Decorative Woven Basket | A multi-purpose woven basket that can be used as both storage and décor. Available in different sizes, it’s perfect for storing throw blankets or pillows in plain sight. |
These decorative storage ideas help to combine function and style in a small apartment. The Umbra Cubist Wall Shelf is a beautiful way to create additional storage and display space in any room, while the West Elm Marble-Topped Pedestal Coffee Table adds a modern and elegant touch to living rooms that are also home offices.
Pottery Barn’s Tava Round Rattan Tray adds a natural and organic feel to a space, while Crate & Barrel’s Baxter Magazine Rack keeps your magazines organized and within reach.
Lastly, Target’s Room Essentials Decorative Woven Basket is a versatile and chic way to store items such as throw blankets and pillows, while adding some charm to your space.
Store Small Things In Larger Items
One of the best ways to maximize your space is to store small items in larger ones. For example, if you have a lot of small storage boxes but not much space for them, try storing them inside larger storage containers or baskets.
This is an efficient way to keep things organized while still making sure they’re easy to access when needed.
Another option is to use a basket or bin with handles that can be hung on a wall hook or towel rack near where you need it most often (i.e., right next to your kitchen area).
Garages are notorious for becoming the dumping ground of extra items and clutter. Fortunately, you can use several hacks and tips to maximize your storage space and keep your garage organized and functional. Our guide on maximizing storage in your garage provides you with valuable information on how to utilize wall space, add shelving, and create zones to keep your garage tidy and clutter-free.
Store Items Off The Floor And Bed
If you don’t have enough space to store items on the floor, try using a storage ottoman or bench. Ottomans and benches can be used as extra seating when company comes over, but they also serve as excellent storage spaces that can help keep your small apartment organized.
They’re great for storing blankets and pillows off of your bed so they won’t take up any more precious space than they need to.
If you are anything like me, there are many things in your home that you don’t use often yet still want them accessible: recipes, books you haven’t read yet but would like to one day (we all have our guilty pleasures), or even old clothes that don’t fit anymore but can’t seem to let go of because “they might come back in style someday”.
These are just some examples of items I find myself holding onto despite not having a place for them where I could actually see them! Well now thanks to these cute little ottomans/benches we can all finally get organized while saving valuable room on our floors!”
Storage Solutions for Small Apartments
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| IKEA Kallax | A versatile storage unit that can be used as a room divider, bookshelf, or general storage unit. |
| Room & Board Eden Storage Bench | A stylish storage bench that can be used as both seating and storage. The bench features inner dividers to keep items organized and easily accessible. |
| Songmics Ulhs33X Faux Leather Folding Storage Ottoman | A collapsible storage ottoman that is easy to move and can be folded away when not in use. Available in different colors, the ottoman is perfect for storing blankets, shoes, and other small items. |
| AmazonBasics Closet Storage Organizer | A 3-tier shelf closet organizer that can be used to store items such as shoes, sweaters and purses. It can be used on its own or stacked with other organizers to maximize storage space. |
These storage options help you store items off the floor and can also be used as functional and stylish pieces of furniture. IKEA Kallax provides ample storage space in a compact format, which can keep your items organized.
Room & Board Eden Storage Bench is practical and visually appealing, and the dividers provide ease in organization. Songmics Ulhs33X Faux Leather Folding Storage Ottoman is perfect for small apartments with limited storage space.
It’s easy to fold, move around, and store. AmazonBasics Closet Storage Organizer can be used to store clothes and accessories off the floor, helping you keep your closet organized and clutter-free.
Use Window Sills As Storage Space
Use window sills as storage space. If you have a window, it’s likely that the sill is wide and flat. Use this space to store items by attaching hooks and hanging baskets or boxes from them. You can also use them for plants just be sure not to block light from getting into your apartment!
Use a storage ottoman or bench. If you don’t have any windows but still want extra storage space in your apartment, consider investing in a small upholstered bench or ottoman made specifically for storing things underneath it examples include these ones from Wayfair (about $40). This will keep clutter off the floor and out of sight while adding an extra bit of cozy seating when needed.
Maximize closets and cabinets with crates/boxes/bags/baskets…etc! Most closets are fairly narrow, so if yours doesn’t have enough room inside then hang a few things on hooks instead—it’ll make everything look neater without taking up too much space inside! Also try organizing by category: jeans go together; shirts go together; shoes go together…etc!.
Don’t forget about those drawers either because they’re great places for small items like socks & underwear (and sometimes even larger items like shirts).
Closets are one of the first areas of our homes that become disorganized, especially in small spaces. Fortunately, there are several tips and tricks that you can use to help maximize your closet space and keep things tidy. From using hanging organizers to adding shelving, our comprehensive guide on maximizing closet space is packed with practical advice and ideas to help you transform your closet into an organized and functional space.
Get A Storage Ottoman Or Storage Bench For Your Living Room
If your living room is also a place where everyone congregates, consider getting a storage ottoman or storage bench.
These can be used to store extra blankets, pillows and other items that are in the way of living room functionality. They can also be used as a coffee table, footrest or extra seat. If you have a bedroom that needs some more storage space for clothes or bedding, consider using one as well.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Storage Ottoman | An ottoman with a hollow center for storing items such as blankets, books, or toys. |
| Storage Bench | A bench with a hinged lid that can be used to store items such as shoes, pillows, or blankets. |
| IKEA BESTÅ Storage combination with doors and drawers | A storage unit with a combination of drawers and cabinets with doors that can be used for living room storage. |
| Sauder Edge Water Lift Top Coffee Table | A coffee table with a lift top that reveals a hidden storage compartment for magazines, remotes, and other living room essentials. |
| ClosetMaid Cube Storage Organizer | A modular cube storage system that can be customized to fit any living room space and used to store items such as books, toys, or games. |
These storage options provide an organizational solution for small living rooms and can be used to store different items, depending on your needs. While a storage ottoman or bench is perfect for storing blankets, pillows, and other small items, larger items such as books or games can be stored in the IKEA BESTÅ Storage combination with doors and drawers.
The Sauder Edge Water Lift Top Coffee Table is a great way to add both style and functionality, while the ClosetMaid Cube Storage Organizer can be used to store a variety of items and can be customized to fit your living room’s layout.
Conclusion
Efficiently Organizing Your Tiny Apartment: Solutions For Limited Space
When you think of organizing your apartment, do you get overwhelmed? Do you look at all the things that you have and wonder how it’s ever going to work?
Don’t worry! It’s possible to organize even the smallest spaces in your home with a little bit of planning and effort. Here are some tips for getting started on organizing your tiny apartment!
Further Reading
If you’re interested in learning more about organizing small spaces and maximizing storage, check out these helpful resources:
HGTV’s Tips for Organizing a Small Apartment: HGTV offers practical advice on how to make the most out of limited space in a small apartment. With suggestions on furniture placement and clever storage solutions, this resource is a great starting point for anyone new to small space living.
The Strategist’s Guide to Organizing a Tiny Apartment: The Strategist provides a comprehensive guide to decluttering, downsizing, and maximizing storage in small apartments. With detailed tips on everything from creating more storage space to arranging furniture, this resource is a must-read for anyone looking to transform a cramped apartment into a cozy, organized home.
7 Tips to Organizing a Small Apartment for Maximum Space: This resource from Wirtz Residential provides seven practical tips to help you organize and maximize space in your small apartment. From using storage bins to multi-purpose furniture, this guide is filled with actionable advice to help you optimize your living space.
FAQs
How do I make a small apartment look bigger?
There are several ways to make your small apartment look bigger, including using light colors on walls and ceilings, hanging curtains as close to the ceiling as possible, and using reflective surfaces to bounce light around the room.
How do I organize a small closet?
To organize a small closet, start by purging items you no longer wear or need. Next, maximize your closet space by using hanging organizers, installing shelving, and creating separate sections for specific items.
How do I create more storage in a small apartment?
To create more storage in a small apartment, you can use vertical space by installing shelves, hang organizers inside closets, and use multi-purpose furniture such as benches or ottomans with built-in storage.
How do I organize a small bathroom?
To organize a small bathroom, start by getting rid of any unnecessary items. Use over-the-toilet storage, wall-mounted baskets and hooks to make use of vertical space. Also, consider storing items in clear containers to make it easy to see what you have.
How do I declutter a small apartment?
To declutter a small apartment, start by taking a systematic approach. Start with one area and go through each item, deciding whether to keep, sell, donate, or discard. Make sure everything has its place, and avoid buying anything you won’t need or use.
Hi there! My name is Hellen James. I’m a professional decluttering expert who loves to help people get their homes in order. I’ve worked with people from all walks of life—from high school students to retirees and everything in between—to help them clear out clutter and make the most of their space so they can focus on what matters most to them.