You’ve finally moved into your first apartment, but the space is smaller than you’d like. You don’t have much room to store your stuff, but there’s no way you’re giving up any of it! So how do you maximize your storage in a small apartment? We’ve got some ideas for you:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| – Maximizing storage in a small apartment can improve your quality of life. |
| – Strategies for maximizing space include using vertical storage options, incorporating multifunctional furniture, and decluttering regularly. |
| – Creative storage solutions for small apartments can include using hanging organizers, utilizing under-bed storage, and incorporating storage into furniture pieces. |
| – Maintaining organization in a small apartment requires regular decluttering and consistent use of storage solutions. |
| – Making a small apartment feel more spacious requires both maximizing storage space and implementing design strategies such as using light colors, incorporating mirrors, and strategically placing furniture. |
Open Shelving
Open shelving is the perfect way to maximize storage space in your apartment. It can be used in small spaces or large spaces, and it works well for storing everything from books and shoes to dishes, ornaments and much more.
Open shelving is also a great solution if you have limited wall space because it doesn’t require any brackets or installation tools like hanging cabinets might.
There are many different styles of open shelves available on the market today, but here are some basic steps on how to install them:
First measure the length of shelf you need using a tape measurer tool (you can find these at most home improvement stores).
Then add 4 inches onto this measurement so that there’s room for each end piece where it will connect with those on either side of it later.
Next purchase enough 1×2 boards (1-inch by 2-inch) wood planks for each section
Decluttering your small apartment can create more space and improve your quality of life. Our guide on decluttering your studio apartment provides tips and tricks to make your small apartment feel more spacious and organized.
Storage Furniture
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of finding storage solutions for your home, there are some furniture pieces that can help.
If you have a small space, it’s time to get creative. One great way to do this is with built-in storage furniture.
You can choose from any number of stylish pieces that will add style and function to your home and they’ll only make the room seem bigger! There are lots of options when it comes to built-in storage options including:
Built-ins that offer an attractive option for hiding your TV so that it doesn’t take up valuable floor space in your living room or bedroom (or both).
Bookcases that double as side tables or display cases for collectibles. If you don’t want something too bulky, try wall shelves instead!
These can be placed wherever they fit best without having any kind of permanent attachment which makes them easy enough even if they aren’t technically “built.”
| Furniture | Description |
|---|---|
| West Elm Storage Bed | This bed features built-in storage drawers underneath, making it a perfect solution for small bedrooms. |
| Pottery Barn Benchwright Coffee Table | This stylish coffee table comes with multiple drawers for extra storage and can be used in living rooms, family rooms, or anywhere else it’s needed. |
| Pier 1 Ashworth Storage Cabinet | This versatile storage cabinet features three shelves and two drawers, making it perfect for a variety of purposes such as storage in a living room or a hallway. |
| Structube SANTIAGO Storage Cabinet | With four adjustable shelves and sliding doors for a modern look, this storage cabinet can store books, dishes, or other items in any room in a small apartment. |
| IKEA BRIMNES Wardrobe with 3 Doors | This wardrobe features built-in drawers and shelves as well as a hanging rod, making it a great option for additional storage in smaller bedrooms or walk-in closets. |
Using furniture with built-in storage is a smart way to maximize space in a small apartment while also maintaining style and functionality.
Under The Bed
The space under your bed is a great place to store random miscellaneous items that are not all that important, but you still don’t want them cluttering up your living room.
You can use any type of box or bag, basket and shoe rack combination, but some products specifically designed for organizing under the bed work best.
Underbed bins are great because they come in different sizes so you can find one that fits perfectly and has plenty of storage space.
They are also made from solid materials like plastic or metal so there is no risk of them falling apart when you move things around in them. These bins will help keep everything organized while keeping it out of sight as well.
Use Your Closet
If you’re lucky enough to have a closet in your apartment, it’s the perfect place to store bulky items that don’t need daily access.
The back of the closet can be used for long-term storage of things like winter coats and boots. Use shelves and drawers to house items like extra bedding or seasonal clothing.
In addition to storing clothes, you can use some creative space saving methods for other items:
- Use hanging rods for scarves, belts and ties
- Use a hanging rod for purses
- Use a hanging rod for hats and gloves
Living in a small apartment can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can maximize your space and create a comfortable living area. Check out our article on small space living for tips on how to make the most of your apartment
Vertical Storage
Use vertical storage. Think about where you can store things vertically. One of the best ways to maximize space in your apartment is by storing items like books and magazines vertically.
You can also put towels and robes on a shelf, or even store shoes by hanging them from hooks on the wall!
Store small appliances on a kitchen countertop. If you have a lot of small appliances that need to be stored when not in use for example, blenders, blenders (we don’t know why we wrote “blenders” twice), or slow cookers but don’t have any cupboards for them, try putting them on display on your kitchen countertop instead.
Get A Move On With These Rolling Carts
A rolling cart is a great way to maximize your storage space in small spaces. The key is to choose one that’s the right size for your space, so it doesn’t take up too much room and can be easily moved when you need it.
You should also consider whether or not it rolls easily across different surfaces like hardwood floors and tile.
If you choose one with wheels, you won’t have to carry as much weight when moving it around – but remember that this option might require more of an effort on your part because the cart will likely have less weight capacity than other models designed for heavier items such as canned goods or pots and pans.
When choosing where to place this piece of furniture (and any other pieces), make sure they’re placed out of sight if possible so there’s no clutter around them!
| Cart | Description |
|---|---|
| IKEA Raskog Utility Cart | This versatile cart can be used in the kitchen, bathroom, or anywhere else you need extra storage. With three shelves and wheels for easy movement, it’s a great option for small spaces. |
| The Container Store 3-Tier Slim Rolling Cart | This slim cart is perfect for narrow spaces and can be used in the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room. It features three shelves and wheels for easy mobility. |
| Target Room Essentials Metal Utility Cart | This compact cart features two shelves and is perfect for small spaces. It can be used as an extra storage option in the kitchen, bathroom, or office. |
| AmazonBasics 3-Shelf Utility Cart | This durable cart is made of steel and features three shelves for extra storage space. With wheels for easy movement, it can be used in a variety of rooms within a small apartment. |
| Homz Plastic 4-Drawer Cart | This rolling cart features four clear plastic drawers for convenient storage. It’s perfect for organizing small items in a bedroom or craft room. |
Using a rolling cart can provide additional storage space in a small apartment and can be easily moved as needed.
Hang Things Up
Hanging racks, baskets and wall pockets are one of the easiest ways to maximize storage in small spaces.
If you have a large area that needs organizing, consider hanging rack systems like this one from IKEA. They’re customizable and sturdy enough for heavy objects like books or even shoes!
Another option for hanging storage is shoe organizers like these from Amazon. These let you get creative with how you store your shoes I particularly love this idea for guys who don’t want their shoes on the floor but still want them close at hand: hang them up on the wall facing outwards so they can be quickly grabbed when needed!
If you have jewelry that needs organizing (and who doesn’t?), then look into purchasing an organizer like this one from Amazon which has compartments large enough to hold everything from necklaces and bracelets all the way down to earrings and rings (if they fit).
If you’re struggling to find space for all of your clothes and accessories, our guide on maximizing closet space can help. We provide tips and tricks for organizing your closet and maximizing your storage space.
Decorative Baskets
Baskets are a great way to add style and function to your space. Baskets can be used for storage and organization, as well as hiding clutter in plain sight.
A basket on the floor is an easy way to hide items like shoes that you don’t want laying around your apartment.
You could also use them on a shelf or in the bathroom for towels and storage containers. Get creative with how you store things with baskets!
Multi-Purpose Furniture
If you have a small space, it’s likely that your furniture will be multi-purpose. For example, use a coffee table to serve as a desk.
Conserve space by using a chair as a nightstand and bench as footstool. If you have an ottoman, use it for storage instead of buying another piece of furniture. Dressers can also double as shelving if they’re free standing—just add shelves!
| Furniture | Description |
|---|---|
| IKEA KALLAX Shelf unit with desk | This shelf unit combines storage for books and other items with a built-in desk space, creating a functional and space-saving solution. |
| West Elm Mid-Century Mini Desk | This compact desk is perfect for small spaces and can also double as a side table next to a sofa or bed. |
| CB2 Smart Glass Top Side Table | This sleek side table has a built-in USB port and outlet, making it a convenient charging station for electronics in addition to functioning as a small table. |
| Resource Furniture Goliath Table | This space-saving table expands from a console table to a full-sized dining table, making it versatile and perfect for entertaining guests. |
| AllModern Cunniff Daybed with Trundle | This stylish daybed doubles as a guest bed with a trundle, making it perfect for smaller living spaces that may host visitors. |
Using multi-purpose furniture can maximize functionality and space in a small apartment without sacrificing style.
Sink Skirt
One of the most obvious places to save space is your sink area. While it’s great to have a beautiful new faucet, you might not be quite as enthusiastic about the pipes underneath, which are often bulky and unattractive.
A great way to hide those pipes is with a sink skirt—a small piece of metal or plastic that slides over the pipe, hiding it completely.
Sink skirts are easy to install: they just snap onto existing plumbing systems, so you don’t need any special tools or expertise!
They’re also easy to clean – just wipe them down every now and then with a damp cloth, and voilà! You’ll never have to worry about dirty pipes again! And if you want something that looks more like part of your decor (instead of an eye-sore), try matching up stainless steel finishes for maximum effect!
You can purchase kitchen accessories like these at hardware stores near you; they’re very affordable and will make sure you always have accessorizing options available in case guests come over unexpectedly!”
A small bathroom can feel cramped and cluttered if not organized properly. Check out our article on small bathroom organization ideas for tips and tricks on how to make the most of your space.
Purses, Hats And Scarves – Oh My!
Purses, hats, and scarves are the three most difficult items to store in your apartment. They’re bulky, awkwardly shaped and can get easily cluttered. Here are a few solutions to make these items easier to organize:
Purses: If you don’t have many purses (under 10), consider hanging them on hooks or on a dowel rod in your closet where they can be easily seen. To keep them organized when not in use hang like colors together or similar styles together. Otherwise they’ll just take up space on the floor while you rummage around looking for something specific!
Hats: You should find an area that works best for storing hats depending on how many you have (or want). Consider hanging them up behind doors if there’s room or putting them all inside a fitted hanging bag designed specifically made for storing hats which will allow each one plenty of headspace while keeping everything else neat and tidy!
Scarves: Like most other clothing accessories scarves are best hung from hooks using clip-on hangers so that it doesn’t fall off when not being worn but also keeps it off the ground where dust collects fast – especially since scarves tend not get washed often enough due their delicate nature.
A small kitchen doesn’t have to mean sacrificing storage space. Our article on maximizing storage in a small kitchen provides creative solutions for organizing your kitchen and maximizing every inch of space.
Conclusion
We hope that you’ve found this article helpful. If you are trying to figure out how to get more storage in a small space, we encourage you to try some of these tips and tricks.
Remember, it’s not about being perfect or having every inch of your apartment organized perfectly—it’s about finding what works for your lifestyle!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for maximizing storage in small spaces:
The Spruce – Small Apartment Storage Ideas: This article provides a comprehensive list of storage ideas for small apartments, as well as tips for maintaining organization and minimizing clutter.
New York Magazine – How to Organize a Tiny Apartment: This article provides practical tips for organizing a small apartment, including ideas for maximizing storage and creating a functional layout.
Apartment Therapy – Small Space Storage Ideas: This article provides creative storage ideas for small spaces, including tips for using furniture and decor as storage solutions.
FAQs
What are some common storage challenges in small apartments?
Small apartments often have limited storage space, which can make it difficult to keep the space organized and clutter-free. In addition, storage options may be limited due to the size and layout of the apartment.
How can I maximize storage space in a small apartment?
There are several strategies for maximizing storage space in a small apartment, including using vertical storage options, incorporating multifunctional furniture, and decluttering regularly.
What are some creative storage solutions for small apartments?
Some creative storage solutions for small apartments include using hanging organizers, utilizing under-bed storage, and incorporating storage into furniture pieces.
How do I maintain organization in a small apartment?
Maintaining organization in a small apartment requires regular decluttering and consistent use of storage solutions. It can also be helpful to establish a cleaning and organization routine to keep the space tidy and functional.
How can I make a small apartment feel more spacious?
In addition to maximizing storage space, there are several design strategies that can make a small apartment feel more spacious. These include using light colors, incorporating mirrors, and strategically placing furniture to create a sense of flow and openness.
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.