Living in a small apartment can leave you feeling confined in an overcrowded living space – especially when your apartment is overcrowded with objectsand not people! With limited closet space and square footage, clutter can quickly take over and make your home feel even smaller and more cramped.
Finding adequate storage solutions for all of your belongings can seem like an impossible task. And the struggle is real when you don’t have a basement, attic, or garage to stash infrequently used items. It is when the frustration of not being able to find what you need in packed cupboards and drawers takes over.
However, there are some very clever and creative storage and organization solutions that can help you maximize every single inch of space in your apartment. Read on for these ingenious hacks that will help you make the most of your small spaces.
1. Rent Self Storage
For those items that you rarely use but can’t seem to part with, consider renting a self storage unit. This gets your off-season clothing, holiday decorations, sports equipment, family memorabilia, and other belongings out of your limited living space while still keeping them clean, safe, and accessible.
Look for a self storage facility that is as close to your apartment as possible, so retrieving items is quick and convenient. Be sure to thoroughly inventory your storage unit so you remember exactly what is inside. Some storage facilities also have climate-controlled units to protect your valuables from humidity, extreme heat, and cold. Just be careful not to overstuff your rental unit, or you’ll end up paying for space you don’t really utilize.
If you’re looking for a reputable facility with state-of-the-art amenities, consider Strong Point Storage. They offer clean, modern facilities that prioritize the safety and accessibility of your items.
2. Under Bed Storage
The space underneath your bed is often an overlooked and underutilized storage zone in a small apartment. This out-of-sight area can actually provide you with a surprising amount of real estate to stow away items that you don’t need everyday access to, such as off-season clothing, extra linens, shoes, and other miscellaneous items.
Look for flat, rectangular plastic containers and bins that can easily slide and fit underneath your bed frame. Make sure to label each container and bin clearly with its contents so that you can identify what is inside without having to pull everything out and rummage around. Storage bags, baskets, and even unused suitcases can also be used to corral and contain items like scarves, hats, purses, and other accessories. Getting all of these things up off the floor helps make your bedroom look much tidier and less cluttered.
3. Corner Shelving
Take full advantage of wasted corner space in your apartment by installing corner shelving units. Corner shelves provide excellent vertical storage real estate and solutions for stashing away kitchen items, toiletries, books, decorations, and anything else you can think of.
For kitchen storage, use corner shelving to neatly organize spices, baking pans, cooking utensils, canned goods, and even small kitchen appliances that you use infrequently. In the bathroom, corral all of those lotions, soaps, shampoos, razors, extra towels, and other accessories on corner shelving.
Go floor to ceiling with the shelving to maximize and optimize storage potential. For a budget-friendly option, check home improvement stores for ready-to-assemble corner shelving units. With just a few tools and some time, you can create your own custom corner storage.
4. Dividers and Bookcases
Room dividers do double duty – they can artfully hide clutter while also defining and separating spaces in an open-concept apartment. Choose a screen, bookshelf, or other shelving unit divider that fits and expresses your unique style. Use one divider to conceal the clutter zone near your apartment entryway where keys, bags, coats, and shoes tend to accumulate, and position another divider to separate and define your sleeping area or bedroom from the living room or other communal space.
Multi-purpose bookcases are also excellent for maximizing storage and organization all over your apartment. Use them to neatly store and display books, photos, baskets, bins, and other items. Make sure to label the baskets and bins clearly so you know what’s inside at a glance. Built-in bookcases are great for taking advantage of unused nooks, corners, and crannies that may otherwise go to waste.
5. Creative Furniture
When shopping for furniture in a small space, look for pieces that serve multiple functions or uses. An upholstered ottoman or bench with hidden storage inside is a great option for stashing extra blankets, pillows, and other linens. Nesting tables provide extra surface space when separated but can tuck and stack together neatly when not in use.
For the kitchen, opt for a small bistro table with two stools that can be pushed in and out of the way rather than a full dining table and chair set. Dual-purpose furniture like a sofa bed, futon, or a desk that folds down into a table can be space-saving problem solvers. The key is choosing furniture that can morph, collapse, fold up, or be stashed out of sight in order to maximize every inch.
Final thoughts
While living in a small apartment can present storage and organization challenges, there are many creative solutions. These tips can help you keep your apartment tidy and clutter-free. Proper organization not only makes your home feel more spacious but also provides mental health benefits by reducing stress. With some clever solutions, you can live comfortably and minimize clutter, even in the smallest apartment.