Living in a small apartment can be a challenge when it comes to storage. Whether you're dealing with cramped closets or limited kitchen counter space, finding ways to make the most of your available area can feel like an endless puzzle. But fear not! We’ve compiled some clever, simple storage hacks that will help you maximize your apartment space without breaking the bank. Let’s dive into some practical, actionable tips that will help you keep things organized and clutter-free.
General Small Apartment Space-Saving Hacks
1. Use Your Vertical Space and Doors
One of the most underutilized spaces in small apartments is your walls and doors. Install floating shelves on your walls to store books, plants, or decorative items. Don’t forget the backs of doors – over-the-door organizers can be used in your bathroom, closet, or kitchen for storing small items like cleaning supplies, shoes, or accessories. This hack instantly frees up floor space!
2. Add Another Bar to Your Closets
Closet space is usually limited in small apartments, but adding an extra clothes hanging bar can double your closet storage. This is especially helpful for hanging shorter items like shirts or pants, and it makes it easier to separate seasonal clothes without crowding your wardrobe.
3. Install Fold-Out Furniture
Space-saving furniture is a game-changer. Consider getting a fold-out desk or wall-mounted table that you can easily store when not in use. A Murphy bed (fold-down bed) is another brilliant option for studio apartments or small bedrooms, as it turns your sleeping area into functional living space during the day.
4. Get a Storage Ottoman or Coffee Table
Opt for a storage ottoman or a coffee table with hidden compartments. These pieces of furniture offer extra seating while also providing space to store things like blankets, magazines, or remote controls. A stylish and functional addition to any room!
For Studio Apartments
1. Divide Out the Space
Studio apartments can feel like one big room with no boundaries, but you can create a sense of separation by using room dividers like curtains or bookshelves. This helps to define different areas for sleeping, working, and relaxing, making your studio feel more spacious.
2. Choose a Murphy or Fold-Out Bed
A Murphy bed or fold-out sofa is a fantastic solution for studio apartments. These pieces of furniture allow you to convert your living space into a bedroom at night and back into a living area during the day. It's like having two rooms in one!
For Small Kitchens
1. Combine Appliances Where You Can
In small kitchens, multi-functional appliances are your best friend. Consider getting a microwave oven combo or a toaster oven with air fryer function. This saves you counter space by reducing the number of separate gadgets.
2. Hang Kitchenware When Possible
Free up your kitchen counters by hanging things like pots, pans, and utensils on hooks or a wall-mounted rack. Not only does this look stylish, but it keeps your kitchen organized and easily accessible.
3. Use Stackable Containers
In your pantry or cabinets, opt for stackable containers to organize food. Clear containers also make it easier to find what you need, and they can help you store dry goods like flour, pasta, and rice in a compact, neat way.
4. Add Additional Shelf Space to Your Cabinets
Install extra shelving inside your kitchen cabinets to make better use of the vertical space. You’ll be surprised how much extra storage you can gain by simply adding another shelf or two to your existing cabinetry.
For Small Bathrooms
1. Add an Over-Toilet Shelf
Maximize bathroom space by adding an over-the-toilet shelf or cabinet. This is a great place to store towels, toiletries, or extra toilet paper. It keeps these essentials within reach but out of the way.
2. Roll Your Towels
Instead of folding towels, try rolling them. This method takes up less space in your bathroom storage and gives it a neat, spa-like look.
3. Add a Corner Shower Caddy
Use corner shower caddies to keep shampoo, conditioner, and soap organized without taking up space in your shower. These can be installed easily in most bathrooms and save valuable shelf space.
4. Use a Tub Tray
A tub tray can hold your bath essentials, such as soap, a bath towel, or even your phone or a book, so you can relax in the bath without worrying about where to put everything.
For Small Bedrooms
1. Use Under-Bed Storage
Make use of the space under your bed for storage. You can use under-bed bins, drawers, or even storage boxes to store extra linens, shoes, or seasonal clothing.
2. Use Drawer Cubes to Store Your Clothes
In a small bedroom, drawer organizers or cubes are perfect for keeping clothes sorted and easily accessible. These can be placed inside drawers or on open shelving to keep everything neat.
FAQs About Storage Hacks
Q: How can I maximize closet space in a small apartment?
A: Use double hanging rods for more hanging space, add a shelf above your closet bar, and invest in slim hangers to save as much space as possible. Organizing by categories (shoes, jackets, etc.) helps too!
Q: What’s the best way to store kitchen gadgets in a small apartment?
A: Consider using rolling carts for small appliances or install wall-mounted shelves to store pots, pans, and other tools. Keep the most used gadgets on the counter, and store others out of sight.
Q: How can I keep my bathroom organized?
A: Use over-the-toilet shelves, add a corner shower caddy, or install a wall-mounted organizer for toiletries. Rolling towels and using storage bins in cabinets can also save space.
Q: How do I make my apartment feel less cluttered?
A: Regular decluttering is key. Donate items you don’t need, and use storage solutions like baskets, bins, or floating shelves to keep things organized and off the floor.
Final Thoughts
With these simple storage hacks, you can easily transform your small apartment into a more organized and spacious living space. By thinking creatively and using the space you already have in a smarter way, you can make even the tiniest apartment feel like a dream home. So get started today—your future self will thank you!