When I used to live in a small apartment during college, I definitely appreciated its cozy charm, but let’s be real—one thing that always drove me nuts was the constant struggle to find enough storage space.
It’s like, you want to keep your place tidy and organized, but where do you put everything when you barely have enough room for your bed and desk?
Plus, being in a rental meant I couldn’t make any permanent changes, which added to the challenge.
Finding clever ways to stash my stuff became a mission in itself.
So, I started experimenting with small apartment hacks and creative solutions to make every inch count.
Let me tell you, it was all about maximizing vertical space and finding dual-purpose furniture that saved my sanity and kept my space looking stylish.
So, if you’re living in a small apartment and can’t find room for your shoes, clothes, toiletries, or kitchen items, then let’s find some hacks you can quickly do.
My Favorite Small Apartment Hacks
Living in a small apartment definitely taught me a thing or two about getting creative with storage. Here are some of my favorite small apartment hacks that made my life so much easier and my space way more functional:
1. Vertical Storage for the Win
I swear by vertical storage.
When floor space is limited, you have to think up.
I got a bunch of floating shelves and mounted them on the walls.
They were perfect for books, plants, and even some of my kitchen essentials. Plus, they added a nice decorative touch.
2. Multi-Purpose Furniture
Dual-purpose furniture is an absolute game-changer.
It doubled as a storage unit for blankets and magazines.
I also had a bed frame with built-in drawers underneath, which was a lifesaver for storing clothes and shoes.
3. Over-the-Door Organizers
Over-the-door organizers are seriously underrated.
I had one for my bathroom to hold toiletries and another for my closet door to store shoes and accessories. They’re such a simple solution but make a huge difference.
4. Hooks Everywhere
I placed them behind doors, in the kitchen for utensils, and in the hallway for coats and bags.
They’re easy to install and remove, making them perfect for a rental.
5. Collapsible Furniture
For those days when I needed extra space, collapsible furniture was clutch.
I had a foldable dining table and chairs that I could easily tuck away when not in use, freeing up valuable floor space.
6. Storage Bins and Baskets
These were essential for keeping things organized and out of sight.
I used stylish baskets for my living room to store extra pillows and throws, and clear bins for under-bed storage so I could easily see what was inside.
For my bathroom, since it was too small I used a tall but small, bathroom storage cabinet for outside the bathroom that worked.
Tiny Apartment Ideas for More Storage
Living in a tiny apartment definitely comes with its challenges, especially when it comes to finding enough storage.
While I had my trusted storage small apartment hacks going on, I know there were even smaller apartments too.
So, let’s dive into the world of smart storage hacks and transform your apartment into a functional and stylish haven!
7. Over the Sink Dish Rack
This was AMAZING when I had a next-to-nothing tiny kitchen in my first apartment.
I loved this over the sink dish rack that my future MIL gave me for a house warming present!
8. Cabinet Door Organizer
If you don’t have this magical cabinet door organizer for your small kitchen apartment, then get one RIGHT NOW!
They are genius at keeping all your lids, cutting boards or muffin trays out of the oven (because that’s where I used to store those!).
9. Corner Shelves
You can have corner shelves in any room like the kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom!
Don’t neglect some valuable space in your small apartment.
10. Oven or Sink Cutting Board Cover
To save room in your small kitchen, opt for a cutting board that can opt as a top for your oven or sink. So when you aren’t using your stove you can store fruit or your toaster for example.
Apartment Organization Tips
11. Decluter
First off, declutter your space. Seriously, go full-on Marie Kondo and get rid of anything you don’t need or use. Less stuff means less clutter, and it’s way easier to keep things organized and looking clean.
12. Use Vertical Space
Next, maximize vertical space. Think about how you can use your walls and high spaces to store items, keeping the floor clear and open. Hang stuff up, stack things high, and make those walls work for you!
13. Organize
Organize by category. Group similar items together so you always know where to find what you need. This means all your makeup in one spot, all your tech gear together, and so on. It makes life so much easier.
14. Label Everything
Use labels. Label boxes, bins, and shelves so you can quickly see where everything belongs. Trust me, it saves time and keeps you from rummaging through piles of stuff. Plus, it looks super cute and organized.
15. Rotate
Rotate seasonal items. Store away things you don’t need for the current season to free up space for what you’re using right now. Winter stuff in the summer? Pack it up and make room for your summer essentials.
16. Use Zones
Create dedicated zones. Designate specific areas for different activities, like a work zone, a chill zone, and a dining zone. This helps keep each area organized and functional, and it makes your apartment feel more spacious and intentional.
17. Tidy Up
Regularly reassess and tidy up. Make it a habit to regularly go through your things and tidy up. This prevents clutter from building up again and keeps your space fresh and clean. Set a reminder if you have to!
18. Use Hidden Spaces
Utilize hidden spaces. Think creatively about where you can store things, like under the bed, on top of cabinets, or even behind doors. These spots are perfect for items you don’t use daily but still need to keep around.
By focusing on these actions, you’ll transform your apartment into an organized and stylish space that maximizes every inch. Let’s do this and make your tiny apartment feel like a palace!
Small Space Living: Toilet Room, Balcony & Corner Closet
Living in a tiny apartment means getting creative with every inch of space, especially those often overlooked spots like the toilet room, balcony, and corner closet.
These areas might seem small, but with the right ideas, they can make a huge difference in your overall living vibe.
Imagine turning your balcony into a cozy retreat, maximizing storage in your toilet room, or transforming that awkward corner closet into a functional space.
There are so many ways to make small space living not just bearable but straight-up awesome.
Stick with me as we dive into some epic hacks and tips to level up these tiny areas into super useful and stylish parts of your home. Ready to make the most of your small space? Let’s get started!
19. Small Bathroom Organizer
If you don’t have room in your small bathroom then getting a small organizer would help you.
Fill it with toiletries or use it for your makeup storage!
20. Use Baskets and Small Tables In Your Bathroom
If your toilet takes a lot of room, you might be able to squeeze a little table on the side but sure you can put a basket on the top of your toilet for those important things.
21. Add a Balcony Bar
If you have a small balcony you can still fit a bar with some small stools to set the mood.
22. Use a Wall for Your Plants on Your Balcony
An easy way to add some color to your balcony is with plant containers.
But if you have no room to walk with all those planters, place them on the wall with a rack!
23. Use the Angles in Your Corner Closet
If your corner closet is practically non-existent don’t worry!
You can work with those angles! Angle your closet organizer and there ya go!
24. Add Shelving In Your Corner Closet
If you are having a tough time trying to fit something in your corner closet, just put some shelves and there you go!
Storing Bulky Items and Small Apartment: What to Do?
Storing bulky items in a small apartment can be a challenge, but it’s totally doable with the right strategies.
Here are nine tips to help you manage those big items without sacrificing your space or style:
25. Go Vertical
Use tall shelves and storage units to stack bulky items upwards.
This keeps them off the floor and frees up valuable space. Think vertically for things like suitcases, large bins, and even sports equipment.
26. Utilize Under-Bed Storage
Store bulky items like extra bedding, seasonal clothing, and shoes under your bed. Invest in under-bed storage bins or bags to keep everything organized and out of sight.
27. Use Vacuum-Sealed Bags
For items like blankets, pillows, and winter coats, vacuum-sealed bags are a game-changer.
They compress your bulky items down to a fraction of their size, making them much easier to store in tight spaces.
28. Opt for Multi-Functional Furniture
Choose furniture that doubles as storage.
A bed with built-in drawers, an ottoman with a hidden compartment, or a coffee table with storage space underneath can help you store bulky items while keeping them accessible.
29. Store Items on Top of Cabinets
Make use of the space on top of your kitchen cabinets or wardrobes.
Store items you don’t need to access frequently in decorative boxes or bins that blend with your decor.
30. Get Creative with Closet Space
Maximize your closet space by using high shelves for bulky items. Consider adding a second rod or shelf to increase storage capacity, and use hanging organizers to keep things tidy.
31. Use Hooks and Racks
Install hooks or racks on the back of doors, inside closets, or on walls to hang bulky items like bikes, ladders, or large bags. This keeps them off the floor and easily accessible.
Best Small Apartment Hacks for Storage!
I hope you enjoyed this list of easy ways to organize a small apartment with many items.
For more home organizing follow me on Pinterest!
