Small Apartment Storage: Room-by-Room Solutions That Actually Work

One of the most challenging aspects of living in a small apartment or home is figuring out where on earth you can put everything. With fewer or smaller closets and cabinets and a general shortage of square footage, staying organized can be both challenging and essential. Some strategic planning and a bit of creativity, however, can keep your small apartment organized without adopting a strict minimalist lifestyle or sacrificing your precious floor space.

Storage Solutions for a Small Apartment

While your small apartment may not have many ready-made storage solutions, you can easily increase your storage space with a shift in perspective. The most efficient small-space storage solutions make use of areas you already have without making your home feel more crowded.

Declutter Before You Add More Storage

The mark of a truly tidy and organized home is that every item has a designated place. When you’re dealing with excess clutter, this task becomes virtually impossible. Prior to setting up your new top-tier organization and storage systems, take time to do an intentional (and maybe ruthless) purge of items that you don’t truly use or need. Once you’ve pared down your belongings, focus on giving everything you keep a designated home so clutter is less likely to creep back in.

Take Advantage of Vertical Space

You may not have much extra floor space, but what about wall space? As you furnish and strategize, think UP! Tall bookshelves and other shelving units will have a smaller footprint but capitalize on the full height of your walls. The tops of kitchen cabinets, while not always convenient, can provide storage space for appliances and other gadgets you don’t use frequently. That empty wall space above furniture might be the perfect spot for some hanging shelves, hooks, or adhesive organizers.

Add Storage Where You Sleep

Your bed is probably one of the largest furniture items in your small apartment, and there’s potentially a lot of useful storage space hiding underneath it. Under-the-bed storage bins and organizers are ideal for storing off-season clothing, extra blankets, towels, and more. You may even want to invest in a storage bed with built-in drawers and cabinets underneath, or shelving along the headboard, for some much-needed extra storage.

Put Awkward and Unused Spaces to Work

Once you develop an eye for creative storage solutions, you’ll be shocked at how many storage opportunities you’ve been overlooking. Awkward corners are perfect for little corner shelving units or storage baskets. That sliver of wall above your door frame might be the perfect fit for a floating shelf and some storage baskets. A few removable adhesive hooks on the back of your closet door can become an optimal space for stashing your purse, umbrella, and even a shoe rack.

For every awkward empty nook in your small apartment, there is an innovative storage solution.

Invest in Multi-Purpose Furniture

In a small space, furniture should play more than one role. As you’re furnishing your apartment, prioritize pieces that offer hidden storage, drawers, and cabinets. As previously mentioned, your bed can double as a storage space for out-of-season clothing and extra linens. Opt for bedside and end tables with drawers, rather than spindly, decorative ones. Choose a storage ottoman for your living room, and pair it with a sleeper sofa for hosting overnight guests.

Basically, take advantage of any furniture that can do more than one thing, because the fewer items you need in your tiny space, the better.

Room-by-Room Storage in Small Apartments

If you’re trying to figure out how to organize a small apartment while renting or on a tight budget, remember that creating a functional home doesn’t necessarily require major renovations or permanent changes. There are plenty of renter-friendly and cost-effective storage solutions you can incorporate into your space.

Kitchen

Before you add any extra storage to your small kitchen, consider how effectively and efficiently you’re utilizing the existing storage. Simple products like shelf risers, storage baskets, and stackable containers can help you maximize what you can fit into the existing cabinets and drawers, and adding adhesive hooks to the backs of cabinet doors can offer places to hang miscellaneous items. Take advantage of the tops of cabinets and unused corners. Small storage baskets and containers can also add storage space to the counter without making it look cluttered.

Entryway

Your small apartment may or may not have a true entryway, but it’s important to create a storage solution near your front door to serve as a drop zone for things like keys, shoes, bags, and coats. Depending on how much space you have, you may have room for a thin console table with hidden shoe storage and enough surface area for a key basket. Otherwise, small hanging hooks can be perfect for holding bags, keys, and jackets, where you can stash your items before they migrate into living room clutter.

Living Room

Dual-purpose furniture is truly essential in the living room. Choose a TV stand or media console with built-in shelving or drawers to stash electronics, remotes, games, books, and anything else you plan to keep in this lounge area. Tall bookshelves or floating shelves will help you make the most of your vertical space, and can be used for books, baskets, and decor. A storage ottoman or coffee table will give you space to stash blankets and other clutter.

Keep in mind that while storage is important, you also want plenty of walking, living, and breathing space in this room.

Bedroom

Your instinct may be to purchase smaller furniture for your smaller space, but that isn’t always the best option when you want your bedroom to look larger. When selecting a dresser for your bedroom, go big and choose one that fits comfortably and aesthetically into the space. While initially it may seem like it will take up too much room, the space savings you’ll gain from its ability to hold more clothing and reduce visual clutter will likely far outweigh those of several smaller storage items.

You’ll also want to maximize your vertical closet space with baskets and stackable organizers. And be sure to invest in some good under-the-bed storage bins for anything you don’t need regularly.

Choose Furniture That Works Harder in a Small Home

If your current furniture isn’t making the most of your apartment, explore rent-to-own furniture from Rent-A-Center. With flexible payment options and free delivery, you can create a home that feels a little less crowded and a lot more functional. Browse online or visit your local Rent-A-Center today.