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I am no stranger to small apartments. In fact, I’ve lived in several tiny rentals over the past few years, which means I’ve encountered my fair share of storage struggles. When you live in a small apartment with little to no closet space, you learn very quickly just how much stuff you have and how difficult it can be to store it all. Fortunately, adversity breeds innovation, so I’ve adapted by getting creative with some sneaky storage hacks. As it turns out, there are so many places to store things that you might not immediately think about, but once you start utilizing them, you’ll feel like you added a whole extra closet’s worth of storage space.
Whether your apartment literally has zero closets (been there) or you’ve exhausted what little closet space you have, it’s time to get creative. Things like linens, household supplies, and clothing aren’t going to store themselves, so you’re going to have to look beyond traditional storage areas to keep your small space organized. Here are my favorite tried-and-true storage hacks that go beyond shoving stuff in a closet.
1. Use the back sides of doors
The key to sneaking in storage is to find pockets of unused space, such as the back sides of doors. This storage hack works especially well with doors to closets, bedrooms, bathrooms, the pantry, or your laundry area. Simply purchase a set of hooks or a storage rack that slips over the top of the door to add instant organization to the back side. For a less bulky solution, you could also add a couple of damage-free, self-adhesive hooks to the door for things like jackets, bags, or dog leashes.
Wayfair Over-Door Hanging Basket Organizer
2 colors available
Target Over the Door Hook Set
3 colors available
Amazon Vertical Over the Door Hooks
2 colors available
The Container Store Mesh Over the Door Rack
2. Store bins under your bed
One of the best places to store things you don’t need all the time is under the bed. I store all of my seasonal clothing in rolling bins under my bed, and it’s been a total game-changer for me. At the beginning of each season, all you have to do is roll out the bin and swap out the clothes in your dresser with what you need for the new season. This hack frees up a ton of space and makes you feel like you have a fresh wardrobe every time you swap stuff out.
West Elm Weave Rattan Underbed Baskets
2 colors available
Ikea Fabric Zip Bin
Amazon Under Bed Storage with Wheels
3 colors available
Container Store Long Underbed Boxes with Wheels
3. Hide shoes in a cabinet
Adding a shoe cabinet to your entryway is one of the ultimate storage hacks. It will clean up your space instantly, keep your shoes organized, and, ultimately, save your sanity. There is nothing worse than walking into your front door when you’re juggling one-trip groceries and tripping over your shoes! Do yourself a favor and invest in a shoe cabinet to keep them tucked away.
Wayfair Mid-Century Shoe Storage Cabinet
Amazon 5-Tier Shoe Storage Cabinet
2 colors available
Wayfair 16 Pair Shoe Storage Cabinet
Amazon Rattan Shoe Storage Cabinet
4 colors available
Source: @francois_et_moi
4. Stash things in baskets
Baskets are one of the best hacks for adding storage that looks like decor. A cute woven basket can hide a multitude of sins, from miscellaneous junk on the kitchen counter to electronics equipment by the TV to shoes near the door. You can place one literally anywhere and create storage space out of thin air. Pick one with handles so it’s easy to move around if needed, or go with a lidded basket to fully disguise whatever’s inside.
Walmart Large Natural Water Hyacinth Basket
Threshold x Studio McGee Lidded Rattan Basket
World Market Natural Hyacinth Tote Basket
Threshold Braided Basket with Faux Leather Handles
5. Add a storage bench or ottoman
Not only do storage benches and ottomans look nice from a design standpoint, but they also add additional seating and—you guessed it—a place to store things. Benches and ottomans are great for stashing extra blankets, sheets, and pillows as well as books and games. I recommend adding a storage bench to the end of your bed and using an ottoman in your living room in place of a coffee table to maximize your storage options.
Wayfair Woven Drum Storage Ottoman
2 colors available
Article Ivory Bouclé Storage Ottoman
3 colors available
Wayfair Upholstered Storage Bench
5 colors available
Wayfair Faux Leather Upholstered Storage Ottoman
6. Choose accent tables with drawers
You probably need an accent table or two in your bedroom or living room anyway, so you might as well choose one that has a few drawers for storage. In my bedside table, I like to store surplus socks, bras, and underwear, but you could also use this space for books, chargers, or personal care items. In the living room, use accent tables to stash books, charging cords, remotes, and random knick-knacks you can’t bring yourself to part with. These will help keep clutter to a minimum and look good while doing it.
Threshold x Studio McGee Wood 2-Drawer Nightstand
West Elm Metalwork Nightstand
Wayfair Rattan Drawer Nightstand (Set of 2)
3 colors available
Nathan James Wood Mid-Century Nightstand
3 colors available
Source: @mycityapartment
7. Store items on top of kitchen cabinets
If your kitchen cabinets don’t go all the way up to the ceiling, that’s another prime example of unused space you could utilize for storage. Since this area is in full view, reserve this space for items that can also serve as decor, like vases, serving pieces, or baskets full of odds and ends. You may need a step ladder to reach up there, but it’s a great place to store kitchen items you only use on occasion.
8. Bring in a clothing rack
Not only are clothing racks aesthetic and fun to style, but they are also incredibly convenient. I recommend choosing a clothing rack that also has some shelves so you can keep folded clothing and shoes on it as well. It’s basically like adding a whole new closet but minus the renovation work.
Wayfair Adjustable Clothing Rack
2 colors available
Amazon Clothes Rack with Wheels
5 colors available
Brightroom Single Shelf Garment Rack
Amazon Double Rod Clothing Rack
2 colors available
9. Make the most of cabinet space
Built-in cabinets are a luxury in small apartments, so you’ve gotta make the most of what you have. The best way to do this is by adding some organizers. Clear bins, drawers, and over-the-door racks will help you maximize your storage space, especially in places like your bathroom or your kitchen.
The Container Store Wire Pull-Out Cabinet Organizer
The Container Store Stackable Hair Tool Bin
The Container Store Hanging Hair Tool Organizer
The Container Store Divided Lazy Susan
