29 Small Apartment Storage Ideas to Maximize Space

Picture this: you’ve just moved into your new city apartment. It’s cozy, it’s in the perfect location, and it has that modern charm you’ve been yearning for.

The only downside? Space, or rather, the lack thereof. But fear not, small space dweller, for we’ve compiled a list of 30 essential items that will transform your apartment into an organizational paradise.

20+ Essential Items for Small Apartment Organization

Maximizing Space: Essential Items for Small Apartment Organization

1. Organize Cabinets With Dividers

Omega National Wood Tray Dividers in Maple

No more fumbling for the right pan or Tupperware. Cabinet dividers will help keep your pots, pans, and containers neatly arranged, saving you time and stress.

2. Hang an Entryway Shelf

finetones Wall-Mounted Coat Rack with 6 Dual Hooks and 4 Storage Cubbies, Entryway Floating Hanging Shelf Cubby Coat Rack Organizer for Bathroom, Living Room, Kitchen, Rustic Brown

An entryway shelf with hooks is perfect for keeping keys, hats, and jackets organized and off the floor.

OurWarm Key Holder for Wall Decorative with 5 Key Hooks, Wall Mounted Key Hangers for Wall with Mail Key Rack, Wooden Mail Organizer with Shelf, Rustic Home Decor for Entryway Mudroom Hallway Office

3. Free Up Cabinet Space

OROPY 23 Inch Wall Mounted Pot Rack Storage Shelf with 2 Tier Hanging Rails 12 S Hooks included, Ideal for Pans, Utensils, Cookware, Plant Black

Cabinet filled to the brim with pots and pans? Try installing a hanging pot rack. It adds character to your kitchen while saving that precious cabinet space.

OROPY 23 Inch Wall Mounted Pot Rack Storage Shelf with 2 Tier Hanging Rails 12 S Hooks included, Ideal for Pans, Utensils, Cookware, Plant Black

4. Place Towels in a Basket

Mkono Woven Storage Basket Decorative Rope Basket Wooden Bead Decoration for Blankets,Toys,Clothes,Shoes,Plant Organizer Bin with Handles Living Room Home Decor, Jute, 16" W × 13.8"L

In the bathroom, instead of a bulky towel rack, use a stylish basket. It’s a simple and attractive way to store towels and it can be easily moved around.

Mkono Woven Storage Basket Decorative Rope Basket Wooden Bead Decoration for Blankets,Toys,Clothes,Shoes,Plant Organizer Bin with Handles Living Room Home Decor, Jute, 16" W × 13.8"L

5. Utilize Wall Space

When square footage is minimal, think vertically. Installing simple wall shelves or wall hooks can add plenty of storage without compromising floor space.

6. Get Cleaning Tools Off the Ground

71" Metal Cleaning Tools Storage Cabinet with Hanging Rod, Lockable Rolling Storage Cabinet with Adjustable Shelves, Multipurpose for Home Garden Kitchen

Let’s face it, brooms and mops are a bit of an eyesore. Get them off the ground with a wall-mounted holder, and you’ll free up some space while keeping your cleaning tools organized.

7. Switch to Slim Hangers

SONGMICS Clothes Hangers, Pack of 50 Plastic Coat Hangers, Non-Slip, Space-Saving, 0.2 Inches Thick, 17.7 Inches Long, 360° Swivel Hook, Light Gray and Dark Gray UCRF50G

Does the closet seem too cramped? Slim hangers are a fantastic solution! A chunky hanger can take up a lot of valuable space. Swap those out for sleek, velvety, non-slip hangers. Your clothes will stay put, and you’ll be shocked at the space you save.

Amazon Basics Slim, Velvet, Non-Slip Suit Clothes Hangers, Gray/Silver - Pack of 50

8. Use Slim-Profile Shelves

Slim-profile shelves can be squeezed into tight spaces, like behind doors or next to the fridge, providing extra storage where you wouldn’t expect it.

9. Hang Plants

Umbra Trigg Hanging Planter Vase & Geometric Wall Decor Container - Great For Succulent Plants, Air Plant, Mini Cactus, Faux Plants and More, White Ceramic/Brass (Set of 2)

Incorporating plants can make your space feel fresher and more alive. Hang them from the ceiling or on wall brackets to keep your floor and windowsill space clear.

Mkono Hanging Shelves 2 Tier Rustic Wall Hanging Shelf Boho Decor Plants Photos Display Floating Storage Shelves for Bathroom Bedroom Living Room College Dorm Apartment

10. Hide Clutter in Baskets

StorageWorks Water Hyacinth Storage Baskets, Rectangular Wicker Baskets with Built-in Handles, Medium, 2-Pack

Baskets: the unsung heroes of small spaces. They’re versatile, attractive, and perfect for hiding clutter. Stash one near your couch for throw blankets or under the coffee table for magazines.

StorageWorks Water Hyacinth Storage Baskets, Rectangular Wicker Baskets with Built-in Handles, Medium, 2-Pack

11. Use a Storage Ottoman

SONGMICS 43 Inches Folding Storage Ottoman Bench, Storage Chest, Foot Rest Stool, Bedroom Bench with Storage, Holds up to 660 lb, Dark Gray ULSF77K

An ottoman isn’t just a place to rest your feet. Opt for a storage ottoman, and you’ve got a hidden gem. Perfect for storing books, games, or extra pillows, and it doubles as seating when you’ve got guests.

SONGMICS 43 Inches Folding Storage Ottoman Bench, Storage Chest, Foot Rest Stool, Bedroom Bench with Storage, Holds up to 660 lb, Dark Gray ULSF77K

12. Add a Coffee Table With Storage

WLIVE Wood Lift Top Coffee Table with Hidden Compartment and Adjustable Storage Shelf, Lift Tabletop Dining Table for Home Living Room, Office, Rustic Oak

Like the ottoman, a coffee table can be more than meets the eye. A coffee table with built-in storage is perfect for tucking away remotes, coasters, and anything else you want to keep handy but out of sight.

Yaheetech Lift Top Coffee Table with Hidden Compartment and Storage Shelf, Rising Tabletop Dining Table for Living Room Reception Room, 38.6in L, Espresso

13. Make Use of the Pantry Door

X-cosrack Wall Mount Spice Rack Organizer 5 Tier Height-Adjustable Hanging Spice Shelf Storage for Kitchen Pantry Cabinet Door, Dual-Use Seasoning Holder Rack with Hooks, Black-Patented

Your pantry door is an unused canvas. Hang a door-mounted organizer, and watch as your spice collection finds a new home.

14. Roll in a Tiered Cart

Sywhitta 3-Tier Plastic Rolling Utility Cart with Handle, Multi-Functional Storage Trolley for Office, Living Room, Kitchen, Movable Storage Organizer with Wheels, White

A tiered cart on wheels can be moved around as needed, making it a versatile storage solution. Use it in the kitchen for extra pantry space, or in the bathroom for toiletries.

Sywhitta 3-Tier Plastic Rolling Utility Cart with Handle, Multi-Functional Storage Trolley for Office, Living Room, Kitchen, Movable Storage Organizer with Wheels, White

15. Bring in Risers

Risers can add a new level (literally) of organization to your shelves and cabinets. They’re perfect for dishes, canned goods, or even shoes.

16. Install Floor-to-Ceiling Shelves

DYN Ptah Over The Toilet Storage Cabinet, 4-Tier Adjustable Over Toilet Bathroom Organizer,Metal Over Toilet Shelves Storage for Small Room, Saving Space, 65 to 116 Inch Tall, Black

In a small apartment, don’t be afraid to go big. Floor-to-ceiling shelves can provide a wealth of storage and display space without encroaching too much on your living area.

DYN Ptah Over The Toilet Storage Cabinet, 4-Tier Adjustable Over Toilet Bathroom Organizer,Metal Over Toilet Shelves Storage for Small Room, Saving Space, 65 to 116 Inch Tall, Black

17. Install a Tiered Shower Caddy

Zenna Home Rust-Resistant Corner Shower Caddy for Bathroom, 4 Adjustable Shelves with Towel Bar and Hooks, with Tension Pole, for Bath and Shower Storage, 60-97 Inch, Chrome

An easy way to increase storage in your bathroom is by installing a tiered shower caddy. It can hold everything from shampoos to razors, and it keeps your items accessible and tidy.

Zenna Home Rust-Resistant Corner Shower Caddy for Bathroom, 4 Adjustable Shelves with Towel Bar and Hooks, with Tension Pole, for Bath and Shower Storage, 60-97 Inch, Chrome

18. Add a Lazy Susan Turntable

Lazy Susan Turntable Organizer for Cabinet Pantry Kitchen Countertop Refrigerator Cupboard, Pine Wood, 9", Carbonized Black

From spices in the kitchen to cosmetics in the bathroom, a Lazy Susan turntable can be a small space dweller’s best friend.

19. Double Closet Hanging Space

ClosetMaid 55300 Closet Maximizer with (4) Shelves & Double Hang Rod, Tool Free Add On Unit, White Finish,11.6 x 53 x 74 inches

You’ve already swapped out your hangers, now consider a double-hang closet rod. You’ll double your hanging space instantly.

20. Store Shoes in an Over-the-Door Rack

Whitmor Over the Door Shoe Rack, Fold-up Non-slip Bars, 36 Pair, White

An over-the-door shoe rack can be a real space-saver. It keeps your footwear organized, and it frees up valuable floor space in your closet.

21. Throw Out Bulky Boxes

Product packaging can take up a lot of space. Unpack items and store them in sleek, stackable containers instead.

22. Give Floating Shelves Double Function

BAOBAB WORKSHOP Wood Floating Shelves Set of 2 - Rustic Shelf 24 inch - Made in Europe - Wide Wooden Wall Shelves for Living Room Bedroom Kitchen Bathroom Farmhouse - Walnut Color - 24D x 6.7W x 1.2H

Floating shelves are trendy and functional. Use them for displaying trinkets, but don’t forget they can also serve as a chic home for your books or storage baskets.

23. Bring in a Decorative Ladder

5-Tier Ladder Shelf - Wooden Narrow Leaning Book Shelf for Bedroom, Living Room, or Kitchen Shelving - Boho Home Decor by Lavish Home (Oak)

A decorative ladder can provide a stylish spot to hang towels, blankets, or scarves. It adds a touch of personality while being an incredibly practical accessory.

5-Tier Ladder Shelf - Wooden Narrow Leaning Book Shelf for Bedroom, Living Room, or Kitchen Shelving - Boho Home Decor by Lavish Home (Oak)

24. Use Multiple Organizational Containers

Storage Bins with Lids - Collapsible Storage Bins, Clear Black Wardrobe Closet Organizer, 19Gal Stackable Toy Storage, Foldable Plastic Storage Container with Door, Crate for Book Storage (3 Pack)

Baskets, bins, and boxes, oh my! Use a variety of containers to keep your items sorted and your space tidy.

25. Make Use of Wardrobe Doors

Wardrobe doors can hold more than clothes. Try hanging hooks for necklaces or a rack for shoes. It’s about seeing potential in every nook and cranny.

26. Corral Things in a Tray

A tray can be a stylish way to keep loose items together. Whether it’s perfume bottles on a dresser or cooking oils on a countertop, a tray keeps things neat and chic.

27. Purchase Multi-Purpose Furniture

Boahaus Multipurpose Cabinet with Desk, White

Multi-purpose furniture, like a bed frame with built-in drawers or a desk that converts into a dining table, can make the most out of your space.

28. Use a Radiator Cover

vidaXL Radiator Cover Heating Cabinet White 44" Wall Cupboard Shelf MDF Matte

If you’ve got a radiator taking up space, make it functional. A radiator cover can provide a surface for decor or a shelf for books.

vidaXL Radiator Cover Heating Cabinet White 44" Wall Cupboard Shelf MDF Matte

29. Don’t Forget the Tops of the Cabinets

The tops of kitchen cabinets can be used for items you don’t often use. It’s out-of-the-way storage that can make a big difference.

10 Smart Ways to Organize your Small Apartment

Small Apartment Storage Ideas to Maximize Space

Living in a small apartment can be both a joy and a challenge. While the cozy charm is undeniable, finding a place for everything can sometimes feel like a puzzle. Here are 10 smart ways to organize your small space and make it work for you.

1. Streamline Your ‘Stuff’

The first step to organizing a small space is streamlining your possessions. Do you really need five frying pans? Ask yourself what you truly use and need, then donate, sell, or recycle the rest.

2. Turn Every Inch Into Usable Space

In a small apartment, every inch counts. Use the backs of doors for hanging storage, make use of your vertical space with tall shelves, and consider under-bed storage for rarely used items.

3. Separate The Space Into Zones

Creating designated zones can make a small space feel larger and more organized. Even in a studio, you can create a bedroom area, a living area, and a workspace with clever furniture arrangement and decorative dividers.

4. Invest In Dual-Function Furniture

Dual-function furniture can be a lifesaver in a small apartment. Think beds with built-in storage, coffee tables with shelves, or ottomans that can double as seating or storage.

5. Double Up On Storage And Décor

Items that serve as both storage and décor are perfect for small spaces. Beautiful baskets, decorative ladders, or floating shelves can both store your items and add charm to your apartment.

6. Enlist Storage Helpers

Don’t forget about the little helpers like drawer organizers, shelf dividers, and storage boxes. These tools can keep your space neat and your items easy to find.

7. Switch To A Storage Bed

A bed takes up a lot of real estate in a small apartment. Make it work harder by choosing a model with built-in storage underneath or around the headboard.

8. Maximize Closet Space

Use slim hangers, add a second rod, or try hanging shelves to make the most of your closet space. An over-the-door organizer can also provide extra room for shoes or accessories.

9. Go Vertical

When floor space is limited, go up. Tall bookshelves, stacking boxes, or wall-mounted storage can give you a lot more room to store your belongings.

10. Do A Daily Declutter

Staying organized in a small space means staying on top of clutter. Make it a habit to do a quick declutter each day, putting items back where they belong and tossing or donating anything you no longer need.

Key Takeaway

By using these clever storage and organizational ideas, you can transform even the smallest apartment into a functional and stylish home. Remember, living small doesn’t mean living without. It’s all about maximizing what you have!