If youโre living in a rather compact apartment, itโs can be pretty important to make the most out of every small bit of space you can find. Youโd be surprised how easy it is to use parts of the wall or the floor to save space and help organize your apartment.
Of course, you donโt want everything to look too packed as well โ but there definitely are some great and practical ideas out there thatโll help you make the most out of every inch in your apartment.
1) Unused small corner? Add some shelves
The concept of floating shelves is just amazing: they have a very minimalistic look and they save you a bunch of space. You most likely werenโt using the corner anyway and having some new place to put stuff on always comes in handy.
Source:
4 Men 1 Lady
2) Purchase a drying rack that fits directly over your sink
Unfortunately, sometimes there just isnโt any room for a dishwasher in a smaller apartment. Doing it all by hand can take up some precious space on the counter, so buying a roll-up drying rack that you can fit over your sink is a great solution.
Source:
Bed, Bath & Beyond
3) Add hooks and small racks in the cabinet
Cabinets can hold a lot of stuff โ but itโs no secret that a significant amount of cabinet room doesnโt get used. The perfect way to solve that is by adding hooks for cups, and you can also use smaller racks to stack multiple smaller items on top of each other.
Source:
iHeartorganizing
4) Let your shoes float in the air with shoe pegs
This great idea shines in its simplicity. Instead of having your shoes collect dust on the floor โ where itโs likely that theyโre going to get in the way โ let your kicks just โfloatโ in the air by using shoe pegs.
Source:
Sawdust Girl
5) Install a metal pegboardโฆ in the kitchen
If you thought that pegboards should only be housed in garages and working rooms, think again. Hanging a pegboard in the kitchen is just ideal if youโre running low on cabinet space. Plus, it gives the kitchen a unique and cool look. That sounds like a win-win, doesnโt it?
Source:
Apartment Therapy
6) Get a bed with hidden storage space
Admittedly, many of the earlier storage beds โ which have a liftable compartment to hold a bunch of items โ didnโt really look aesthetically pleasing. However, recent designs have definitely improved, and now theyโre practically indistinguishable from โnormalโ beds. In other words, aside from the slightly higher purchase price โ there really isnโt a reason not to get a storage bed anymore.
Source:
Apartment Therapy
7) Attach clever organizers to your bedside
These type of organizers are often seen in workspaces or kitchens, but they can be used for some additional storage at the bedside as well! A perfect solution to store your slippers, nighttime books or other items when youโre not using them.
Source:
Amazon
8) Hang shoe organizers at the inside of door closets for household items
Hanging shoe organizers might look a little silly, but you can cleverly hide them by hanging them on the inside of a door closet. Aside from shoes, it turns out that these are also ideal to store all kinds of household products such as cleaning products, towels, and much more.
Source:
The 36th Avenue
9) Use a multifunctional headboard
There are plenty of ways to increase the amount of space you can use in the bedroom, and a multifunctional headboard such as this one is a perfect example of that. They feature extra shelves and you can often slide them out and hide them back whenever you donโt need them.
Source:
OliveArgyle
10) Add S-Hooks To Hang Additional Towels
You could always just throw towels on the rack, but adding a simple S-hook can clean up the bathroom in a formidable way. Itโs definitely one of the more simple things to do in this list โ but it works and itโs as easy as 1-2-3. Just hang some S-hooks on your shower rod, and youโre done!
Source:
Improvised Life
11) Install high shelves
Thereโ s a ton of empty space near the ceiling and above your doors, so why not make the most of it? Just by hanging a very simple shelf, you can store a plethora of books or decorations with no impact on the rest of your apartment whatsoever.
Source:
Apartment Apothecary
12) Get a slide-out storage rack
Because of the way theyโre designed, refrigerators will almost always have some additional space near the wall thatโs left unused. Using a slide-out storage rack โ which you can build yourself if you want to โ to place all kinds of items that are essential in the kitchen but donโt need to be cooled is absolutely genius.
Source:
Instructables
13) Get rid of doors in favor of sliding walls
Making your apartment feel and look more spacious is definitely an option to consider as well. This apartment in Brooklyn, for example, uses large and wide sliding doors (or sliding walls, depending on how youโd like to call them) which immediately gives the place a more open and larger impression.
Source:
Dwell
14) Use your fridge as extra shelf space
Perhaps your fridge isnโt positioned between two walls. If thatโs the case, you might want to consider hanging an extra shelf on the exposed side of the fridge. It looks great, gets rid of the dull refrigerator look and saves you some space.
Source:
Tokopedia
15) Use jars with magnetized lids in cabinets
Magnets are a wonderful thing, and there are plenty of ways you can use them to make your life easier and less cluttered. For example, you can simply install a metal piece thatโll hang under a shelf and purchase or create magnetized lids. Simply pop them up on the shelf when you want to store your jars away and youโll free up much-needed space for other necessities.
Source:
Buzzfeed
16) Go for a unique locker look in the bathroom
Letโs face it โ the space in bathroom closets often isnโt used efficiently. The fine designers at IKEA came up with a great idea: a cupboard with multiple locker-like compartments. Itโs absolutely ideal for all sorts of different items and eliminates wasted space.
Source:
Ikea
17) Organize your batteries in a special box
Ah, batteries. Itโs usually when you need them the most that you canโt find any of them laying around, but you can purchase special organizer boxes with adjustable compartments that allow you to store and separate all of the loose batteries youโve got laying around in the house.
Source:
Listotic
18) High bed? Use rolling bins
If youโve got room to spare underneath your bed, rolling bins are an absolute life- and space-saver. You can find them in a bunch of different sizes and designs, and they even look great when theyโre stored away.
Source:
Pottery Barn
19) Add a chefโs cart in the kitchen
Chefโs carts donโt only look great and fit into every kitchen, but theyโre flexible and can serve multiple purposes as well. Use them for extra storage, or perhaps you need some extra counter space from time to time? A chefโs cart is the ideal solution.
Source:
A Night Owl Blog
20) Repurpose a ladder with hooks
Sometimes, you just canโt hang things on a wall โ but what if you could repurpose an old ladder that could do the trick? Aside from saving space, itโs also a very unique look and gives your apartment some more space and as well as a cozy feeling.
Source:
Clean & Scentsible
21) Create additional room underneath your bed with risers
In some cases, you just have a tad of room under the bed, but not enough to store some storage boxes. The solution is simple: grab two pairs of risers and theyโll give you plenty of extra height to store all of those boxes. Tip: buy a bed skirt as well to hide the storage boxes.
Source:
SleepSugar
22) Use a corner as an extra clothing rack
If youโre not too fond of the idea of having floating shelves in a corner, or if you just need some extra space for your clothes instead, you can always add a bar between two walls. Perfect for hanging and storing your clothes!
Source:
Pinterest
23) Add hidden command hooks in the back of a closet
Hanging closets often have just a little bit extra space at the back, and you might as well make the most of it. Grab a couple of command hooks to store all kinds of items such as heavier clothing, belts, purses or other accessories.
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YouTube
24) Consider getting a floating desk
Floating furniture seems like itโs becoming more and more popular, and for good reason. You can free up a whole bunch of vertical space, which also immediately gives the impression and illusion of a larger room. A floating, wall-mounted desk is just absolutely perfect if all you need in a desk is a spot to put your laptop on.
Source:
Brit+co
25) Add baskets on bookshelves
Baskets are a great match to use with bookshelves. You can often find the perfect fit, and theyโre ideal to store all of those smaller items that would otherwise be collecting dust and laying around in random places. Another pro is that theyโre easily accessible!
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Salodinfo
26) Try to fold and store your clothes vertically
Itโs amazing how much room you can save just by folding your clothes in a different manner and storing them more efficiently. Thereโs a simple folding trick you can use that can save you half of the shelf space, check out the full guide at Darkroom and Dearly for this space-saving lifehack.
Source:
Darkroom & Dearly
27) Build your own hanging coat rack
If youโre a fan of putting things together, this DIY tip is for you. With a ceiling hook, a bit of cord, wooden beads and some wooden hangers in hand, you can create your own hanging coat rack. Get rid of the metal hook on the hangers, and let the cord run right through the bead and the hanger. Simply tie the knot and hang it on the ceiling hook.
Source:
Butler Luxury
28) Hang a wooden pegboard in bedrooms
Aside from the kitchen, a pegboard also blends in perfectly in a bedroom! Itโs best to choose a wooden pegboard with sticks instead of hooks, to give the whole thing a more creative and cozy feeling. The perfect method to use a free wall and use it to store a variety of items. It also looks great in childrenโs rooms!
Source:
Better Homes & Gardens
29) Get a coffee table that doubles as storage space
Letโs face it โ a coffee table is essential in every household, but what if you could combine the purpose of a coffee table with that of some additional storage space? For example, an old chest has an amazing look, can hold a ton of items and is a great substitute for a coffee table.
Source:
Freda Staire
30) Create a shelf and clothing rack combo
What better way to use some space below shelves by adding a large bar to store your most-worn clothes? Itโs an elegant and efficient solution, but make sure not to put too much extra weight on the shelf, just in case.
Source:
DigsDigs
31) A hidden spot for your ironing board
If youโve got a small apartment and thereโs no room in a closet or a separate room to put your ironing board, you might want to consider this tip instead. The concept is incredibly simple: attach two robe hooks towards a door, and youโll be able to hang your ironing board without the clunky thing actually getting in the way. Sneaky? Perhaps. Brilliant? Definitely.
Source:
No Empty Chairs
32) Use a kitchen rack to store all of your purposes
Who knew that you could use a kitchen rack in more than one way? It turns out that theyโre just ideal to store multiple purses and it doesnโt take a lot of space. Plus โ you can easily check all of your purses upright and pick the right purse for the outfit or occasion right away.
Source:
Fabulous Fashions 4 Sensible Style
33) Add shower caddies with adhesive hooks
The chances are pretty high that there just isnโt enough room in your shower for all of the shampoo and conditioner bottles. The solution? Simple. Use a couple of adhesive and preferably water-resistant hooks, thatโll allow you to hang additional caddies in the shower. This also works great if multiple people are sharing a shower, as theyโll quickly find their specific bottles on their caddy. A great way to make use of some vertical space!
Source:
The Crazy Craft Lady
34) Create your own bathroom holders with mason jars
With multiple people in the same house, it can be quite a task to find your toothbrush and your toothpaste, and having holders standing in the bathroom looks a bit cluttered. What if you could hang holders for every person instead? You could even use simple mason jars as bathroom holders.
Source:
LollyJane
35) Hide some extra storage room behind a painting
Extra space always comes in handy โ but it would be great if those space-saving items are pleasing to the eye as well. A perfect solution is to put a picture of a painting on a hidden cabinet. Nobody will suspect a thing!
Source:
Le Studio Rad
36) Use a corner dish rack to save some space
Dish racks can take up quite some space, but did you know that there are special corner disk racks to decrease the clutter in your kitchen? They can hold just as much as a regular one, and take up half the space.
Source:
Better Houseware
37) Make the most out of staircase space
If your apartment has a staircase, you could definitely consider maximizing the amount of useable room underneath. Staircase storage is simple, out of view and doesnโt add any additional clutter. In some cases, thereโs even enough room underneath to fit a desk and a computer!
Source:
Tiny House Talk
38) Hang bathroom laundry bags on a hook
Instead of letting the laundry bags just sit on the floor, getting them hooked is the way to go because it saves you a ton of floor space. Ideal if youโd like to collect all the laundry in a cramped bathroom.
Source:
Tatumgreatindoors
39) Use cradles instead of stacking plates
Plate cradles are just so blissful and make organizing your cupboards so much easier. No need to stack your heavy plates directly on top of each other anymore โ just keep all of your plates upright, easy to spot and easy to take out.
Source:
Amazon
40) Get a TV stand that fits more than just the TV
TV stands may look nice and most of them will give you a little bit of room for set-top boxes and game consoles as well โ but you could also just perfectly use a dresser instead. Itโll likely be large enough for your television and itโs one less piece of furniture you have to worry about. And if youโre handy with cable management, thereโs no reason why you shouldnโt use a dresser as a handy TV stand at all.
Source:
Two Twenty One
41) Replace your single rod in the closet with two rods
Itโs simple mathematics really, two is better than one. Relocate your rod in the closet and place it considerably higher, and just grab another one to hang lower. It might take some time until youโve repositioned the rods, but the obvious space-saving boost is absolutely worth it.
Source:
320 Sycamore
42) Use retractable drawers for smaller kitchen appliances
Letโs face it โ you donโt need every kitchen appliance every single day. With a bit of handiwork, small ovens, toasters, or even small furnaces will fit into retractable drawers. If your kitchen is lacking in footprint, it canโt hurt to use a little bit of ingenuity.
Source:
TinyHouseDesign
43) Use suspended shelves
If you donโt want to use a piece of furniture such as a bedside table for example, and you arenโt keen on attaching shelves to the wall, thereโs another option just for you. Suspended shelves look cool, classy, modern and you canโt deny that theyโre not space-saving. Just figure out where you should position them best so that they donโt get in the way, and youโve got yourself a perfect spot for all kinds of items.
Source:
Decorators Notebook
44) Use pan organizers in the kitchen
Free room in kitchen cabinets is limited, and while you might have some success by stacking pans on top of each other โ the end result is often an even bigger mess. Luckily, you can buy pan organizers that will let you stack your pans in an efficient and stressfree manner.
Source:
Listotic
45) Install a wall mount for your high heels
Running out of space in the closet to store your high heels? If youโve got yourself a bit of a collection, you can always install an angled wall mount of base molding. Heels and angles โ they definitely work well together and the end result is even pretty nice.
Source:
Attic Mag
46) Use pipes to store cables, combs and curling irons
There are plenty of bathroom items that can make a bit of a mess in closets. Curling irons are just a perfect example of that, especially when theyโre accompanied by a pretty long electrical cable that is just doomed to end up tangled. Attach some PVC pipes to the inside of a bathroom closet, and youโve just built yourself a perfecty and nifty spot for these annoying items. And best of all, you can even use it for cable management purposes as well!
Source:
The Family Handy Man
47) Cleverly store lids with metal bars
Stacking pots inside of kitchen cupboards seems like a good idea โ until you realize that youโll have to throw the lid somewhere and it might take you minutes before you find a matching pot and lid couple. Instead, just install a metal tower bar with a gap thatโs just wide enough to hold your most-used lids. Out of sight and always in reach, what more can you ask for?
Source:
Martha Steward
48) Hide your power strips with a basket
Itโs absolutely incredible how much a difference some simple cable management can make. If youโre afraid of a spaghetti of wires, or just canโt stand to see all those power cables and adapters resting on the floor, this basket tip is going to be a lifesaver. Simply hang a basket directly under your desk and youโll never have to look at those ugly cables again.
Source:
Martha Stewart
49) Chain your clothing hangers
By simply adding a chain to an S-hook in your closet, you can maximize the number of hangers with clothing you can add. Grab a chain and give an appealing color with some spray paint if youโd like, and youโve got yourself a perfect DIY and super simple method to start hanging clothes vertically as well.
Source:
Brit + co
50) Place CD racks in your kitchen closets
For many of us, CDs sound like something from the past. With the popularity of digital music and streaming services, items to display compact discs have definitely become less common โ but theyโre actually also really great at holding your tupperware lids!
Source:
BHG
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As you can see, there are plenty of things you can do to make the most out of smaller homes!
