Whether you’re living in a quaint studio in New York City or a 2 bedroom apartment in the midwest, there never seems to be enough storage space. Renting apartments comes with the task of finding storage solutions for all of your beloved belongings. Not effectively storing your items can lead to unsightly clutter, headaches, and tripping over things at 2 am (ouch).
What if we told you there were storage solutions out there that could transform your space? Well, you’re in the right place. We’ll show you unique and clever ways to store the items you love all within the rental space you’re living in. Say goodbye to clutter and hello to organization!
Check out our top 15 storage tips for apartment renters:
Invest in Furniture Storage
Ottomans, coffee tables, chairs, and more come in a variety of options for storing things inside of them. If you’re short on storage space these can be an excellent place to store blankets, dog toys, magazines, remotes and anything else you want out of sight!
Utilize Hanging Fruit Baskets
Listen up, because hanging baskets aren’t just for the kitchen anymore. They’re a great storage solution for socks, hats, belts, scarves, and mittens. Or maybe you’re looking for a space for all of your pets food/treats/toys? You can hang these in your closet or bedroom to preserve valuable floor space. Win-win!
Hang Jeans on “S Hooks”
Img: homehacks.com
You’ve probably seen fancy stores hanging their jeans on S style hooks, so why can’t you? It will save you a ton of space in your closet. Bulky wooden hangers won’t be cramping your style (or space) anymore.
Divide Your Space
If you’re living in a studio apartment, you can make your space appear bigger while at the same time increasing your storage options and dividing your bedroom and living area. Adding an open shelving unit consisting of ceiling to floor open cubes are perfect for storing all of those books or DVDs you don’t have a place for. You can also put square fabric boxes in the openings for hidden storage. IKEA has great options such as this one.
Hooks Are Your Best Friend
Placing hooks on the back of closet or bathroom doors are perfect for hanging towels, belts, purses, necklaces, coats, and basically anything you can hang. Brands such as Command even offer damage free hooks. These will make your life way easier in every room of your apartment.
Bike Storage
Img: IkeaHackers.net
Rather than having your bike sit outside in the elements or by your front door awkwardly, try hanging it from the wall or ceiling. It’ll add a great piece of artwork to your apartment and will be a great conversation starter! Ultimately, it’ll be out of your way yet still ready at a moment’s notice when you want to take a spin out on the town.
Under the Bed Storage
Resist the urge to throw everything under the bed to “hide” it. Under the bed storage can be a great option if used wisely, you just have to have a reliable system in place. Pull out drawers, containers, or bins can all house your belongings and keep them neatly organized. If you want even more storage, consider using bed raisers to add a few more inches underneath your bed.
Kitchen Shelves and Baskets to the Rescue
Storing things in the kitchen can be tricky. Luckily there is usually room for open shelving where you can show off your cute coffee mugs or plates while hiding the rest behind closed pantry doors. Also in the kitchen, consider adding baskets on the top above kitchen cabinets. Remember to think up, not out for more storage options.
Fireplace Space
If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace in your unit, you can opt to use it as a clever space to store magazines, books, or candles. You can make it chic and truly your own style.
Shoes, Shoes, Shoes
Img: Flickr
If the idea of throwing away a single pair of shoes makes you want to run for the hills, don’t sweat it, you can keep them all. You’ll just need to find a better solution rather than piling them all into the closet corner on top of each other. Racks, “shoe” dressers with pull out drawers, pegs, shelving, cubbies, and back of door hanging are all great options. You can also mount crown molding on one of your walls to hang heels.
Tank Tops & Shower Rings, Oh My!
Img: Hip2Save
This storage solution is pure genius. Those rings that you hang your shower curtain on can actually be put to work in your closet as well. Closet space is often one of the hottest commodities and this storage hack couldn’t be any easier. Simply place shower rings on a hanger, hang one tank top through each ring, and hang the entire hanger in your closet. You’ll be amazed at how easy and efficient this solution is.
Nightstand Ideas
Another great bedroom storage idea is to stack three vintage suitcases on top of each other and use it for a nightstand by your bed. You can store miscellaneous and less used items in the suitcases and it won’t take up as much space as a traditional nightstand. Stack, store, and enjoy the flair!
For a more modern look consider adding floating square shelves next to your bed. You’ll reap the benefits of having a nightstand without the extra clutter and space. Plus you can store books and other knick-knacks inside the shelves.
Laundry Hamper
These bad boys take up a lot of floor space. Opt for a hanging one to place on the back of a door. If you have a washer in your apartment and live alone or with a significant other, you can opt to not have a hamper altogether by simply throwing your dirty clothes straight into the washer. You’ll be more motivated to get the laundry done when it’s full and you’ll save valuable space by not having a hamper.
High-Level Shelves
One of the most unused parts of your apartment sits just below 12 inches under the ceiling. (Again, feeding off of how we mentioned earlier for storage options “think up, not out”). You can install shelves around the perimeter of your bedroom, living room or anywhere else! This will easily add dozens of square feet of storage space.
Hidden Jewelry Mirror
Img: Amazon
Necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings can often get lost in the shuffle. If you have an open wall space this will work great for you. First, install small hooks to hang all of your jewelry on. Next, find a full-length mirror and add hinges to it. Install the mirror on the wall so that when you close it, all of your jewelry is hidden beneath it. You’ll have a safe place for your jewelry and also a new mirror to check yourself out in. If you’re really handy with tools, you can build one like this. Or if you’d rather save yourself the trouble and buy one pre-made, here’s a great option.
Remember, living with less square footage doesn’t have to be a deal breaker. You simply have to be smarter about how you organize and store your belongings. Now get out there and try incorporating some of these awesome storage solutions!
If you’re in the market to move, check out Zumper’s listings to find available apartments for rent!
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