You’ve finally found your perfect apartment! It’s within your budget, has the perfect lease, and you’re in love with the location. You’re excited to move in but quickly realize it’s too small — what now?
Smaller apartments are increasingly becoming the norm in large American cities where space is at a premium. The metropolises along each coast are notorious for tiny, awkwardly shaped apartments that carry astronomical rents. City dwellers just have to make do.
If you’re looking for tips to make this itsy-bitsy studio work for you, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll walk you through clever small apartment organization ideas to keep your space functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Invest In Multifunctional Furniture
Living in a tiny apartment is incredibly frustrating because there’s not enough space for your stuff. One way to get around the space constraints in your apartment is to be smart with your furniture choices.
When buying a new piece of furniture, why not choose something that can be used in multiple ways? Multifunctional furniture combines your needs into one item, saving you money and space. And there are so many options to choose from.
For example, a bed with drawers beneath can be a handy solution for your storage woes. Here, you can store everything you don’t regularly use, from your winter clothes to spare pillows and sheets. Similarly, a storage ottoman can be a great addition.
Divide Your Space into Zones
A typical studio apartment layout comprises one main room and a bathroom. Your working, eating, and sleeping spaces overlap, which can make your home feel a little crowded. Fortunately, clever zoning can make a huge difference.
Separating your space into zones doesn’t have to be complicated. There are a few simple tricks that work for almost any studio apartment. For instance, adding a coffee table or a rug can help you define your seating area.
Take Advantage of the Vertical Space
When working with limited space, vertical surfaces are the most obvious way to gain some practical real estate. The best thing you can do with vertical spaces in your apartment is using them for storage. You can employ all kinds of storage solutions.
For instance, you can install a set of shelves to put that empty space to good use. If you have an entire wall of vertical space to fill, you can go with modular storage. You can also utilize vertical spaces using smart furniture choices such as:
- Coat racks
- Armoires
- Wardrobes
- Bookshelves
How to Organize a Small Apartment with No Storage
Organizing a small apartment can be very frustrating if your space doesn’t come with dedicated storage. Here are some clever small apartment organization ideas for a small apartment with no storage:
- Downsize your possessions. You can donate valuable items and throw out everything else.
- Declutter at least once a day. Organize your cabinets, drawers, and closets. Clear flat surfaces and relocate anything that belongs elsewhere.
- Utilize vertical space. Use creative storage solutions, including shelves and furniture, to take advantage of vertical spaces in your home.
- Use stacking containers to make the most out of every inch of space you have available.
- Buy multifunction items. Invest in items that serve multiple functions, such as a coffee table that doubles as a storage space.
Apartment Organization on a Budget
Obviously, you have to shell out a few bucks for organizational tools when organizing your small apartment, but it doesn’t have to be overly expensive. Here are some budget-friendly small apartment organization ideas to create a lovely, ordered space without spending a ton of money:
- Under-the-bed storage bins. Use under-the-bed storage bins — with wheels for easy access — to hide clutter under the bed.
- Stackable bins. These transparent shoebox-sized plastic bins are ideal for small apartment organization and don’t cost much.
- Space-saving hangers. If you run out of closet space, use hangers to claim back functional space and reduce clutter in your closet.
- Floating shelves. Floating shelving is a simple, budget-friendly way to utilize vertical spaces and open up your space.
- Hooks. Use stick-on hooks to organize bags, hats, and other accessories you have lying around in your apartment. Tacky hooks are affordable and easy to install.
- Wall hangers in the kitchen. Install wall hangers for your pots and pans to create more room in your kitchen drawers and cabinets.
How to Organize a Small Space with Lots of Stuff
The key to organizing a small space with lots of stuff is to declutter. Simply get rid of the items taking up valuable space in your drawers, cabinets, bookshelves, etc. The tricky part is working out what to keep and what to throw out.
You can choose to keep, toss, or donate items you don’t use based on monetary and sentimental value. Here are a few ideas to help you out:
- Keep. Items with sentimental value, such as gifts from loved ones.
- Toss. Stuff you can’t sell or donate, such as broken items.
- Donate. Items that someone else can get more use from.
If you still have a lot of stuff left, the small apartment organization ideas discussed throughout the article can help you find a suitable storage solution.
Small Apartment Storage Furniture
If you are apprehensive about purging your possessions, you’ll have to think outside the box to find storage for all your stuff. The right furniture can help you squeeze out every inch of space in your apartment.
Multipurpose furniture is ideal for small apartments with no storage. Here are creative furniture ideas for better small apartment organization and storage:
- Bed with drawers
- Storage Ottoman
- Floating desk with shelving
- Side table with storage
- Mirror with shelving and hooks
You can use the extra storage to hide clutter. All these are basic furniture items you’ll still need in your apartment anyway. The extra storage space is the cherry on top.
Conclusion
You don’t have to pass up on your dream apartment just because it’s small. If you are organized, you can make the space work for your needs. We hope these small apartment organization ideas provide some inspiration to help you make the most of every inch of space.