Back when I lived in a small apartment during college, I loved its cozy vibe—but let’s be honest, the biggest struggle was finding enough storage space.
You want to stay organized, but where do you put everything when your bed and desk already take up most of the room? On top of that, being in a rental meant no permanent changes. So, I had to get super creative with every square inch.
After a ton of experimenting, I finally cracked the code on storage solutions that were functional, renter-friendly, and still looked good. If you’re living in a small space and constantly feel like you’re playing a game of Tetris with your stuff, these hacks are for you.
15 Genius Small Apartment Storage Hacks That Changed Everything
1. Use Vertical Space
When floor space is limited, go up! I installed floating shelves to hold books, kitchen supplies, and décor. It instantly made my space feel more open and stylish.
2. Get Dual-Purpose Furniture
My ottoman stored magazines and blankets, and my bed frame had built-in drawers. Furniture that doubles as storage = total lifesaver.
3. Over-the-Door Storage
I had organizers on the back of my bathroom and closet doors. They held toiletries, shoes, and accessories without taking up any floor space.
4. Hooks Everywhere
I added removable hooks behind doors, in hallways, and even in the kitchen. They were perfect for coats, utensils, and bags—and easy to take down when I moved.
5. Foldable & Collapsible Furniture
A foldable dining table and chairs let me open up space when I wasn’t entertaining. Super useful for a tiny apartment.
6. Baskets and Bins
Cute baskets in the living room kept my space tidy. I also used clear under-bed bins so I could store and easily find clothes or seasonal items.
7. Over-the-Sink Dish Rack
My tiny kitchen needed counter space badly, and an over-the-sink dish rack made it happen. Bonus: it looked sleek and kept dishes out of the way.
8. Cabinet and Closet Door Organizers
Inside my cabinet doors, I added racks for lids and cutting boards. On closet doors, I stored smaller items like scarves, shoes, and belts.
9. Corner Shelves
Don’t overlook corners! I added corner shelves in the bathroom and bedroom to take advantage of every inch.
10. Sink or Stove Covers
Cutting boards that fit over the sink or stove created more prep space and doubled as display space when not in use.
11. Declutter + Rotate Seasonally
Getting rid of what I didn’t use made a huge difference. I also stored off-season clothes to free up valuable closet space.
12. Create Functional Zones
Even in a small space, I carved out areas for work, dining, and relaxing. This helped me stay organized and made the apartment feel more intentional.
13. Use Awkward Spaces Wisely
My small bathroom didn’t have built-in storage, so I placed a slim organizer just outside of it. I also used my balcony wall for hanging plants and made my corner closet work with angled shelves.
14. Vacuum-Seal Bulky Items
Blankets, coats, and pillows took up way too much space—until I started vacuum-sealing them. It was a total game-changer for storage.
15. Top of Cabinets = Hidden Storage
Decorative boxes on top of kitchen cabinets and wardrobes gave me extra storage for rarely-used items without making things look messy.
Whether you’re in a dorm, studio, or your first apartment, these hacks can help you create a space that feels bigger, cleaner, and way more functional. Small space living doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style or comfort—with a little creativity, you can totally make it work!
