7 Ingenious Storage Solutions for Small Apartments

By: RENTCafé

Living in a tiny home has its perks: it’s easier to housekeep, it has a charming, intimate feel, and it’s harder to lose stuff. On the downside, storage space is limited, and having many belongings can result in a cluttered look. You have to get creative and find all sorts of imaginative ways to store your possessions. 

Solutions do exist, and we’ve compiled a list of seven storage hacks that are both practical and stylish. They are also non-disruptive, so they are perfect even if you’re renting your apartment, or you don’t want to commit to a change in your home.

Shoe Storage Benches

The first instinct when it comes to shoes is to hide them from sight. A different solution is to make them the focal point of your apartment’s entry hall. A storage bench with two or three racks can serve a dual purpose: keep your shoes organized and bring your bags within easy reach. Contrary to what you might think, displaying them won’t result in an unkept look, but a fresh, artistic one.

Wall-Mounted Bike Racks

If your apartment is in Washington, D.C., Vancouver, or any other bike-friendly city, storing your two-wheeler might also be an issue. One option is to choose a community that offers a secure bike room, but if you’re feeling creative, you can mount a rack on the walls and make it the centrpiece of your living room.

Built-In Bathtub Storage

The space surrounding your bathtub can be used as a smart storage solution. Since it often goes unused, you can add pull-down drawers or cabinets to the decorative panel and keep your lotions, shampoos, scrubs, and shower gels there. Not only will you have more room for all your shower essentials, but you will also give the bathroom a sleek, modern look.

Windowsill Bars

While most commonly met in cafes, restaurants, and pubs, there’s no reason not to have them at home, especially when you’re living in a small apartment. This is common for many rental apartments in big cities like Atlanta, where the hipsterish vibe of the city lends itself to home décor. 

Window bars are an ingenious way to create the illusion of having a balcony, as they connect the room to the outdoors. Besides, you can turn them into a place to study, drink your coffee, or grow an herb garden. For maximum impact, add hanging baskets or shelf organizers underneath them and use that space to keep magazines, vinyl records, stationery supplies, or even make-up products.

Floating Shelves

A classic option, floating shelves are a clever hack to add more storage space to your apartment without looking like you’re storing something. They are versatile enough to be a great fit for any room, be it the kitchen, the living room, the bathroom, or the bedroom. More than that, they can be used in any way you can imagine, from turning them into bookshelves and spice racks, to converting them into open linen closets or minimalistic nightstands.

Bookshelf Room Dividers

When you’re living in a rental apartment, the last thing you want to do is to drill holes in the walls. However, you still need to find a way to keep your books, magazines, linens, and even your clothes organized. That’s where bookshelf room dividers come into play. Place them adjacent to your couch, behind the bed, or next to your dining table to divide the rooms into two distinct areas and get additional storage space.

Under Bed Storage Drawers

Depending on your design preferences, you can opt for a bed with built-in drawers. Otherwise, you can buy under-bed storage drawers, bins, or boxes independently. They provide a convenient way to store your mattresses, pillows, bedspreads, and any other bedroom related items. Plus, they stay out of sight, so they won’t affect the room’s aesthetic.

The rule of thumb when looking for smart storage hacks for a small apartment, regardless if you own it or rent it, is to look for vertical solutions, add invisible drawers, and find ingenious uses for common household fixtures. A few, simple changes is all it takes to boost your level of comfort.

With a background in communication studies, Teodora Demian joined the RENTCafé team eager to uncover the secrets of real estate. She has a BA in Journalism and an MA in Public Relations and Advertising. She is a passionate writer, researcher, and marketing specialist.