6 small space storage ideas so you can fit all your li'l things in your home

No tiny apartment will stop you

Small closet with organizational systems in place
(Image credit: Horderly)

Sure, moving into a small apartment could either be a go or a no. Many stress the fact that they won’t be able to fit all of their prized possessions in their tiny little living space. Not without some genius home organization products, that is.

With that in mind, it isn’t sugar-coated that you’ll have to get your creative juices flowing when it comes to organizing and storing your belongings in your small apartment. Although putting your creativity to work is fun throughout all aspects of life, especially when it comes to organizing your home, you may run out of ideas if you live in a small space. Let’s face it, decluttering isn’t easy because there may be certain items of sentimental value that you may want to keep. Therefore, you’ll need to gain some more inspiration for making the most out of your small apartment’s storage space, if you want to keep the majority of your stuff.

Organization expert Jamie Hord of Horderly gave us her insights on taking advantage of a small apartment’s space and how to make it work in terms of storage.

1. Make the most of empty space

Small closet with supplies and organized shelves

(Image credit: Horderly)

When it comes to maximizing closet space, Hord states to take advantage of the inside of the door space by using an over-the-door shoe bag (like this Amazon's Choice one) for shoes, winter accessories, or grab-and-go items. You'll also want to consider taking advantage of any empty wall space where you could hang hooks (like these damage-free ones from Amazon) for hats, cross-body bags, or robes. If you have a lot of height in your closet but are unsure what to do with it, make use of some modular stacking cubbies or other handy closet organizers.

2. Harness the power of shelves

Shelves with organizers and food supplies

(Image credit: Horderly)

When working with only a little square footage, Hord advises thinking vertically, which means considering wall space. Shelving keeps things off the floor and provides you with additional storage, especially for decor items that might be taking up space on your counters. If you find that open shelving is too visual for you, you can put baskets on the shelves where you can store items such as washcloths or journals.

3. Think outside of the box with drawers

Food storage containers organized in a drawer

(Image credit: Horderly)

Have you also just thrown all your food storage containers in a drawer and called it good? Relatable, but there are better ways to work the system. Drawer dividers can make a huge difference in how much you can fit. This doesn't just go for kitchen drawers either. Dressers do more than store your favorite outfits and undergarments. It could be utilized to place your television set or Playstation. A dresser (like this Amazon's Choice one) could even store your kitchen utensils and more of your off-season clothing. 

4. Use unexpected areas for storage

Under-sink area storing toiletries

(Image credit: Horderly)

The under-sink area is often either forgotten about or stuffed with cleaning supplies, but this is a great place to streamline and make it work harder. That being said, there are some things you shouldn't keep in your bathroom cabinets or other sink areas (like toilet paper). Other items? Totally fair game. Your windowsills also serve a great purpose, especially if you live in a smaller apartment! Your windowsills could provide space for you to place plants, books, or any other small objects you own that need a home. 

This is our favorite under-sink organizer, and you can buy it from Amazon for $24.99.

5. No closet space? Utilize the doors and extra shelves

Tiny closet with shoe storage on the doors

(Image credit: Horderly)

If your small apartment or studio doesn’t have enough closet space, you can always grab a couple of freestanding shelves or racks or (if you get permission from your landlord) drill them into the wall. You can also create a masterpiece of a closet replacement with a rod and curtains. On top of additional racks or shelves, door space is usually underutilized. Grab over-the-door organizers to store shoes, accessories, and other items.

6. Keep under the bed clear

Hord explained that one of the goals at Horderly is to keep under the bed as clear as possible since it will create better airflow in your bedroom and make it easier to clean. At times, you’ll have to take advantage of storing items under the bed depending on your belongings and space. If you do have to store items under the bed, be sure to use containment with lids to keep items safe from debris and label the bins so that you remember what you have under there! 

Hord suggests using bed risers (which you can buy from Amazon) to lift your bed if you do need somewhere to keep your winter coats and seasonal decor.

Aida M. Toro
Freelance Writer

About Me:

Hello! My name is Aida M. Toro and I am a freelance writer that loves cultivating stories about amazing people, fashion, interiors, art, and food. I currently write for Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam, The House Magazine, Hobnob Magazine, The C-Word, and Real Homes. I live in West New York, New Jersey, which is literally a 10-minute ferry ride or 20-minute bus ride away from New York City. Although I was born and raised in West New York, I consider NYC my home, as I believe it to be the place where all dreams come to fruition, and of course, spend most of my time in. When I’m not writing, I love perusing the city streets and taking snaps with my iPhone of street art along with random things, scoping out new restaurants as well as their spaces, shopping at some of my favorite stores, spending time with family and friends, walking my cockapoodle Benji, and working out at Lifetime or DOGPOUND, which are some of the top fitness spaces in Manhattan and overall the U.S.

SPONSORS