Small Space Storage
Small Apartment Storage Checklist: 6 Space-Saving Essentials
Small apartments rarely lack space. They lack the right storage in the right places. This checklist covers six pieces that unlock space under the bed, behind doors and up the walls, and they all work for renters.
Save to PinterestUnder-bed storage boxes
Low boxes with lids or wheels turn the space under your bed into a closet for off-season clothes, bedding and shoes. Measure the clearance before you buy.
Over-door organizer
A hanging organizer on the back of a closet or bathroom door holds shoes, toiletries or cleaning supplies without screws.
Bench with hidden storage
An entry or end-of-bed bench with a lift-up seat gives you a place to sit and a place to hide bags, blankets or shoes.
Wall-mounted drop-leaf table
Folds flat against the wall when you don't need it and opens into a desk or dining surface when you do. Ideal for studios.
Vertical shoe rack
A tall, narrow rack holds twice the pairs of a wide one on the same footprint. Put it inside a closet or behind a door.
Stackable closet bins
Matching bins use the full height of shelves and keep small items from turning into piles. Clear or labeled bins make things easy to find.
What to look for before you buy
Under-bed boxes
Measure the clearance under your bed first and choose lidded boxes slightly lower than that.
Over-door organizers
Check the door thickness and that the door still closes with the organizer full.
Storage benches
Look at the inside dimensions, not just the outside, and check that the lid stays open safely.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Buying storage before decluttering.
- Choosing bins without measuring the space.
- Storing things you use daily in hard-to-reach places.
Questions people ask
Where do I start with storage in a small apartment?
Start by decluttering, then measure the spaces you are not using: under the bed, behind doors and high on the walls.
What storage works for renters?
Freestanding pieces, over-door organizers and under-bed bins need no drilling. Check your lease before mounting anything to the walls.
Tackle one zone at a time: bed, doors, then closet. Measure every space before buying so each piece fits.
