31 Clever Ways to Organize a Small Apartment With No Storage Space
This post may contain affiliate links: full affiliate disclosure.
Living in a small apartment with virtually no storage space is a challenge. All you need are some clever ways to organize a small apartment with no storage space to keep it in pristine condition.
It offers very little in the way of hidden spaces, and can encourage clutter to form on a daily basis. But don’t worry, all is not lost!
Read on for my breakdown of thirty-one clever ways to organize a small apartment with no storage space.
1. DIY Bedside Caddy
Source: mypoppet.com.au
Organizing a small bedroom is a lot easier when you have enough space to put your small essentials. Create a spot to put your phone, charger, headphones, and even glasses without taking up surface space.
This DIY bedside caddy is a beginner-friendly sewing project with a great payoff!
2. Tiered Rolling Cart
Source: @sorttossrepeat
If there’s one thing that every small apartment needs, it’s a rolling cart. This is a fantastic way to add versatile storage to every single room in your apartment. It’s easy to move around with you.
Plus, it looks sleek and stylish enough to suit any style of décor. I particularly love this white one!
3. Magnetic Knife Strips
Source: @apartmentorganizing
Maximize your kitchen space by using the vertical wall space to store your knives! All you need is a magnetic knife strip carefully secured to your wall with some Command strips.
This apartment organizing hack is a renter-friendly hack that’s great for making the most of small kitchens in apartments.
4. Storage Bins for Extra Closet Space
Source: @homeycasa
Make the most of limited closet space by investing in some storage bins. These are the perfect way to put your folded clothes away without generating clutter.
If you have a top-level shelf, put these bins up there for a clean look. They’ll also work on the floor in a pinch.
5. Extra Closet Shelf for Blanket Storage
Source: @thedomesticsavant
If you have the time and energy, putting up an extra shelf in your closet can be a great way to provide some extra blanket storage. In winter, this is invaluable.
You can easily find shelf kits like these to make putting up a new shelf a breeze.
6. Pan Rack
Source: @apartmentorganizing
Keep your pans in perfect order with a pan rack! This will minimize the amount of space your cookware takes up, and it’s also great for storing pot lids.
In fact, if you have limited cabinet space, it can even sit on your countertop as an industrial design feature.
7. Under the Sink Storage Space
Source: @christierobsham
Since your under-the-sink area is out of sight, it can be so easy for this spot to devolve into chaos.
Keep the space underneath your sink carefully organized to make getting ready in the morning a breeze. An assortment of clear acrylic containers is all you need for this!
You’ll also want to see these other ways to organize under the sink.
8. Stack Storage Containers
Source: @shipshapebysydney
Another way to make use of that under-sink area is to invest in some storage containers and stack them to create levels!
This is the perfect way to categorize different cleaning supplies in your kitchen for easy access.
9. Use Countertop Corner Space
Source: @palmettos_and_pineapples
Your bathroom’s countertop most likely has limited space, but one of the best ways to make use of it is with a simple corner caddy. This slots easily into a corner and provides two different levels.
Store your daily self-care supplies there for easy access and a decluttered countertop. I love this corner caddy if you’re looking for one!
10. Back of the Door Storage
Source: @dream_organization
In a small apartment, space is in high demand. But one of the spots that most people forget about is hiding on the back of their doors! Behind-the-door storage is the ideal small space solution.
For example, you can invest in a shoe hanger to give all your shoes a spot in the closet without them needing to sit on the floor.
Check out these other over-the-door store ideas.
11. Command Hooks
Source: @organizingbyhadley
Command hooks are one of the most versatile organizational accessories in the business. Renter-friendly and easy to install, these hooks are amazing in any corner of your home.
For small apartments, I’d recommend using them to hang your mop, broom, or Swiffer out of the way.
12. Magnetic Spice Racks on Side of the Fridge
Source: @heathermjacks
Your fridge door is yet another underutilized storage spot! Not on the inside, but on the outside! Something like this magnetic spice rack is a great way to save on cabinet space.
Not only that, but your spices will always be right where you need them while you’re cooking. It’s a win-win!
13. Under the Bed Storage
Source: @janesaddictionorganization
The area under your bed is prime real estate for storage! There is so much space under there, but so many people choose to leave it empty because they don’t have the right tools for the job.
You can either invest in a bedframe with built-in storage, or pick up some rolling containers to store your out-of-season linens and clothes in.
14. Utilize Vertical Space
Source: @spifforganizing
This is the golden rule when it comes to making the most out of small spaces: always use the vertical space! Whether it’s a wall or a closet, going up is the way to get a small space looking clean.
In this case, one of the simplest ways to do this is to invest in some storage bins for your hallway closet. Make sure to label the bins so that everything is easy to find!
15. Storage Cubes for Dead Space in the Closet
Source: @sophisticatedorganization
You know that area under your clothes hanging in the closet? In the business, we call that ‘dead space’, and it’s prime real estate for some creative organization.
Storage cubes are ideal for this situation. Simply set them up on the ground for several levels of additional storage!
16. Use Wall Space
Source: @thispetitehome
In a small apartment, your wall space is the perfect place to find more creative storage solutions. Case in point: this clever accessory station.
A towel rod like this one makes the perfect spot to hang your necklaces, and a few hooks on the wall will give your hats a clear spot to hang.
17. Tiered Bathroom Counter Organizer
Source: @palmettos_and_pineapples
Give your bathroom counter even more space by investing in a tiered bathroom organizer! This has two or more levels, and is designed to maximize storage on a small bathroom countertop.
Make sure to pick a stable organizer, as these can be top heavy and prone to falling over if you buy the wrong kind.
18. Mini Shoe Rack in Closet
Source: @ashleykielyliving
Make your closet space a little extra special while saving space with this adorable mini shoe rack. You can buy these pre-made or get creative with some power tools to make them yourself.
You can even use this idea in your entryway to keep your shoes beautifully organized.
19. Hanging Door Rack
Source: @cassie.organizes
Here’s another way to use some over-the-door storage! This wire hanging door rack is perfect for small spaces, granting your utility closet a quick and easy upgrade.
If you only have one or two closets in your apartment, adding these racks to both will immediately double the amount of storage you have to work with.
20. Open Cubby Storage
Source: @cluttercowgirl
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to add a lot of storage to your apartment very quickly, nothing does it better than open cubbies!
These open square shelves instantly add storage to a spare wall. Invest in a few soft storage cubes like these to help the shelves feel clean and uncluttered.
21. Use Storage Bins to Divide Items
Source: @cassie.organizes
Storage bins are a great way to instantly upgrade your small storage spaces. Linen closets, bedroom closets, and bathroom cabinets are all perfect for this hack.
Use the bins to separate and stack your items without creating clutter.
Check out these other clever tiny rental organization ideas!
22. Store Shoes Sideways for more space
Source: @apartmentorganizing
Did you know that storing your shoes sideways can actually free up more space? Storing your flats and flip flops on their sides can immediately open up more space for the rest of your clothes.
This doesn’t work as well for sneakers or boots, though, so keep that in mind!
23. Command Hooks
Source: dontcrampmystyle.co.uk
Don’t have space for a nightstand? Don’t worry about it! You can create plenty of space to hang your essentials with a coat rack like this or some command hooks.
From there, it’s easy to hang your bag, keys, headphones, and even your phone (in a caddy) for easy access.
24. Store Makeup in a Jewelry Organizer
Source: @thispetitehome
Create your very own makeup station without investing in a piece of bulky furniture by using a jewelry organizer instead!
This is a great way to use wall space, and immediately puts all your makeup on display.
25. Organize Office Supplies in Containers
Source: @cassie.organizes
If you work from home but don’t have room for an entire home office, store your office supplies in color-coded containers. Dedicate a cabinet or piece of closet space to these supplies.
Then, you can whip out these supplies each day as you settle in to work.
26. Acrylic Labelled Pantry Bins
Source: @kreatemyspace
Give your pantry the makeover it deserves using clear acrylic pantry bins. These large and deep bins are perfect for storing everything from snacks to essential dry items.
Best of all, you can label them according to certain categories. This makes creating a quick shopping list a breeze, since you can just cast your eyes over what’s low and write it on your list.
27. Storage Ottoman
Source: @ourhoppyhouse
If you know me, then you know that I am a big fan of hidden storage in furniture. It’s such a clever way to introduce a multifunctional piece into your home, and it saves so much space!
When in doubt, start with the classic storage ottoman. Something like this is a wonderful addition to any bedroom or living space.
28. Pegboard Storage System
Source: littlehouseonthecorner.com
In my humble opinion, pegboard storage systems are the perfect blend of form and function. They’re a great décor piece that can lend a ton of character to your space, and they’re also great for storage!
You can lean a pegboard on an existing surface, or hang it on your wall to create maximum vertical storage potential.
29. Floating Shelves
Source: @styledbyemoniehome
Floating shelves are one of my favorite ways to add storage to a space. They look incredible, and they add just as much storage as a standard shelf. Just with a sleeker look.
If you’re able to add shelves with anchors to your apartment, this can be a great way to display some of your nicest pieces and free up surfaces elsewhere.
30. Storage Ladder
Source: cleanandscentsible.com
The storage ladder is a classic choice for small bathrooms, and solves so many problems! You can add caddies to the rungs to create additional space, and the look of them is so rustic and chic.
Best of all, they slot effortlessly into strange or small nooks and crannies, so they’re ideal for apartment bathrooms.
31. Decant Pantry Items
Source: @theneatandtidyspace
Finally, let’s honor one of the most popular organization techniques of the last few years: decanting your pantry items. This actually does help to save space, as uniform containers are easier to stack.
Make sure to invest in a set of matching containers like these to get the most out of this space-saving pantry hack.