Living in small spaces is a way of life for most city dwellers. Finding storage space in a small apartment that seems to consist of only walls and windows and barely any closets can be a challenge. But with a bit of creativity and double duty furnishings, you’ll master the basics of DIY storage in no time at all.

Utilize Vertical Storage

Maximize the storage space of your small apartment by utilizing vertical storage. Shelves are often the go-to use of vertical storage. But, in such a small space, they can often create visual clutter. Consider hanging shelves over doors such as bathroom and closet doors to add a bit of architectural detailing as well as a more hidden source of storage space. Over-the-door shelves can easily be used to conceal and store additional bottles of personal care items in the bathroom. In bedrooms and home offices, they can be used to store bed sheets and DVDs.

Many adults are hesitant to opt for a loft bed because they see it as juvenile. Loft beds have come a long way since your high school days; many models offer sophistication, comfort and act as an innovative storage solution. The most efficient use of space in a loft bed is opting for a model that provides full drawers and a small closet area for clothing. Loft beds such as the one described can often offer compact storage that replaces the use of two to three six-drawer dressers. Loft beds aren’t for everyone, of course. If you prefer a more traditional bedroom set consider a storage bed; a long bed skirt can often hide the drawers.

Double Duty Furnishings

Choosing furniture that provides hidden storage allows you to truly maximize every square inch of your small apartment. Living room furnishings can be a great source of hidden storage. Opting for a storage sofa and storage ottoman rather than a standard couch and coffee table can allow you to store clothing, shoes, paperwork and more. Further maximize the storage provided by these furnishings by using vacuum-sealed space bags to stack bags of out-of-season clothing and bulky bedding.

For innovative home office storage that is big on style and storage, create a storage desk by attaching a butcher block countertop to two short bookcases, one used at each end to support the countertop. Make your closet storage go the extra mile by attaching strips of wire to the ceiling and using it to store wrapping paper, jackets and other lightweight items. The storage options for a crafty individual are truly limitless.

Living in a small space gives you two options in terms of finding storage solutions. The first option is to downsize your belongings in order to have fewer items to store. And the second option is to become creative with every available inch of storage, with an emphasis on utilizing hidden storage in order to keep clutter at bay.

Author Byline:
Jon Engle is currently editor of CaliforniaApartmentsBlog.com providing tips on home loans, real estate reviews, apartment living and apartment community reviews such as these Florida apartments for rent and these Highlands Ranch apartments.