The first step to maximizing space in your apartment is removing a few things. Taking a hard look at your stuff will help you decide what to keep, donate, or put in storage.
When it comes to storing items in small apartments, think vertically. Open shelves allow light to pass through the room and double as decor.
Get Rid of Stuff
One of the most important things you can do before moving into a small apartment is to get rid of stuff. Donating or selling items you don’t need or use helps free up space in your new home and saves you from paying movers for a move that isn’t necessary.
If you’re having trouble letting go of your belongings, look for ways to store them without wasting valuable floor space. You can purchase bookcases that go as close to the ceiling as possible or even on the wall, and you can use the top shelves of linen closets for less frequently used items. Using corner storage in your bathroom or kitchen is another good way to keep your home organized without taking up too much floor space.
Lastly, pay special attention to your entryway area, as most clutter builds up in small apartments. Having a place for keys, shoes, bags and other items can help prevent your apartment from looking messy and unorganized. Adding command hooks to the walls is an inexpensive way to do this.
If you still can’t find a place for everything in your small apartment, you can always rent storage units in San Francisco. These are convenient and affordable and offer plenty of storage space for extra furniture, sports equipment, seasonal items, collectibles, and more.
Rent a Storage Unit
Apartment living can sometimes feel like a game of Tetris, but there are ways to make space for everything you own. Many people find renting a storage unit in San Francisco an excellent way to create extra space for items they don’t need daily. These units are inexpensive, convenient and secure. They come in various sizes to accommodate most things, from sports equipment to furniture and even holiday decorations.
Renting a storage unit in a city like San Francisco is a great option for those who live in a small apartment, especially in high-density cities where larger homes are rare and often out of budget range. A 5×5-foot storage unit, for instance, is the size of a walk-in closet and can easily fit a bed, mattress set, dresser or box full of clothes. The monthly cost of this size of storage is around $150, which is far less expensive than paying to store items in an attic or basement.
Another way to free up space is by converting all paper documents into digital versions, which can be stored on cloud services such as Google Drive, Dropbox or OneDrive. This allows you to access your documents anytime, anywhere and saves you the hassle of holding them in physical folders. Finally, consider investing in multipurpose furniture that doubles as storage, such as ottomans and poufs with built-in shelves for books and other items.
Invest in a Shelving System
The first step in any home organization plan is removing things you no longer want or need. Tossing, donating, or selling these items frees up space so that you can put them to good use with a shelving system in your apartment. Adding more shelves in your closets, pantry, or dining room is a simple way to give everything a place and keep it organized. If you have a lot of extra stuff, consider renting a 5×10 storage unit in San Francisco for your long-term belongings.
Whether your apartment is a studio, a one-bedroom, or a two-bedroom condo, there are many ways to maximize your space with clever storage ideas for small apartments. The most important thing is to get creative and think outside the box regarding storage solutions for your small apartment.
For example, if your apartment has tall ceilings, look up and don’t overlook all that space above you. Investing in shelving systems at the top can create more storage without taking up floor space. You could even install a hanging rack in your kitchen for pots and pans to save valuable cabinet space.
Purchasing double-duty furniture is another great way to make the most of your small apartment space. You can find furniture that looks great and functional, such as a pouf or coffee table with built-in drawers for storage.
Get Creative
Using multiple storage solutions helps keep your apartment from feeling cluttered and constrained. In addition to traditional closet systems, consider design-led multipurpose furniture, which has seen a resurgence in recent seasons owed to its functionality and sleek, contemporary aesthetic. Poufs with hidden storage and coffee tables with secret drawers can free up floor space in your apartment while containing clutter and providing a neat, organized home for your belongings.
Another way to free up space is to go vertical – that is, use your walls for storage. Renter-friendly command hooks are a great way to store coats and bags near your apartment’s entryway, while a small shelf can hold shoes and other items in your kitchen. Consider mounting brackets above doors and even in hallways to take advantage of empty wall space.
Lastly, you can optimize your apartment’s outdoor spaces, particularly balconies. While many people relegate their balconies to storage, you can transform yours into a comfortable, welcoming lounge area with simple tricks. For example, if you have a glass barrier, you can hang curtains over the railing to give your balcony extra privacy while allowing sunlight to stream in and brighten up your room. You can also place some plants on your patio to bring in a natural element and make your apartment feel more cozy and inviting.