Let’s face it: New York City apartments are tiny compared to their counterparts in other parts of the county. But, living in a small apartment doesn’t mean you need to go minimalist. Here are five storage hacks for your NYC apartment that will allow you to effectively organize and store all of your belongings!
1.) Invest in Furniture that Doubles as Storage
Furniture with hidden storage space is arguably the best storage hack out there. Purchase ottomans, tables, or even a bed frame that offers additional storage space. You can put extra blankets and pillows in ottomans, books and office supplies in the drawers on a table, and other personal belongings in the drawers or shelves of a bed frame. A bed with built-in storage is perfect for your seasonal wardrobe. No space for a dresser, no problem. Use the drawers for all your folded clothing from t-shirts and jeans to underwear and sweaters.
2.) Display your Bike
If you have a bike for exercise or it’s your favorite way to get around the city, you know it takes up a lot of precious floor space. To preserve that valuable square footage and prevent crowding in your entranceway, simply mount your bike on a wall. You can easily install a simple hook system that will securely hold your bike. If biking is a big part of your life, this is a great way to add personal flair and design to your space.
3.) Use Doors as Extra Space
Every apartment has at least one door. Regardless of how many doors you have in your apartment, use doors to your advantage. Use hooks to can hang towels and bathrobes in the bathroom. Use shoe bags like this 24-Pocket PEVA Over the Door Shoe Bag beauty products on your bathroom door. It’s also a perfect solution for hats, gloves, and umbrellas in the entranceway. If you have a dog, it’s perfect for baggies, leashes, and sweaters. Of course, a shoe bag is also great for shoes. Look for one that matches your style – they come in plastic, canvas, and mesh. In the kitchen use the doors of your lower cabinets to add a bar for dishtowels on the outside. Lower cabinet doors are also great for bag holders such as this simplehuman® Stainless Steel Bag Holder from Bed Bath and Beyond.
Photo Credit and Design: BLISS AT HOME
4.) Go Floor to Ceiling
At AKorganizing we love the look and flexibility of a sprawling wall of bookshelves. It’s not only for books. It’s a great way to display beautiful objects, photos, and memorabilia so you can keep surfaces clear and clutter free. Floor to ceiling shelving will maximize storage space. Use bins and baskets to corral small items like office supplies, notebooks, pillows, and throws. If you live in a rental, don’t worry; you do need to install any fancy built-ins. Simply buy some tall bookshelves and place them side by side. For a super fast, super inexpensive hack, try the Billy Bookcase from IKEA.
5.) Storage is the New Design Technique
Although the trend is to minimize our belongings, the reality is that when space is limited, we still need to get creative on how to store basic belongings. A good way to do this is to add whimsy and style to your space by storing things in plain site and in unexpected ways. For example, stack books on window sill or use them as a whimsical side table for drinks or a small lamp. Don’t’ forget to use a coaster! Use your bookcase to divide a room. The storage opportunities are endless. Instead of stressing about downsizing your belongings or finding a larger apartment, start thinking about the unique ways you can store your belongings. In order to maximize your storage space, take advantage of every door, nook, and wall in your apartment.
