Living in an apartment, no matter the size, can be a great place to call home, but it can come with unique challenges. Apartments usually don't have basements, garages, attics, or extra spaces to be put to use. But there are solutions that can help renters maximize the space in their apartment with little effort.
Get Creative. There are obvious places to store things, like cabinets and closets. But there's probably unused space that you haven't considered. For example, you could store things under beds and tables. For extra space, a bed lifted up off the floor could have shelves or storage bins put under it, maximizing the amount of things you can fit there and keep out of the way.
Invest in Storage. There are many ways you can increase your storage space in your apartment. Vacuum-sealed bags will ensure that the items you're storing will take up as little space as possible. This can be especially useful for things like off-season clothing. In addition, wall hooks and hanging baskets can allow you to store things out of the way without taking up too much floor space.
Small furniture is key. Make sure you're buying furniture that actually fits in your apartment. A bonus is furniture that can double as storage: consider investing in an ottoman, or nested tables.
Make the space feel bigger. There are things you can do to make your space feel bigger than it is. For example, mirrors can create the illusion of more space. Also, creatively using the corners of a room rather than the center can help maximize space. Make sure that your furniture is arranged in a way that makes walking through your apartment easy.
Declutter regularly. Clutter can build up faster in a small space, so it's important to keep things clean. Make sure that everything has a proper "place" in your apartment to help keep things from getting too out of hand. Also, make sure to dust and air out the space regularly --- it will help things feel fresh and open and remind you to clear out recycling, junk mail and other trash.
Ultimately, though space can be at a premium in an apartment, with a little creative thought and willingness to try different things, you will be better prepared to maximize space in your home.
