When you live in a small space like an apartment, it can be difficult to keep track of your belongings. Items might be out of place, leading to wasted time trying to find whatever you need at that moment. This can be stressful, especially if you are in a rush to leave one morning, but you might also find yourself putting off decluttering your home. After all, it can seem like a big task.
However, you aren’t alone in this. In 2024, New York Post published a story that mentioned one in seven homeowners admitted their homes were disorganized. If you find yourself thinking you might be that one in seven, don’t worry – this article has four of the best tips to keep your apartment tidy.
Make the Most of Vertical Space
There are a number of ways to make the most of vertical space, which is perfect if you have a few blank walls or awkward spaces in your apartment. One of the best methods to achieve this is by fitting floor-to-ceiling shelves. Not only does this provide several shelves for storage, it also frees up floor space that could have been used for drawers or storage boxes.
Floor-to-ceiling shelves are perfect for alcoves that you have no use for. This can create a visually interesting aspect to your apartment, especially if it is turned into a small library of books. It might also be useful for jars of herbs and spices in the kitchen.
Other ways to use vertical space instead of floor space include using over-the-door hanging storage. These over-the-door storage devices are great for shoes, children’s toys, and other small items that are usually stored at the bottom of the wardrobe. As an additional bonus, over-the-door storage can be placed on the inside of cupboard doors to hide items away, concealing them from visitors.
Rent a Storage Unit for Large Items
For large and bulky items that cannot be stored in the apartment, you might need to rent a storage unit. This might be furniture or seasonal items, like Christmas trees or Halloween decorative. Many self-storage units aim to make it easy for customers to move their items in, with unit size calculations and free use of carts and freight elevators.
For some, it will be daunting to put possessions in storage. Individuals might think their items could become damaged or be stolen, which is why it is essential to select a reputable company. To protect your belongings, self-storage should be climate-controlled and have state-of-the-art security; both of which are offered by Centron Self Storage. With over 30 years of experience, this company works to ensure their customers have peace of mind when storing their possessions.
Purchase Multifunctional Furniture
Some pieces of furniture can have several functions. Manufacturers create these pieces will small spaces in mind, hiding extra storage compartments, drawers, or shelves within. One of the best examples of this is sofas that have matching footstools. These footstools, otherwise known as ottomans, often open up to reveal storage space that can be used for books, games, blankets, etc.
Multifunctional furniture can also allow rooms to be adapted easily. During the day, the living room might have what looks like an ordinary sofa, but this sofa might transform into a pull-out bed during the evening for any guests. This is a good investment for those who live in one-bedroom apartments.
Hide Clutter in Baskets
With decorative baskets, clutter can be hidden in plain sight. Wicker baskets are the most commonly used but there are numerous options to choose from, which means you can find something to suit your home’s décor. Where you use them can also affect the type of basket you select; baskets used for shoes in the entryway might need to be waterproof and large, while blankets could be stored in wire storage baskets.
Storage baskets are excellent to hide clutter in the living room. They can replace side tables at the end of sofas to store blankets and throws or tucked under the coffee table to hide magazines and mail. This can make the living room look cozy and casual if done correctly; mismatched storage baskets could help achieve this type of aesthetic.
So, if you live in an apartment and like to keep your space tidy, finding easy storage solutions is a must. The four methods mentioned in this post will help you achieve a simple living space.