The U.S. is home to over 330 million people, and 36% of the country’s population lives in an apartment. There are countless reasons why people want to switch from a traditional house to a cozy flat. From lower utility costs to better home security, there is a reason to entice everyone.
Although there are several benefits to living in an apartment, there is one drawback. That is the compact area.
But if you live in an apartment and want to overcome the issue, you have come to the right place. Below are nine ways to save space and utilize your openings at home!
1. Get Under-Bed Storage
One of the most overlooked spaces when living in an apartment is under the bed. However, it offers a significant storage area that can’t function as anything else.
You can free up valuable closet space and keep your belongings organized. There are many options for under-bed storage, including plastic bins and rolling drawers.
When choosing storage, measure under your mattress so the containers will fit. You can also use this slot to store out-of-season clothing and linens you don’t need access to daily.
2. Invest in Multi-Functional Furniture
When you purchase a flat, each piece of furniture inside should serve a purpose. That’s when multi-functional furniture comes into play.
For instance, you can use a sofa bed as both a couch and a bed. Or have a coffee table with hidden storage that can double as a place to store blankets and pillows. Furthermore, a dining table with foldable leaves can save space when not in use.
Another choice is to invest in furniture that you can move or reconfigure. A set of nesting tables can be separated when you need extra surface space or pushed together to save room.
A lightweight folding table can be stored away when you don’t need it. Then you can bring it out when you need an extra workspace.
3. Utilize Your Vertical Space
Utilizing vertical space is a simple yet effective tip when saving space in an apartment. This means using the walls to store items rather than relying solely on floor space.
You can do this by installing shelves or using bookcases. In return, it will provide ample space for books, decorative items, clothing, and more.
Another way to use vertical space is to hang items on the walls. You can hang pots and pans in the kitchen and use a pegboard to hang tools in the garage. You can free up floor space and make your apartment feel more spacious by making the most of the walls.
4. Organize Your Closet and Wardrobes
A cluttered closet can make it difficult to find what you need and can take up room in your apartment. By organizing your wardrobes, you can create more space and make items you need easier to find.
Start by removing everything from your closet and sorting it into three piles. Keep, donate, and toss. Then, use hangers, shelves, and storage bins to keep everything organized and easy to find.
You can also use closet organizers, like shoe racks, tie racks, and hanging organizers.
Apartment life can feel overwhelming. But if you stay prepared, you will find that you can live a more sustainable and economical lifestyle.
5. Get Rid of Your Clutter
For how many days, weeks, or even months have you been saying you need to get rid of your clutter?
Don’t worry. You are not alone. Studies show that around 54% of U.S. citizens say they are annoyed by the clutter in their homes.
Finally, you can throw out your mess and indulge in apartment life. You do this by clearing items you don’t need or use and keeping only the essential objects.
Start by going through each room in your apartment and making a checklist of the items you no longer need. Your list could include old clothes, outdated electronics, and broken or damaged items. Then, donate, sell, or recycle these items as appropriate.
6. Adding Mirrors to the Flat
By strategically placing mirrors, you can make a room appear larger and brighter. One method is placing a large mirror on one of the walls. Ideally, it will be opposite a window to reflect natural light and visually expand the space.
Another approach is to use mirrored furniture or accessories. You can use a mirrored coffee table or a mirrored closet door to add depth and dimension to the room.
7. Invest in Stackable Containers
Stacking containers allow you to make use of vertical space or free up valuable floor space. The containers can also help you keep track of items effortlessly, as you can see what’s inside each one at a glance.
Look for containers with lids that snap securely into place. You can stack them safely without having to worry about them toppling over.
8. Hang Belongings on the Back of the Doors
Behind your door is usually a wasted area, but hanging items up is a smart way to save space.
First, use over-the-door organizers to hold shoes, hats, and other small items. These organizers come in many sizes and can be easily hung over the back of a door.
Second, consider adding hooks to the back of the door to hold towels, robes, and bags. They take up minimal space but can carry lots of items.
Third, use a hanging jewelry organizer to store your necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. It will keep your jewelry accessible and prevent tangles.
9. Keep It Simple
Finally, one of the best ways to save space in your apartment is to keep your decor and furnishings simple. Avoid clutter and fulfill a minimalist design. Choose a neutral color palette and limit your decorative items to a few key pieces.
Keeping things simple will create a more open and spacious feeling in your apartment. Overall, this will help you get the most out of your living space.
Save Space in Your Apartment
You’re not the first and won’t be the last person to worry about the area in a small flat. More people than ever are transitioning from a house to an apartment. Thus, now is the time to learn about clever ways to save space at home.
After reading our guide, you know nine proven tips to help make storage space and utilize apartment living. So clear your schedule and get to work today.
If you’re a homeowner, check out our property management service. We will take care of the maintenance and space-saving issues while you sit back and relax!