How to Maximize Space in a Small Apartment

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In this post, you’ll learn how to maximize space in a small apartment!

If you have a small apartment like me, you know the struggle of trying to keep your home in order. My boyfriend and I share a 1 bedroom apartment, so we had to get creative to maximize our space. In this post, I’ll share with you how to maximize space in a small apartment!

This post is all about how to maximize space in a small apartment!

1. Stay Organized & Avoid Clutter at all Costs

There is nothing that makes an apartment feel crowded more than clutter. When there’s stuff everywhere, it instantly makes the space feel smaller. That’s why keeping your apartment organized and clutter-free is SO important in a small space. I have a whole blog post on simple ways to keep your home clean and organized to help get you started.

2. Utilize “Hidden” Storage Spots

The space under your bed is perfect for storing things you don’t need to access very often, such as off-season clothing. I have tons of bins and boxes under my bed that tuck things away, but are still accessible whenever I need them.

Under-bed storage suggestions:

Buy Large Under Bed Storage

Buy Under Bed Storage With Adjustable Dividers

3. Pick Furniture Mindfully

When you have a small apartment, you really need to love everything in it! Don’t buy furniture that’s just “okay” or “kind of works”. There’s not enough space for sub-par furniture!! Make sure everything you have serves a purpose and makes you happy.

4. Use Furniture with Built-In Storage

On top of buying furniture you love, if you’re in a small apartment you definitely want to look for furniture with storage! Furniture with built-in storage is the perfect blend of style and function.

When I was purchasing furniture for my apartment, I carefully picked items that had handy drawers or extra room to tuck away items. Here’s some of the best items I purchased with built-in storage:

Storage Bench

This bench looks beautiful at the end of my bed, but also holds all my cardigans/sweaters! Link to similar storage bench here: Amalfi Upholstered Flip Top Storage Bench

Couch

I love this couch for so many reasons. Not only is this couch a pull out sofa, it also has built in storage that fits all the linens, pillows and blankets for when I have company over! Link to my couch here: Ikea FRIHETEN couch

Bedside Table

I have so many things I keep on my bedside table (lip chap, lotion, book, glasses). The night stand has tons of room for everything I need and want beside my bed. Link to my exact night stand here: Ikea HEMNES Night Stand

how to make the most of a small apartment

5. Storage Can Double as Home Decor

In a small space, you need to get creative with storage. These days, there’s so many ways to incorporate storage as home decor! Sometimes it’s great to tuck storage away so it’s out of sight, but it can also look really nice on display.

For example, since I don’t have a ton of closet space, I use a clothing rack to display some of my most-worn pieces. Link to my exact clothing rack here: Ikea RIGGA clothing rack.

6. Use Vertical Space

Vertical space can often be forgotten in apartments. If all your floor space is taken up, why not use your vertical space? This could include bookshelves, hanging shelves, or other items that go on walls to keep floor space free.

Link to my the ladder shelf here: Saniyah Ladder Bookcase

best way to maximize space in a small apartment

7. Make Sure Your Furniture is Proportional to Space

If you have a small apartment, buying a gigantic couch will make your room look tiny. I recommend buying proportional to your space- if you have a tiny living room, an oversized sectional is probably not going to work for you! Similarly, if you have a narrow entry way, make sure you’re buying a narrow table. It’s important that your furniture fits into the space you have.

8. Utilize Over-Door Hangers

Over-door hangers area a great way to create extra hanging space, especially if you have a small closet. I tend to use them for towels in the bathroom, purses/backpacks in the bedroom…there’s so many different options!