May 29, 2024

How to Organize a Small Apartment

Ah, the joys (and slight anxieties) of living in a New York City apartment! We all know the drill: charming but compact, full of life but maybe a little short on square footage. For many New Yorkers, their apartments are cherished sanctuaries, but keeping them organized may feel like a Tetris game that can be a test of even the most seasoned organizer.

Still, with a little creativity and some clever organization strategies (in which we’ve got your back), you can ditch the clutter and create a small apartment that feels anything but cramped. This guide isn’t just about cramming more stuff into less space. It’s about creating a haven of functionality and comfort, a space that reflects your personality and fosters a sense of calm amidst the urban buzz. So here’s a collection of our favorite organization tricks.  

Make your walls work for you

When every inch in your tiny apartment counts, why not unleash the vertical potential and transform your walls from blank canvases into functional allies in the fight against clutter.

Here’s where floating shelves come in, the ultimate MVPs of space maximization. They not only provide much-needed storage, but they also visually expand your space making it feel higher.

However, before going wild with your vertical chic display for books, photos, or decorative accents, think about a strategy. To avoid a cluttered look and a sense of heaviness, take into account the visual weight distribution. Heavier objects, like larger books or vases, should anchor the bottom shelves, while lighter items like picture frames or small plants take center stage on top.

Your next smart trick in wall space organization is a trivial wall hook. Many belongings, such as your favorite hats or scarves, can be hung on wall hooks, freeing up precious shelf space.

The same goes for your greenery! Organizing your flower pots using plant hangers not only adds a touch of life but also reclaims valuable countertops or table real estate, keeping your surfaces clear and clutter-free.

Opt for multifunctional furniture

Living in a charming yet compact NYC apartment requires resourcefulness. Every piece of furniture needs to earn its keep, and that’s where multifunctional furniture enters the scene.

• Imagine a bed that transcends its nightly purpose – with hidden drawers underneath, it can become a storage champion. Bedding, seasonal clothes, even shoes – these drawers can hold a surprisingly generous amount, keeping clutter at bay.

• Sofas, chaise lounges, and ottoman benches with built-in storage compartments offer a similar advantage, providing a place for anything from extra blankets to board games, all without sacrificing valuable floor space.

• Rethink the traditional coffee table. Ditch the single-surface design and embrace a multifunctional marvel! Opt for a table with a removable top that conceals a storage basket underneath, or choose one with built-in shelves or drawers.

• For even greater flexibility, consider foldable furniture. Adjustable dining tables that adapt to your needs, chairs that fold away neatly when not in use, and even wall-mounted desks that disappear until needed – these space-saving heroes can transform your tiny apartment.

Leverage the power of smart storing solutions

1. Expandable drawer organizers

Compartmentalization is power! Expandable drawer dividers transform a single drawer into multiple dedicated zones allowing you to create specific sections in your underwear drawer for socks, bras, or that ever-growing collection of graphic tees. Labeling is optional (but highly recommended) for those mornings when you’re running on fumes.

2. Lazy Susans

These ingenious turntables aren’t just for fancy restaurants. Lazy Susans in your refrigerator or on bathroom shelves ensure easy access to items tucked away in the back. Forget battling ketchup bottles banished to the back of the fridge – a simple spin reveals the perfect condiment for your culinary masterpiece. This is especially helpful for frequently used toiletries or condiments that tend to get lost in the shuffle.

3. Over-the-door organizers

Doors are prime and often overlooked real estate in a small apartment. Over-the-door organizers with tiered pockets are a fantastic way to corral cleaning supplies under the sink, organize toiletries in the bathroom, create a shoe sanctuary in your closet, or your own spice bazaar overflowing with exotic flavors right on your pantry door. Choose clear pockets for a streamlined look or funky fabrics to match your unique style.

4. Wall hooks

These trusty wall servants provide a designated landing pad for coats, freeing up chairs and creating a welcoming entryway. Guests can ditch the awkward coat dance, and you’ll have a spot for your own bag after a day of conquering the city.

5. Tiered shower caddies and s-hooks

Tiered corner shower caddies are lifesavers in bathrooms with minimal storage allowing you to neatly store your shampoos and skin/hair care products. They typically go with suction cups to attach to tiles, which makes them renter-friendly. If towel hooks are scarce, utilize S-hooks on your shower curtain rack. These allow you to hang multiple towels, often more efficiently than a traditional wall hanger.

6. Tiered storage carts

These handy units can be used in various rooms – hold fruits and pantry items in the kitchen, WFH essentials in your home office, or extra towels and toiletries in the bathroom. What we like about carts is that they can morph to fit your specific needs, keeping clutter at bay and maximizing every square foot.

7. Clear plastic containers

Clear plastic containers provide a practical and visually light storage solution. You can easily see what’s inside, preventing the need to rummage through opaque containers.

8. Decorative trays

Trays are not just for a purpose. They are for the soul. Just imagine a wicker tray for coffee essentials or a woven tray on your bathroom vanity to keep makeup and skincare products neatly displayed.

9. Baskets

Wicker, fabric, or woven baskets bring a touch of rustic charm while corralling clutter or hiding away everyday essentials. They come in different textures, forms, and sizes which makes them easily fit any design and any place – from closets and cabinets to under the coffee table, adding functionality and aesthetics to every lonely corner.

Wring the maximum out of your kitchen cabinets

Small apartment kitchens? Don’t let clutter cook you! Even the most scarce kitchen cabinet space can be maximized with smart organizers.

• Use foldable dish racks to free up space and door-mounted baskets or expandable organizers to keep kitchen essentials and cleaning supplies handy. Alternatively, different spray bottles can be hung under the kitchen sink using a tension rod.  

• If you have floating shelves, consider buying magnetic jars that attach to the shelves from beneath and utilize wasted space.

• Get rid of all cardboard tea boxes and other excessive packaging by corraling your tea bags inside a themed container.

• Use dividers for kitchen cabinets to create designated zones for your pans, pots, and lids, these unruly kitchen critters.

You’ll be surprised how much more you can store – and find – with these clever solutions!

Make use of non-cabinet kitchen space

Don’t let that empty space above your counters go to waste! Here are your options:

• Store less-used items in beautiful wicker baskets or clear plastic boxes on the cabinet’s tops under the ceiling. It helps keep things organized and dust-free and frees up some space in your cabinets.

• Add style and maximize wall space by using floating shelves. It’s a perfect place for storing your favorite set of bowls, mugs, teapots, spice jars, colorful canisters, small flowerpots, and even photo frames.

• Install a hanging rack under your floating shelves somewhere by the stove for handy access to your pots, utensils, or dish towels.

Living in a charming NYC apartment doesn’t have to be a constant battle against clutter. With a little planning and the storage solutions outlined in this guide, you can transform your compact space into a haven of functionality and comfort. Organizing your home is not just about cramming things in. It’s about maximizing every inch while creating a space that reflects your personality. For extra help with your homes organization or cleaning in NYC, book a cleaning with White Glove Cleaner today.