Although 35 percent of all homes in the U.S. are occupied by renters, these homes still lack a decent amount of storage space. Next-door self-storage facilities might not be an option in many areas, so renters are forced into cramped living spaces with little storage space for their belongings. However, there are several things that you can do to add more space to your rental without altering the bones of the apartment or breaking the bank. To get rid of the mess—and get the most out of your small space—start adopting a more clutter-free lifestyle, and follow those five rules for a better way to maximize space.
Rule No. 1 – Think Vertical
Since renting an apartment is considered by many as temporary housing, spending a lot of money buying the perfect furniture that might not fit into your next home is not a smart idea. Think vertical by incorporating bookshelves or storage systems that expand up to the ceiling. Additionally, whenever possible, add doors for a cleaner look. If you don’t know where to start, consider IKEA’s Billy or Besta collections, as they are affordable, easy to assemble and available in a variety of sizes and finishes. Remember, the more vertical storage that you get, the less claustrophobic that your space will feel.
Rule No. 2 — Make the Most of Your Bed
When you’re living in a place where every inch counts, it’s important to have storage space under your bed. If your bed is not high enough to store bins underneath it, you should consider buying a bed lift to raise it just enough to make use for that space. Also, there are some bins that are designed specifically for under-the-bed storage. If you’re in the market for a new bed, however, look for one with built-in storage underneath. Pottery Barn and West Elm are great places to start.
Rule No. 3 — Buy Strategic Furniture
Since most rental places offer a very limited amount of space, buying strategic or double-duty furniture is essential. In the bedroom, instead of nightstands, place a dresser on each side of the bed, and a six-drawer dresser will make an amazing footboard. In the living room, choose a nice sofa table that can also be used as a writing desk. Furthermore, the coffee table can easily be replaced with storage cubes that will give you extra seating while serving as an ottoman and storage unit at the same time. If your space is very limited, or if you have guests from out-of-town on a regular basis, consider a sofa bed instead of a traditional one.
Rule No. 4 — Decorate with Shelves
In the bathroom, instead of hanging artwork, opt for installing shelves for extra storage. If space allows it, do the same in your kitchen and hallways. If you have a specific area in your apartment for your home-office, don’t limit yourself to traditional bookshelves. Install shelves above the desk for a cleaner, more organized look. Shelves installed on each side of a window will be a great place to showcase family portraits or items that need to be protected from UV rays.
Rule No. 5 — Maximize your Closet Space
Regardless if you own or rent a home, closets have always been essential space for people. Somehow they are never big enough, right? Well, there are few things that you can do to maximize your closet space. Considering that the majority of closets in rental units have a rod (and maybe a shelf above it), your best solution is to add a dresser or two underneath the rod for more storage. This way, you will have several drawers for storage, and the space between the rod and the top of your dresser can be used to hang short items or to organize purses and accessories.
Shelf dividers can create partitions above your hanging area to organize your sweaters and all items that can be folded. Besides being stackable, storing your shoes in clear boxes will help you to preserve them while keeping them organized. Clothes that are not used every day can be easily folded and stored inside suitcases or clear totes.
Furthermore, if you have a good relationship with your landlord and if you are planning to stay there for a while, ask if he/she might be willing to install a closet system for you (or perhaps split the cost for one). Besides helping you to keep your belongings organized, the closet system will be a home improvement for the landlord.
VK Sustainable Concepts’ Principal Andrea Vollf, LEED AP ID+C, is a registered interior designer and sustainability professional with over 15 years of experience in the interior design and marketing industries. Ms. Vollf is an active member of the U.S. Green Building Council – Illinois Chapter, with in‐depth knowledge of all aspects of Sustainability – Social, Environmental and Economic. Connect with Andrea on Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn and Pinterest.
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