5 “Hidden” Storage Spots to Help You Cut Down on So Much Apartment Clutter

As someone who has rented small apartments their entire adult life, I know how tricky storage can be. I once had a kitchen with cabinets too small to fit dinner plates, as well as no counter space for my coffee maker. I’ve jam-packed clothes into closets that are too small, crammed storage containers under the bed, and kept pots and pans in the oven. It’s wild out there! But I learned that as long as I was willing to think outside the box, I could find unexpected storage spots in even the smallest of apartments. 

 “When tight on space, you have to think vertically and creatively,” says Jenny Dietsch, founder and CEO of  Getting It Done Organizing. “Renters often overlook some of the easiest wins because they assume they can’t change their spaces due to what’s in their lease, but there are so many ways to optimize storage without making a single hole in the wall.”

If you live in a rental majorly lacking closet space, these pro tips will help you find — and make the most of — the unexpected storage spots you might be overlooking.

Furniture takes up a lot of real estate — but as long as yours is lifted off the ground, an unexpected storage spot awaits. “The space under furniture is gold,” Dietsch says. 

You can store everything from off-season clothing and extra bedding to important papers and documents — even board games and puzzles can be stored under your furniture. Diving beneath beds and sofas is an obvious choice, but Dietsch recommends thinking beyond them. “Nightstands, dressers, and even benches can be raised with risers to create hidden storage underneath,” she says. “From there, stackable drawers or clear bins make it easy to access what you’re storing.” 

One unexpected way to maximize that space? Jenna Morrow, founder and principal designer of Morrow Design Studios, recommends mug storage boxes because of their low height (usually around 5 inches). “It will be easy to store under the bed, in a drawer, or in smaller spaces in your apartment,” she says. “Use [it] to store unsightly household items like batteries, light bulbs, and small tools.” 

Tiny rental bathrooms can be a challenge. When you have limited counter space and no medicine cabinet (speaking from experience!), trying to figure out where to put things can be frustrating. Morrow recommends using every inch of your bathroom. That tiny space between your sink and the toilet? There’s enough room for some storage there. (Angie’s List recommends at least 15 inches from the center of a toilet to a wall.)

“Consider adding a small cart, ideally on wheels, to the bathroom for additional bathroom storage,” she says. “Place bath bombs or bath salts in a canister. Or if you need storage space for extra washcloths, roll them up on a decorative tray and place it on the cart.” 

A cart is also an ideal spot for extra rolls of toilet paper (especially if you have limited space under your sink), toiletries like lotion and deodorant, and even everyday essentials like face cleanser and moisturizer.  

I used to have a tiny TV stand with open shelving and immediately regretted it. With everything out in the open, it appeared cluttered and unruly. Not to mention, it didn’t really work as a spot to store anything other than our cable box and internet router. Dietsch recommends a TV stand that’s not only ideal for your TV, but for your storage needs as well. “TV stands are surprisingly great for storage,” she says. “I’ve used them to corral kids’ toys, store out-of-season clothes, and even hide pantry overflow.”  

Opt for a TV stand that includes doors and shelves with plenty of space for storage. Right now, my TV stand is also home to dog toys, extra scented candles, and our printer, as well as our cable box and internet router. Don’t feel limited to storing items that are unique to the living room. Like Dietsch says, it’s extra space for whatever you may need. 

A door? As a storage spot? Believe it or not, when you think vertically, that means even the door can be used to store items. “Over-the-door organizers should be at the top of a renter’s list,” Dietsch recommends. “Use them in closets, pantries, even for cleaning supplies.”  

I used to think over-the-door organizers were just for closets and storing shoes, but there are plenty of organizers that include mesh baskets and hooks for a variety of items. I personally have this one in our coat closet from the Container Store. After bringing home a puppy last winter, my husband and I quickly discovered she needed quite a few things. The back of our coat closet door in the living room now stores grooming supplies, treats, carpet cleaner for accidents, pet wipes, and more. It’s a game-changer.

When Dietsch says to think vertically, that includes wall space and surfaces you may not expect.  “Magnetic or adhesive bins are perfect for inside cabinet doors, fridges, or laundry machines,” she suggests. “They’re great for spices, laundry pods, or hair tools.”  

Magnetic bins are ideal for your laundry room (they stick to the side of your washer or dryer!). You can also use them on your fridge in the kitchen for spices, Dietsch says. Have a filing cabinet in your home office? Place a magnetic bin on the side to store extra pens and supplies. You could even add adhesive bins to the inside of your closet. They work great for seasonal items like hats and gloves. As you settle into your rental, be on the lookout for empty vertical space. It’s the perfect spot for storage.

This post originally appeared on Apartment Therapy as part of the Start Here Guide for renters, presented by GEICO. See it there: 5 “Hidden” Home Storage Spots Pro Organizers Swear By (Start Using These Today!)