Small apartments demand that you maximize your storage opportunities. That often means using items you need or already have for squeezing in the stuff you need to store. With that in mind, here are a few of our favorite methods:
- The Classic: Ottoman Storage. And oldie and a goodie. Storage ottomans can serve at least four purposes: seating, storage, a place to put up your feet, and they’re even small tables. If you need storage, a storage ottoman is one of the first things you should consider. Some people find them better than a coffee table, especially when they want to put their feet up, as they’re usually padded and don’t hurt your bones. A storage ottoman will run anywhere from $50.00 and up, and they’re available in many stores and online vendors, including Overstock, Crate and Barrel, Target, and more.
- The Other Classic: Under the Bed. If you’re not making use of the space under your bed, and you’re having a mini storage crisis, all we can say is “duh.” While some beds actually include storage drawers as part of the frame, most of the time it’s up to you to find the best solution. There are lots of choices though. Many container and bed stores offer plastic bins designed to slide under beds. Also the space above your bed is empty unused space that you don’t use, so consider raising your bed to increase your storage. Many online stores sell bed risers for that very purpose.
- WooHoo, Up Here, Above the Door. The space above your doorways is golden. It’s easy to throw up a shelf and use it to store items that you don’t need on a daily basis. Ideas include books in the living room, towels and extra toilet paper in the bathroom, bags and shoes in the walk-in closet (if you’re lucky enough to have one!), bowls and bakeware in the kitchen, and files in the office. Try to make the presentation somewhat attractive as this is not storage that is hidden.
Chances are that if you’re throwing up shelves above your doorway, a storage unit might come in handy too. For more information on how a self storage unit could make your life easier and less cluttered, call our representatives at Citiwide Self Storage in New York City.