How to Organize a Small Room with No Closet

When you first saw the place, you thought having a room without a closet was “charming.” Now that you’ve unpacked your whole wardrobe and have nowhere to stuff your stuff, it doesn’t seem charming at all! Don’t worry, though — you can have the apartment you dreamed of with just a little creativity and organization. Try these tips for organizing your place with no closet space.

Purge Your Possessions

You knew this one was coming and were probably dreading it, so let’s get it out of the way. Even if you got rid of items before the move, go ahead and “Marie Kondo” your clothes as you unpack. Do the same with smaller décor and knickknacks — too many tchotchkes will just end up cluttering your apartment. If you need more direction on decorating, we’ve got some more tips to avoid decorating mistakes.

B-Y-O-Closet

If your apartment is missing a closet, just bring your own! Find a free-standing wardrobe or clothing rack that’s both sturdy and stylish. One with a hanging rack and shelving is ideal since it can hold anything from button-downs to boots. Just avoid anything too large for your space. Over-the-door shoe racks are great space savers, also — and a must if you can’t bear to part with your favorite pairs of sneakers.

Rotate Seasonal Clothes

You won’t need that down jacket in July, and sandals won’t keep your toes warm mid-winter. In the warmer months, store your tanks, shorts, sandals, and sundresses in the front of your closet space and drawers. When the cold weather rolls in, swap out those clothes for your jeans, sweaters, boots, and jackets. Layers you’ll wear in any season, like tees and cardigans, can stay easily accessible year-round. Move the out-of-season items to hidden storage (like under the bed as mentioned above) to minimize the clutter.

Don’t Let Any Space Go to Waste

Utilize multi-functional furniture and hidden storage. Loft your bed to create space for storage underneath it or purchase a bed frame with built-in drawers. If you want a bench or ottoman for extra seating, look for one that doubles as a trunk. These are great places to keep things you only need every so often, like out-of-season clothes or bed linens. And the right shelving can maximize your storage space while maintaining your apartment’s aesthetic. Vertical and open shelves will keep a small space from feeling smaller but requires good upkeep.

Look for Simple Storage Solutions

Invest in decorative baskets or fabric bins, and plenty of them! Of all the small space storage ideas, these are possibly the easiest and most functional. They can store anything from socks or jewelry to t-shirts or blankets and can sit on a shelf, slide under the bed, or stack (neatly!) in a corner.

Now that you know what to do if you don’t have a closet in your new apartment take your space from small to stunning with high-quality, affordable storage solutions from your nearest furniture outlet. And if your wardrobe is still spilling out, turn to ApartmentSearch to help you find a place with enough square feet for all your stuff!