So you found that perfect studio apartment, the next question is: how do you fit all of your stuff into less than 400 square feet? Living in a small space certainly has its perks, like cheaper rent. However, you’ll have to get creative when it comes to storing all of your belongings. That’s where the underappreciated vertical space comes into play. Here are a few space-saving tips that utilize the vertical space in your studio apartment.
Eliminate some of your stuff
First things first, when it comes to living in tight quarters, it’s important to cut back on the things you don’t need or use very often. Items like fancy kitchen gadgets are great, but they tend to take up a lot of room. Good rule of thumb: if you haven’t used it (or worn it) in six months, take it to the nearest donation center.
It’s all about shelving
Adding shelves to a small space can help you keep everything organized and in the right place. And the great thing about shelves is you can put them almost anywhere: bathroom, living room, kitchen, you name it! Plus, shelves are a relatively inexpensive way to take advantage of the vertical spaces.
No cabinet space? Hang it on the wall
Walls are not just for art. They also have great storage capacity. Hang up your bulky kitchen items like pots and pans to save cabinet space. And you don’t have to stop at the kitchen. Putting hooks in your bathroom can help organize your jewelry and keep it from getting tangled together. If you have a bike, put in bike hooks to keep it off the floor.
Use the dead space
Even though it may seem like you’ve packed your apartment to the gills, you’d be surprised how much more you can fit in there. Spaces like inside your oven or on top of your fridge are great for holding dishes and pans. Additionally, a lot of people forget how much space a shower/tub combination takes up, which can be another good place for your bike to hang out.
Share your favorite vertical storage solutions with us on Facebook and Twitter. For more tips on apartment living, check out our blog.
