9 Clever Spots to Hide Your Items When You’ve Run Out of Closet Room

      April 9, 2025

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      I am quite familiar with small apartments. Over the past few years, I've lived in numerous tiny rentals, which has led to my fair share of storage challenges. Living in a small apartment with limited or no closet space quickly highlights how much stuff you have and how tough it can be to organize it all. Thankfully, challenges foster creativity, so I’ve developed some clever storage solutions. It turns out there are numerous places to store items that you might not initially consider, and once you start utilizing them, it can feel as if you've added an entire extra closet's worth of storage.

      Whether your apartment has absolutely no closets (I can relate) or you’ve maxed out the limited closet space available, it’s time to think outside the box. Items like linens, household supplies, and clothing won’t store themselves, so you'll need to explore unconventional storage areas to keep your small space organized. Here are my favorite proven storage hacks that go beyond simply cramming items into a closet.

      1. Utilize the back sides of doors

      The trick to sneaking in extra storage is to find unused spaces, such as the back sides of doors. This hack is especially effective with doors for closets, bedrooms, bathrooms, pantries, or laundry rooms. Just buy a set of hooks or a storage rack that hangs over the top of the door to instantly organize the back side. For a less bulky option, you could add a few damage-free, self-adhesive hooks for items like jackets, bags, or leashes.

      2. Use bins under your bed

      One of the most effective storage spots for things you don’t need frequently is under the bed. I keep all my seasonal clothes in rolling bins beneath my bed, and it has been a total game-changer. At the start of each season, all you need to do is roll out the bin and swap out the clothes in your dresser for the season's essentials. This hack clears up a lot of space and makes you feel like you have a refreshed wardrobe every time you switch items.

      3. Conceal shoes in a cabinet

      Incorporating a shoe cabinet in your entryway is one of the best storage hacks. It instantly tidies up your area, keeps your shoes organized, and ultimately saves you stress. There’s nothing worse than coming home with groceries and tripping over your shoes! Do yourself a favor and invest in a shoe cabinet to keep them out of the way.

      4. Store items in baskets

      Baskets are excellent for adding storage that also serves as decor. A stylish woven basket can conceal a variety of items, from miscellaneous kitchen clutter to electronic gear by the TV or shoes by the entrance. You can place one practically anywhere to create hidden storage. Choose one with handles for easy transport, or opt for a lidded basket to fully conceal its contents.

      5. Incorporate a storage bench or ottoman

      Storage benches and ottomans not only enhance your decor but also provide additional seating and—yes—a place to store items. They’re perfect for keeping extra blankets, sheets, pillows, books, and games. I suggest placing a storage bench at the foot of your bed and using an ottoman in your living room instead of a coffee table to maximize your storage possibilities.

      6. Select accent tables with drawers

      You likely need an accent table or two in your bedroom or living room, so why not choose one that includes drawers for storage? In my bedside table, I store extra socks, bras, and underwear, but you could also use this space for books, chargers, or personal care products. In the living room, accent tables can hold books, charging cables, remotes, and miscellaneous items you don’t want to give up. This approach helps minimize clutter and looks stylish in the process.

      7. Utilize the top of kitchen cabinets

      If your kitchen cabinets don’t reach the ceiling, that’s another excellent example of unused space you can repurpose for storage. Since this area is visible, reserve it for items that can double as decor, such as vases, serving dishes, or baskets filled with odds and ends. You may need a step ladder to access this spot, but it’s a great location for kitchen items you use infrequently.

      8. Introduce a clothing rack

      Clothing racks are not only visually appealing and fun to arrange, but they are also incredibly practical. I recommend choosing a clothing rack that includes shelves so you can also store folded clothing and shoes on it. It’s like adding an entire new closet without any renovation hassle.

      9. Maximize cabinet space

      Built-in cabinets are a luxury in small apartments, so it’s important to make the most of what you have. The best way to achieve this