Even a tiny apartment can be tidy and organized with these creative and renter-friendly storage solutions.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
10 Renter-Friendly Studio Apartment Storage Ideas
Updated on Feb. 14, 2025
1
/
10
Bathroom Drawers
A small drawer unit, like this one from @sar.ahhome, adds much-needed storage to the bathroom without messing with nails, screws or hooks. Conceal toiletries and other bathroom essentials, then tuck the unit in an unused corner or next to a pedestal sink.
Unlike the commonly used plastic drawers, the wood and rattan option brings warmth and boho style to an all-white bathroom.
2
/
10
Kitchen Island Cart
Living in a small apartment means needing clever studio apartment storage ideas. Your kitchen may not be big enough for a sprawling island, but a small kitchen cart can work wonders. It doesn’t take up much room while providing needed storage and workspace.
@anaisazacarpio painted her kitchen cart pink and added faux marble peel-and-stick countertop paper to give it a custom look. The lower shelves hold kids’ snacks in baskets for easy access while keeping the unattractive packaging hidden away.
3
/
10
Crate Storage Divider
Room dividers section off a studio apartment into separate sleeping and living zones. This room divider by @makingmanzanita pulls double duty because the open crates can be used as storage. Alternate the direction of the crates to permit storage on both sides of the divider.
Once you decide on the configuration, nail the crates together, starting at the bottom. Then, secure the divider to the wall.
4
/
10
Pegboard Storage
Short on cabinet space? A pegboard is an easy way to turn wall space into storage, and the shelves and pegs can be rearranged as needed.
In her kitchen, @joannajwestwood uses this cute wood pegboard to hold mugs, decor and other essentials. A pegboard is a great choice for renters because it minimizes damage to the wall, and you can take it with you when you move.
5
/
10
Slim Cabinets
Another one of our favorite studio apartment storage ideas is slim storage. Slim cabinets can hold more than you think without encroaching too much into your limited space. The cabinets open at an angle. They’re usually meant to hold shoes but can serve many purposes to fit your needs.
6
/
10
Shoe Shelves
When closet space is limited, store your shoes on a bookshelf. This pretty shoe rack can hold shoes, purses and other accessories. The gold and white finish blends seamlessly with almost any decor.
Bonus: This offers a savvy way to monitor your shoe collection. Keep the shelves tidy with the “one in, one out” rule of clutter control.
7
/
10
Under Bed Storage
When thinking about storage for a small apartment or house, every inch matters. Turn the empty space underneath your bed into storage with narrow bins or baskets, like this example from @decidetodeclutter. She chose under-bed storage containers with zippered lids to keep the contents dust-free. These also come with convenient handles and label holders.
8
/
10
Frameless Bookshelf
Say goodbye to bulky bookshelves and store your books on a unit like the ones seen here in this colorful bedroom from @jackiesbookshelf. The frameless bookcase keeps all the spines visible without taking up too much precious floor space. Organizing the books by color is a fun way to create an aesthetic display that adds to the rest of your apartment decor.
9
/
10
Floating Desk
No office? No problem. This floating wall-mounted desk creates a tiny work-from-home space. Open the fold-down desk top when it’s time to get down to business, then hide the clutter when you’re ready to relax. The desk also features several storage shelves and a drawer to hold all your office supplies.
10
/
10
Hidden Sofa Storage
When you live in a small apartment, all your furniture should double as storage — even the sofa! The cushions on this couch from @theorganisedintrovert fold up to reveal hidden compartments for storing extra blankets, pillows or anything that doesn’t fit in your closet.
Here’s a sectional sofa with a storage compartment in the chaise. It also folds out into a sleeper when you have guests.
FAQ
What materials are best for DIY storage projects?
It depends, but wood is often a good, study choice for DIY storage projects, especially if you are creating places for heavier items.
Courtney Cummings, owner of The Stylish Organizer, particularly likes solid wood and 3/4” plywood. She also recommends thin MDF panels for bookcase back panels and laminate iron-on edge banding to finish off plywood ends.
“Lastly, decorative trim is your best friend,” she says. “When done correctly, you can make any DIY piece look like a custom built-in with the help of baseboard and properly placed trim details.”
Are smaller spaces harder to organize?
They can be, depending on how many things you are trying to fit into that space. But, “When space is more of a premium, we tend to think more carefully about what we bring into the home and what we wish to keep,” says Leonard. I find people in smaller homes generally are more selective and declutter more. And in a lot of ways, a smaller home is easier to organize and maintain. The key is to keep on top of the clutter.”
About the Experts
- Elizabeth Dodson is co-founder of HomeZada, and a home management, maintenance and organization expert.
- Julie Leonard is a certified life and decluttering coach with more than 30 years of psychology, mental health and coaching experience. She is the creator of the Simplify Your Life coaching program and The Intentional Happiness Circle, and author of Intentional Happiness: The Life-Changing Guide to Being Happy and Staying Happy.
- Courtney Cummings is founder of The Stylish Organizer, a professional organizing business based in Dayton, Ohio.
