Every apartment has underutilized space. The key is learning to see potential storage where you previously saw nothing. Here are hidden storage opportunities throughout your home.
Behind Doors
Every door has a back—that's prime storage space:
Over-Door Organizers
- Pantry door: Spices, wraps, snacks
- Bathroom door: Toiletries, hair tools
- Closet door: Shoes, accessories, jewelry
- Bedroom door: Scarves, bags, robes
- Entry closet door: Hats, gloves, dog leashes
Hooks Behind Doors
- Robes behind bathroom door
- Bags behind bedroom door
- Broom/mop behind utility closet door
Under Furniture
Under the Bed
- Bed risers add 5-8 inches of clearance
- Rolling bins for easy access
- Vacuum bags for bulky bedding
- Good for: seasonal clothes, luggage, extra bedding
Under the Sofa
- Flat storage bins for board games
- Seasonal items in flat containers
- Extra blankets in a flat basket
Under Other Furniture
- Dresser bottom often has space
- Desks may have unused floor space
- Under low shelving units
Inside Cabinet Doors
The inside of cabinet doors is usually empty:
- Kitchen cabinets: Measuring cups, pot lids, cutting boards
- Bathroom vanity: Hair tools, small toiletries
- Pantry: Spices, wraps, clips
- Cleaning closet: Spray bottles, small supplies
Narrow Gaps
Between Fridge and Wall
- Slim rolling carts for pantry items
- Narrow pull-out shelving
- Broom storage
Between Washer and Dryer
- Slim cart for laundry supplies
- Narrow shelving unit
Between Furniture
- Side table between sofa and wall
- Slim bookcase in tight spots
Above Things
Above Doors
- Shelf above interior doors
- Good for rarely-used items
- Often overlooked space
Above Cabinets
- Space between kitchen cabinets and ceiling
- Baskets or bins for seasonal items
- Decorative storage for special-occasion items
Above the Toilet
- Often the only storage in small bathrooms
- Shelving unit or cabinet
Above Washer/Dryer
- Shelving for laundry supplies
- Cabinet or closed storage
Furniture with Secret Storage
- Storage ottomans: Inside seating
- Lift-top coffee tables: Hidden compartment
- Platform beds: Drawers built into base
- Benches with storage: Seat lifts up
- Hollow headboards: Shelving behind
Creative Spots
Corners
- Corner shelving units
- Corner closet systems
- Lazy Susans in corner cabinets
Walls
- Full-height bookcases
- Floating shelves between windows
- Pegboard systems
- Wall-mounted cubbies
Inside Closets
- Closet walls (not just the back)
- Floor space under hanging clothes
- Above existing shelf (add another)
The Hidden Storage Walk-Through
Walk through your apartment with fresh eyes. Look behind every door, under every piece of furniture, above every cabinet, and inside every closet. Note the spaces that are currently empty or underutilized. You likely have more potential storage than you realized.