Is your Gainesville, FL apartment in need of a little Marie Kondo magic? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! From clever storage solutions to space-saving hacks, we’re here to help you transform your cozy abode into a clutter-free haven. So grab your tidying gloves and let’s dive into the world of small space optimization!
Pegboard: Your New Storage BFF
When you’re short on storage options, pegboard is your new best friend. Not only is it economical and easy to hang, but you can find it in nearly every hardware store in town.
Place it anywhere you need wall storage, and you’ll instantly gain square footage. Plus, pegboard is surprisingly strong and durable. From hammers and screwdrivers to pots and pans, it’s a great way to store some of your heavier, bulkier items that you aren’t sure where to place.
Artful Displays: Storage Meets Decor
Wondering what to do with your collection of wide-brimmed hats? What about those kitschy mugs you love? If you’re living in a small space, you may not have the room to store them in a closet or cabinet.
Go ahead and show them off! You can hang small accessories on wall-mounted hooks, and they’ll become part of your decor. This is a great way to optimize your storage space and give visitors an inside glimpse into what you love.
Windowsills: Utilize the Untapped Potential
Windowsills are one of the most underrated storage ideas around. Unless yours are super shallow, they should have enough depth to hold some of your smaller trinkets and valuables. They’re also great for houseplants and books. (Just be sure to close those windows during downpours!)
Try to think of the room’s purpose, and incorporate items that will make sense in each space so you’re not just making more clutter. For example, the windowsill in your kitchen might hold cookbooks and recipe boxes, while the one in your office holds jars of pens, pencils, and art supplies. You can even beautify your bathroom by adding mason jars of cotton swabs and bath salts by the window.
Wardrobes and Baskets: A Stylish Storage Duo
When your closet space is limited and your clothes are craving some breathing room, it’s time to turn to standalone wardrobes and trusty baskets.
A wardrobe is like a personal boutique, providing a dedicated space to hang your clothes, keeping them neat and wrinkle-free. Choose a wardrobe with adjustable shelves and drawers, allowing you to customize the storage to fit your needs perfectly.
Baskets, on the other hand, are the unsung heroes of organization. They keep your folded clothes, accessories, and even those pesky mismatched socks out of the way. Slide them onto shelves, tuck them under your bed, or leave them out to add a dash of bohemian charm.
Over-the-Door Organizers: Embrace the Space Saving Magic
Chances are you’ve seen those cosmetics bags that hook over the top of your doorframe, and open up on the inside of your bathroom. They’re space-saving and great to travel with, and they roll up tightly when not in use.
These magical organizers actually come in all sorts of designs tailored to hold a variety of items. Need a home for your fabulous shoe collection? There’s an over-the-door organizer for that. Want to keep your pantry essentials neat and accessible? Yep, there’s an over-the-door organizer for that too. And when your door is closed, all you’ll see are those two hooks gracefully blending into your decor.
Get Furniture That Serves Double Duty
While hooks and open shelves are great for displaying extra items, there are always pieces that aren’t quite as beautiful and need to be stored out of sight.
That’s where hidden storage comes to the rescue! Look for big furniture that can serve double duty, featuring hollow interiors meant for storage. For example, a living room storage ottoman with a hinged top can store board games, cherished blankets, and other cozy essentials.
Consider bookshelves that not only showcase your favorite reads but also come with cabinets or drawers at the bottom. These provide additional storage space for items you’d rather keep tucked away. Entertainment consoles are another excellent choice, with compartments to neatly organize your media devices and hide unsightly cables, while also offering extra shelving or drawers for storage.
Swap Bulky Boxes for Wall Ladders
When you’re short on space and storage ideas, you might think it’s best to add a few boxy storage units to each main room. After all, these can hold lots of different items, and they’re designed to complement your decor.
While they may work in theory, the reality is that units like these can take up a lot of space. Instead, look for incremental storage solutions, such as wall ladders. Some wall ladders have shelves that get progressively narrower at the top, allowing you to creatively store items in a variety of sizes.
Ladders can also lighten the look and feel of a room (see the Karl home wall ladder below), leaving more floor space available and allowing for a more comfortable room flow.
Stash Electronics Away
Sometimes, you simply can’t get away from leaving your oversized printer, copier, or desktop computer out in the open. However, take a closer look around your office or living room.
You likely have a cabinet or drawer that could easily hold these items when they’re not in use. Why not store them in there instead? Especially if the storage spot is near an outlet, you could maximize the room’s potential and free up valuable work space at the same time.
Steal Ideas from Small Shops
Whether it’s the cozy corner cafe or the charming retail space, these little gems hold a treasure trove of clever storage solutions.
Take a moment to sip your latte and soak in the atmosphere of your favorite café. Notice how they ingeniously utilize wall-mounted shelves or pegboards to display mugs and coffee accessories, freeing up precious counter space. Let the whimsical decor and cleverly placed shelving inspire you to bring that same charm and functionality into your own apartment.
Living Big in Small Spaces
Sometimes, extra space simply isn’t an option. However, that doesn’t mean you’re out of storage solutions. When you know the tips and hacks that can help you stash your things more neatly, even small spaces are easy and enjoyable to live in.
Now that you know how to corral your gear appropriately, are you ready to find a new place to live? We can help you discover houses and condos for rent in Gainesville, FL. Take a look at our current listings and let’s connect!
