Top 11 Home Organization Suggestions for Small Apartments

1. Wall Shelves

The key to home organization in a small space is using your vertical space. Wall shelves allow you to use all of your walls, from the floor to the ceiling, as storage space. Keep books, DVDs and CDs on the shelves, along with framed photographs and mementos. Wall shelves are also great for displaying any of your collections, whether it's sewing machines, dolls or baseballs.

2. Over-the-Door Storage

Walls are not the only key real estate for storage. Doors are just as useful. And there's a whole range of items, from shoe racks to shelving, that you can buy and hook over your door.

3. Storage Trunks

A chest is perfect for storing large items that are rarely used, and because of its size, it's also great for placing items on top of it. It can be used as a coffee table, placed at the foot of your bed and used as a bench or against the wall with an attractive cloth over it and books, vases of flowers or plants on top of it.

4. Storage Ottomans

The key to home organization in small spaces is to have multi-functional furniture. And it's very easy to find ottomans with more than one use. Ottomans can be used to prop your feet up or act as seating during parties. Many attractive ones have lids that come off to reveal a hollow inside for storing stuff. Since the storage space is easy to access, keep items that you regularly use, such as the TV programming guide, books that you're reading or snack food.

5. Under-the-bed Storage

Clear plastic storage bins that are designed specifically for under your bed are essential for small spaces. They're perfect for storing items that you want out of sight and don't use regularly, such as extra bedding, seasonal clothing, and hardware tools.

6. Stackable Plastic Drawers

Look for storage that is customizable, such as stackable plastic drawers. That way, if you only have space for two drawers, you won't have to struggle with an ensemble that is too big. Plastic drawers are inexpensive and great for organizing the closet space beneath your hanging clothing. In them, you can store folded clothing, athletic equipment, iron, and laundry supplies.

7. Hooks

Like wall shelves, hooks turn empty walls into storage receptacles. They allow you to keep regularly used items accessible. Use them to keep coats, scarves, umbrellas and bags by the entrance way. Try hanging a container from one and store your cell phone, keys and ID pass.

8. Shoe Organizer

Shoes have a way of separating from their mate and piling up on each other into a giant mess. They become eyesores and take up valuable real estate in the closet. The best way to keep them is in a shoe organizer designed to hang over the door. Not much else can hang there, and it will clear up the floor of your closet for other items.

9. Bookshelf That Doubles as a Room Divider

Freestanding bookshelves are a perfect piece of furniture for small spaces—especially studios. Place one in the middle of the room to divide up your sleeping space from your home office from your living room. Fill the shelves with books, vases, sculptures or other decorative objects.

10. TV Stand with Shelves or Cabinets

In the modern world, pretty much everyone owns a TV. Like the bed, it's an essential part of one's home. Since it will take up your limited space, use this opportunity to buy a TV stand that has shelves not just for your VCR or DVD player but storage to hold DVDs, book, magazines or any other miscellany.

11. Bed Frame With Built-in Drawers

If you're short on closet space and have little room for a chest of drawers, one reader suggested a bed frame with drawers that are underneath the mattress. They're easier to access than under-bed storage. But make sure to find one which has drawers that slide out easily.