When it comes to small space living, managing clutter can be a major pain point. We've been there, and we'd be lying if we said we didn't strongly consider becoming minimalists.
But what if we told you there are ways to organize a small space without drastically reducing your belongings? It all depends on the products you choose. The right organizing products (and, okay, maybe a few thrift store donations) can truly make all the difference!
Keep reading to discover some of our go-to solutions for cabinet and closet organization in apartments, small cottages, tiny homes, and anywhere else that simply lacks sufficient storage.
Ready for help? Check out our closet organization service to bring in the pros.
The Products That Make Small Spaces Feel Big
Closets, cabinets, cupboards, that space under the sink—these areas matter so much when you’re in an environment where extra space is hard to find.
Learning how to organize a small walk-in closet or an apartment cabinet begins with the right organization supplies. Even if you’re trying to arrange things in a small room, these products help you maximize the space you have.
Oxford Bins
When dresser space is lacking, you can mimic a drawer using our medium Oxford Bins. We love them because they're the perfect size for corralling almost any category, plus they can be turned either direction to accommodate closet shelves of any depth. File fold leggings, tank tops, or hats and scarves. We've even used them for sandals when shoe shelves were limited.
Short Drawer Dividers
Drawer dividers are one of our favorite ways to give boundaries to long cooking utensils, food storage containers, and rows of folded clothing. Sometimes, however, the dimensions of small kitchen or dresser drawers are too short for dividers typically sold on the market. Enter our shallow, short Acacia Drawer Dividers.
Slim Everyday Hangers
The first thing we do to save space in any closet is switch to slim hangers. It's a simple solution that is often overlooked but can easily double the amount of hanging space. Bonus: When everything hangs at the same level, it automatically elevates and streamlines your wardrobe.
10.5" Acacia Turntable
Apartments often lack a dedicated pantry, but you can easily create one using upper kitchen cabinets. They usually have a depth of 11", so your plan to organize a small pantry cabinet needs to take that into account. Good news: Our 10.5" Acacia Turntable was designed just for this purpose and is perfect for corralling oils, vinegars, condiments, and spreads.
Everyday Drawer Inserts
Drawer inserts are huge for giving boundaries to office supplies, makeup, skincare, and more. Select an arrangement of easy-to-clean organizers that configure to work with the dimensions of your drawer. Bonus: Ours come with rubber feet to prevent the drawer from shifting when you open and close it.
SHOP THE SOLUTIONS
Oxford Bin
Everyday Hangers
10.5" Acacia Turntable
Drawer Organizers
Case Study: Anatomy of Her Closet
You can see several of these products and similar organizational tools in practice by looking at what we accomplished with this closet.
Note how it maximizes the available space, making much more fit than if everything was thrown in. It’s also neat and organized. You’d have no trouble finding what you were looking for in that closet.
But it goes beyond clothes. Similar principles and products can come into play when you’re determining how to organize a small linen closet, a cleaning supply closet, or all sorts of storage spaces.
Apartment Closet Organization Ideas
Start with a 7-Day Reset
Getting the right organizational products is essential, but the entire process can feel overwhelming, especially at the beginning.
But what if you dedicated just half an hour each day? Could you give it a week?
Our 7-Day Reset gives you a blueprint to follow that takes you through your entire home without a massive time commitment. With your organizational products at the ready, you’ll get your apartment in shape after only a week. It’s the perfect way to declutter a small space.
Consider Opportunities to Cut Back
While optimal apartment closet organization helps, there’s always the possibility that you simply own too much. Owning more than you can neatly put away at the end of the day will inevitably lead to clutter—and, in our experience, it’s all too easy for a little clutter to turn into a lot.
So decide what you don’t use anymore. Say goodbye to anything that is broken beyond repair. Belongings that no longer fit or are no longer age appropriate is another good place to focus. Consider donating items in good condition to a local thrift store or selling them through online marketplaces.
Create Your Own Storage
Maximizing the storage you have makes sense—but how do you organize a small house or apartment with no real storage to speak of? No storage means extremely limited organization options and that’s nightmare territory.
The answer is to make your own storage spaces. Think of free-standing cabinets, shelves, bins, and dressers, they all become part of your system. Sometimes the best storage is the kind you bring in yourself.
If you’re ready to DIY this process, we can give you some tips to get started.
If you’d rather reach out for professional help—we know just the team. Discover how our home organization service can help you find a place for everything.
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Space Organization
How do I stop my small space from getting cluttered again?
You need to use an organizational system that makes sense to you. If everything has its proper spot and those spots work for you and your lifestyle, it will be much easier to maintain the tidiness that you were able to achieve. The best organizational scheme in the world doesn’t do much good if it’s not something you can actually stick with.
How often should I re-evaluate my organizational system?
There’s probably not a one-size-fits-all answer here. If your system continues to work well for your needs, there’s not a compelling reason to revisit it too often. But most of us tend to acquire new stuff throughout the months and years, so you may well find yourself in a situation where solutions that worked well before are suddenly overflowing. That’s a good time to take a look.
It also makes sense to consider your system during a home refresh service. At that point, you can make changes that upgrade your space without undo upheaval.
Let Us Help with Your Small Space Organization Journey
If you’re still not sure where to start, that’s okay. Apartments and small homes have their own challenges, and that first step can feel awfully overwhelming. You’ll be glad you asked for a little help.
Schedule a consultation with a NEAT Method organizer near you. We’ll work together to come up with a plan that works, no matter how tight you are on space.
xx,
the NEAT team
