5 Clever Space-Saving Hacks Every Small Home or Apartment Needs

For those with small apartments, such as studios or smaller homes – it can become a struggle to fit personal belongings, forcing households to look for space-saving hacks.

However, consumers with tight budgets might have little choice. A study by Zillow shows that studio apartments cost 20-30 percent less than one-bedroom units.

The sacrifice is something I’ve had to make in recent years, at the expense of living in New York City. But implementing a few hacks could make a difference and help you get by with limited space in a small apartment or home.

Reorganize Fridge And Freezer

Odds are, if you live in a small apartment or home, both the freezer and fridge are smaller than average.

Taking a look at what fits and where items fit are critical. For example, none of my fridge shelves can support a standing bottle if it’s too big (figure a Stanley cup’s size). In this case, the only option is to lay the item horizontally. That’s a sacrifice some may need to make.

Or if you’re lucky, maybe you have a shelf that can support some taller products. Reserve space for those items there and smaller items can go on other rows.

Another trick is taking a look at how items are stored. Can you get by with a smaller container to store some items? For example, one big space saver for me is transferring fresh store-bought ravioli in a box to a zip lock bag.

Also, when using a zip lock bag, you can squeeze the excess air out to not only preserve quality but save even more space in the freezer.

One more thing to try in this category is not to shy away from stacking where possible. For example, tupperware containers can go on top of each other or even on egg cartons.

Appliances On Top Of Microwave

Those with space above their microwave may want to consider using it. On my counter, for example, my microwave and air fryer would take up a ton of space.

However, ever since I moved my air fryer on top of the microwave, it’s given me more room to prepare meals and do other tasks. However, there is a potential hazard of heat trapping. So when the microwave is in use, make sure the air fryer is moved away to the side.

You can try the same with other appliances as well, such as toasters.

Use Space On Top Of Cabinets And Windows

Chances are, kitchen cabinets may not be able to store everything in small apartments. Don’t be afraid to put larger items like cereal boxes in open space on top of the cabinets.

Additionally, you may have space by windows before the blinds. You can store other groceries such as beverages that don’t require refrigeration, like jars or even items not fitting well in closets.

Wall Mounting

Wall space comes in handy too – and it’s not just reserved for paintings and decor. You can mount other things such as a TV, hats or even a guitar that’s collecting dust on a stand.

It may cost you a few extra bucks to order on Amazon, but think of some items that can potentially be mounted on the walls.

Get Rid Of Unnecessary Items

Everybody has at least something in their homes that’s not needed. For some, maybe that’s large boxes you’ve saved from major recent purchases.

But others will have products or scraps that add little asset value and provide little in return for households. Get rid of what you can and reorganize. A cleaner space alone will make the small home feel more roomy.

Smaller spaces aren’t always ideal – but some have no choice. The alternative is paying hundreds of extra dollars for an unaffordable place.

Do your best to make it work and figure out where you can create more space to maximize walkability in your home, whether that’s finding ways to create extra storage or finding unconventional areas to put products.