[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/nycgreatmovers.com\/blog\/nyc-apartment-storage-hacks\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/nycgreatmovers.com\/blog\/nyc-apartment-storage-hacks\/","headline":"Storage Hacks to Maximize Space in your NYC Apartment","name":"Storage Hacks to Maximize Space in your NYC Apartment","description":"More than half the apartments in NYC are less than 700 square feet, with some places coming in […]","datePublished":"2023-06-23","dateModified":"2025-10-06","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/nycgreatmovers.com\/blog\/author\/kevin\/#Person","name":"Great Moving (Kevin)","url":"https:\/\/nycgreatmovers.com\/blog\/author\/kevin\/","identifier":5,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/b4997c379c86a878ffe0e2cbc54f56f2298ff0763e895fa10c13c22bfb54a237?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/b4997c379c86a878ffe0e2cbc54f56f2298ff0763e895fa10c13c22bfb54a237?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"NYC Great Movers","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/nycgreatmovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/nycgreatmovers-logo-20250918.png","url":"https:\/\/nycgreatmovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/nycgreatmovers-logo-20250918.png","width":600,"height":363}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/nycgreatmovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Storage-Hacks-to-Maximize-Space-in-your-NYC-Apartment.jpg","url":"https:\/\/nycgreatmovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Storage-Hacks-to-Maximize-Space-in-your-NYC-Apartment.jpg","height":763,"width":1228},"url":"https:\/\/nycgreatmovers.com\/blog\/nyc-apartment-storage-hacks\/","about":["General"],"wordCount":2205,"keywords":["NYC apartment","nyc move","NYC Storage Options","NYC Storage Service","Storage Hacks","Storage Options","Storage Service","Storage Service NYC","storage solution","Storage Spaces","Storage Unit"],"articleBody":"More than half the apartments in NYC are less than 700 square feet, with some places coming in at less than 400 square feet! If you\u2019re moving from a house to an apartment, you might be shocked at how small the apartments are! With that said, there\u2019s a lot more functional space than you might think, if you know where to look. If you\u2019re ready for your tiny NYC apartment to feel spacious, read the tips on how to maximize your space below!When considering a move to a smaller space, especially in a city like New York, it\u2019s essential to be creative in maximizing every inch of your apartment. The key to making a small space feel larger is to focus on smart storage solutions and multifunctional furniture. Think vertical\u2014shelves, hooks, and cabinetry can help you utilize the walls for storage, freeing up precious floor space. Additionally, opting for foldable or convertible furniture can transform a cramped apartment into a versatile living space that adapts to your needs. These adjustments allow you to feel at ease in a smaller environment, even if you\u2019re used to having more room to spread out.Real estate investors, understanding how to work within the constraints of smaller spaces, can also lead to profitable opportunities. One way to leverage the value of smaller properties is by exploring 1031 Exchange options. This allows investors to sell one property and reinvest the proceeds into a like-kind property, which could include smaller, high-demand apartments in a market like NYC. By strategically using a 1031 Exchange, investors can preserve capital gains and diversify their portfolios, making the most out of properties that might not seem ideal for larger, more traditional buyers. Maximizing value in these smaller spaces through thoughtful upgrades and smart investments can make a big difference in the long run.Make Use of Your LuggageUnless you travel often, chances are you have a suitcase just taking up space in your closet. Give your suitcase a new purpose by storing stuff in it. This could be anything from off-season clothes to seasonal decorations.Much like packing for travel, you don\u2019t want to overstuff your suitcase, as you still want to find things easily without having to pull everything out. So pack away the things that you don\u2019t really use often. Don\u2019t forget to label your suitcase with what\u2019s inside, either! That way, you won\u2019t have to open it unless you need something.Invest in Under-the-Bed StorageA normal full-size bed measures 54\u201d x 74\u201d. So, unless your mattress frame is nonexistent or very low to the ground, you\u2019re wasting all that precious space in your bedroom. A captain\u2019s bed frame is a great investment if you can afford it, as it comes with built-in shelves. These shelves can often replace a dresser in your room if you\u2019re really tight on space. With that said, you\u2019ll need to have enough room to pull out the drawers. Under-Bed Storage ComparisonBed Frame TypeClearance Height (inches)Usable Storage Volume (cu ft)Average Cost (USD)Storage Potential (Items)Best ForLow Platform Bed3\u201345\u20138$100\u2013$2504\u20136 small boxesMinimalists with limited floor spaceStandard Bed Frame7\u2013910\u201314$150\u2013$3506\u201310 medium binsApartments with average ceiling heightCaptain\u2019s Bed (Built-in Drawers)12\u20131516\u201322$400\u2013$9008\u201312 large drawersSmall bedrooms without dressersMetal Frame with Rolling Bins10\u20131218\u201320$200\u2013$50010\u201315 storage boxesRenters who need movable storageLoft or Raised Bed30\u201336+40\u201350+$300\u2013$70015\u201320 containers or a desk setupStudio apartments & multi-use spaces You don\u2019t need to spend a ton of money to have a nice under-bed storage system. Instead, purchase some storage containers on wheels for easy access. Depending on how much space you have between the floor and your bed, you could fit a ton of stuff, including extra bedding, towels, shoes, hobby items, whatever! It\u2019s a great way to keep clutter off the tables and floors so your room looks and feels a lot larger.Find Multi-Function FurnitureIf you\u2019re lucky enough to have space in your apartment for furniture, make sure you get a few things that can work double time. For example, don\u2019t get a regular ottoman, get a storage ottoman and stash some extra bedding or towels. Instead of a standard coffee table, get one with drawers so you can hide away all of those extra cables and plugs. If you have some empty spots on your bookshelf, rearrange your books to leave some spots at the top open so you can put your plants or other decorations.You can go a step further if you really want to increase your storage. For example, instead of getting a sofa, get a row of cabinets. You can then upholster the top and add some cushions for a makeshift storage bench. Small hammocks are also excellent storage options, as you can string them up off the ground and stash things like sporting equipment or other bulky items.Embrace Hook LifeIf you\u2019re just looking at the floor for storage, you\u2019re ignoring all that potential wall and ceiling space that you can use to maximize your space. While shelves are great, hooks are a more flexible option for hanging your items off the wall. Their smaller size makes it easier to place anywhere in your apartment, and they are much easier to install. Depending on what you plan on hanging, you might not even need to drill the hook into the wall! Just make sure you have some strong adhesive if you plan on going the tape\/glue route!There are plenty of options when it comes to where to place hooks. Over the door hooks are great for your bedroom or bathroom. You can hang things like towels, jackets, robes, keys, a dog leash, and so on. You can even find smaller over-the-door cabinet hooks that you can place on every available cabinet surface. There are also smaller hooks you can hang off your shelves or cabinets that are great for bags and towels.When it comes to heavier items, take the time to install them properly. You don\u2019t want your pots and pans falling to the ground in the middle of the night. Just make sure you don\u2019t overload them. Go through what you use on a daily basis and then put the rest away in closets, drawers, cabinets, etc.Customize Your ClosetIf you\u2019re lucky enough to have a built-in closet in your apartment, take advantage of your space and build it out. There are an infinite number of ways you can set up your closet, so think of what you own and the best way to organize these items.When planning out your closet, make sure you draw out a general diagram of your closet, including dimensions. From there, block off your closet into different sections. Make sure to set aside room for all your hanging clothes! Other parts of your closet might include a shoe section, some drawers for your socks and underwear, and a spot for your jackets. If you have a lot of hanging clothes, add another rod to increase your space! Average Closet Sizes & Space Utilization TipsApartment TypeAverage Closet Size (sq ft)Items Typically StoredAverage Utilization Rate (%)Optimization TipStudio Apartment8\u201312Clothing, shoes, small boxes85%Use hanging organizers and vertical storage bins to double capacity.1-Bedroom Apartment15\u201320Clothing, luggage, linens78%Add a second hanging rod or stackable drawers to increase storage zones.2-Bedroom Apartment25\u201330Seasonal clothes, bedding, cleaning tools72%Use labeled bins for seasonal rotation and sliding under-shelf baskets.3-Bedroom Apartment35\u201340Clothes, d\u00e9cor, holiday items, sports gear68%Install built-in shelves and door-mounted storage to maximize unused vertical areas.Luxury Apartment \/ Penthouse50\u201380+Designer clothing, accessories, personal safes60%Incorporate modular systems with lighting, drawers, and rotating racks for easy access. If you don\u2019t have a closet, you can always build your own easily and cheaply. Just take a tension rod and a curtain and put it on an unused corner or wall. A great place for these makeshift closets is spots in your apartment that have odd angles. You often can\u2019t push anything against these walls, so transform it into the closet of your dreams!Look for Unexpected Storage SpacesDo you never bake? Then why not store as many pots and pans in your oven? The unused appliances in your apartment can serve a new purpose in the form of storage. So take stock of everything you own. On the rare occasion you do use that appliance, make sure you remember to take out whatever is inside to avoid potential issues.Another great place for storage is the space where the wall meets the ceiling. Most cabinets or shelves do not go that high. While storage that high isn\u2019t convenient for most people, it\u2019s a great place to store things you don\u2019t use very often, such as small kitchen appliances, decorations, and so forth. Just make sure you also have a step stool or ladder so you can access these shelves!Rent a Storage UnitIf there are items you don\u2019t want to get rid of but can\u2019t fit in your home, then a storage unit is your best bet. You can get one in NYC for as low as $20\/month for the smallest size. Don\u2019t be fooled by the dimensions; these small units can fit a lot of stuff. Cost of NYC Storage Units by Size (2025 Data)Unit SizeAverage Monthly Cost (USD)Notes5\u00d75$85 \u2013 $88Suitable for boxes, seasonal items, or small furniture.5\u00d710$156 \u2013 $180Ideal for storing items from a small bedroom or office.10\u00d710$261 \u2013 $560Commonly used for 1-bedroom apartment contents.10\u00d715$330 \u2013 $376Accommodates the contents of a 2-bedroom apartment.10\u00d720$330 \u2013 $484Fits the contents of a 2\u20133 bedroom apartment.10\u00d725$330 \u2013 $618Suitable for larger apartments or small vehicles.10\u00d730$330 \u2013 $618Ideal for larger homes or extensive storage needs.Great things to store include:Seasonal itemsHoliday decorationsBooksPaperworkCollectible itemsBaby itemsToysArtworkWhen choosing a storage company, make sure to find one that provides 24\/7 surveillance and climate-controlled units to ensure your belongings are safe and secure.Plan Out Your Next NYC ApartmentBefore making your NYC move, make sure you know what you\u2019re getting into! Always physically visit every apartment and bring a tape measure with you so you can create a floor plan. That will make it a lot easier to figure out if everything you own will fit into the new place. If you\u2019ve already moved in, then it\u2019s still a good idea to get accurate measurements of all your rooms and large items like your sofa, bed, etc. That way, you can reorganize and redecorate to make the most of your apartment.However, there may come a time when your current living situation no longer works for you\u2014whether it’s due to a new opportunity, a change in lifestyle, or simply outgrowing the space. In such cases, finding a quick and reliable way to sell your property can alleviate stress and make the transition smoother. If you\u2019re asking yourself, “How can I sell my house fast?” Cash buyers can offer an efficient and hassle-free solution. These buyers can streamline the process, eliminating the need for repairs, showings, and waiting for the right buyer. It\u2019s an ideal way to move on from your current home and put the proceeds towards your next chapter\u2014whether that\u2019s a new place in NYC or an entirely new adventure.If you\u2019re looking to move, then make sure to contact the NYC movers like us! We also offer storage solutions, so if you need some time to figure out how you want to set up your apartment, we can store your stuff for you for as short or as long as you want.FAQMy landlord says I can\u2019t install any shelves or cabinets. How can I increase my space without drilling into the walls?If you can\u2019t install cabinets or shelves, then your best bet is to invest in sticker hooks, multi-level carts, and standing shelves. The shelves might take up more ground real estate, so you\u2019ll need to really think about what you want to keep.I am moving out and have to return my apartment back to its original condition and I\u2019ve installed a bunch of shelves, hooks, etc. How do I make sure I don\u2019t damage the walls?Chances are, you have already damaged the wall by drilling into it! With that said, you can reduce further damage by carefully taking out the wall anchors that are holding the shelves and cabinets in place. From there, fill in all the holes with spackle and paint all the walls with white paint.I moved in with roommates. What can I do to make sure they also maximize the apartment space?While there\u2019s nothing you can do about their own personal space, for shared spaces, you will need to work together to come up with a solution that everyone will follow. That means making sure everyone agrees and knows exactly where the toiletries, hand towels, etc., should be placed. If everyone is able to agree on the organization, then it will help keep everything in your place tidy."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/nycgreatmovers.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Storage Hacks to Maximize Space in your NYC Apartment","item":"https:\/\/nycgreatmovers.com\/blog\/nyc-apartment-storage-hacks\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]