Apartment Organization Tips

If you've ever spent any period of time in an apartment, you'll totally get me when I say...the longer you stay, the less space there seems to be! It's taken a few years, but I am finally feeling like we've gotten into somewhat of an organizational groove. It's a work in progress, but a fun one at that!

Tip #1 - Don't Be Afraid to Be Creative

Getting creative with the way you utilize the space you have can be a game changer! One of my favorite ways to be creative with our space is utilizing our under the bed space to organize and house quite a bit of my shoe collection. I'll be 1000% real with you. I have a major shoe obsession and Parker isn't the most fond of it all of the time. Hah! By slipping a shoe bin under the bed it keeps my shoes within quick reach but tucked away and hidden out of sight.

Tip #2 - Systems are our Friends

I don't know about you, but nothing makes me crazier than when everything is in disarray and items don't have any particular space to call home in our space. Take a day, a week, or even a bit longer to experiment and determine a system that works for you. Whether it looks like a mail bin on the bench near the door or protein powder in the laundry closet, once you find what works, stick to it. Be diligent to make every item have a place and place every item in its place.

Tip #3 - Clutter Makes Space feel Smaller

The longer Parker and I have lived in our small, quaint, one bedroom apartment, the more we have acquired and the harder we have to work to keep it decluttered. Recently, this has become a specific focus for us and it's making a difference. Getting rid of those old movies or ditching that dead plant help even the smallest space feel bigger. Kissing excess items goodbye brightens up any mood and space.

Tip #4 - Organization Doesn't Have to Break the Bank

All of those organizational instagram accounts have me dreaming of perfect bins, pantries, and spending too much money! It is possible to create an organizational system that is functional, aesthetically pleasing, and affordable on any budget. A few of my favorite affordable organizational pieces are:

This Bin w/ Bamboo Lid

These awesome bins can be found in our laundry closet. This closet is one of 3 total closets in our apartment, so we have to take advantage of every inch of space. I house my arbonne fizz back stash, protein powder, other nutritional back stash, laundry supplies, and some misc items too, in these bins. They are Gourmet Home Collection. They can currently be found at Nordstrom Rack (this is not a commissionable link - just sharing what we love)

Under the Bed Shoe Storage

There are a million options for under the bed shoe storage. A few things I always look for are: multiple zippers, clear top, durable material such as canvas or something similar. I tried a fully plastic one and it didn't stand the test of daily wear and tear, unfortunately...This one has been my favorite and it's under $15! (not a commissionable link)

Cabinet Door Organizer

This contraption helps utilize otherwise unused space to our advantage! I love this over the door cabinet organizer. It is great to house hot tools in the bathroom, cleaning supplies in the kitchen, or even other goodies. If it fits inside, you could use it for that item! It's so versatile and worth the $13. We've had ours since we moved in and it is the one thing in our apartment that's stayed in the same place with the same items for our entire apartment living adventure experience. (no commissionable link was used)

What are your favorite organizational tips? What items do you have in your home as a part of your organizational system that you can't live without?