Real-world examples of 3 DIY storage solutions for small apartments (plus more smart ideas)

Examples of 3 examples of DIY storage solutions for small apartments

Let’s start right away with the three core projects people ask about most. These are the best examples of DIY storage solutions that give you a big payoff without needing a full workshop.

1. Slim entryway wall organizer (for shoes, keys, and mail)

If your front door opens straight into chaos, this is your new best friend. One powerful example of smart DIY storage is a shallow wall organizer that uses vertical space instead of floor space.

Here’s how it works in real life:

You mount a narrow board or rail (about 4–6 inches deep) along the wall near your door. Add a row of small hooks for keys and bags, a couple of shallow shelves for sunglasses and mail, and a low-profile shoe rack underneath. The entire setup can be as little as 6–8 inches deep, so it fits even in tight hallways.

Materials you might use:

• A 1x6 board (or pre-made shelf) for the top rail
• Command hooks or screw-in hooks for keys and bags
• A tension rod with S-hooks for light items like umbrellas or dog leashes
• A simple shoe rack or narrow bench with storage underneath

One renter-friendly example of this: mount a long, narrow over-the-door rack on the wall using removable adhesive strips, then hang small baskets from it. Shoes go in the baskets, keys hang from hooks, mail tucks into a slim file holder.

Why this works in small apartments:
It turns dead wall space into a landing zone. Instead of dropping everything on the nearest surface, you give every item a home the second you walk in the door.

2. Under-bed storage that doesn’t look like storage

Under-bed space is the storage equivalent of the junk drawer—tons of potential, often wasted. When people ask for examples of 3 examples of DIY storage solutions for small apartments, under-bed projects are always in the mix.

You have a few real examples to choose from, depending on your tools and energy level:

Rolling crates or drawers:
Attach four caster wheels to the bottom of wooden crates or low-profile boxes. Add a handle to the front (a simple drawer pull or rope loop works fine). Slide them under the bed to store off-season clothes, extra bedding, or shoes. This is one of the best examples of low-effort DIY storage: you get the function of a dresser without giving up floor space.

Lifted bed frame with hidden bins:
If your bed frame is low, you can add simple bed risers to create a few extra inches of height. Then use matching fabric bins or under-bed zippered bags for a cleaner look. Label them so you’re not crawling around trying to remember where you put your winter sweaters.

Platform bed with built-in cubbies:
For a more advanced example of a DIY storage solution, some people build a platform from sturdy IKEA-style cube shelves or plywood boxes, then place the mattress on top. The cubbies underneath store books, shoes, or even pantry items if you’re really tight on space.

This is where you want to pay attention to weight limits and safety. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has general guidance on safe lifting and load handling that can be helpful when you’re deciding how much weight to store in one area: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ergonomics/default.html

3. Vertical kitchen storage using walls, cabinets, and doors

Kitchens in small apartments are notorious for having one short stretch of counter and maybe two cabinets. That’s it. So one of the smartest examples of 3 examples of DIY storage solutions for small apartments is learning to treat every surface as potential storage.

Here are real examples that work in cramped kitchens:

Pegboard wall organizer:
Mount a pegboard on a free wall or the side of a cabinet. Use hooks to hang pots, pans, strainers, and even measuring cups. Add small shelves or baskets for spices and oils. This idea is inspired by classic workshop pegboards, but it works beautifully in kitchens and keeps everything visible.

Inside-cabinet-door storage:
Attach narrow racks or adhesive hooks to the inside of cabinet doors. You can store cutting boards, pot lids, foil and plastic wrap, or cleaning supplies. Just measure first so the door still closes.

Magnetic strips and rails:
A magnetic knife strip frees up drawer space and makes cooking faster. You can also use magnetic spice tins on the side of the fridge. Add a rail with S-hooks under a cabinet for mugs or utensils.

These examples include both simple, renter-friendly add-ons and slightly more involved projects like pegboards that you can remove later and patch with minimal wall repair.

More real examples of DIY storage solutions for small apartments

Those three projects are the backbone, but let’s expand beyond the core examples of 3 examples of DIY storage solutions for small apartments. Small apartments need storage in every room, and the best examples tend to share a few traits: they go vertical, they double-duty, and they stay flexible.

Floating shelves with hidden hooks

Floating shelves are everywhere on social media for a reason: they turn blank walls into storage without eating up floor space. But you can take them a step further.

One clever example of a DIY storage upgrade is adding hooks underneath your floating shelves. In an entryway, the shelf holds baskets for gloves and hats while hooks hold coats and bags. In a bathroom, the shelf holds extra toilet paper and skincare while hooks hold towels. In a kitchen, spices sit on the shelf, and mugs hang below.

If you’re worried about overloading the shelf, pay attention to the manufacturer’s weight rating and use proper anchors for your wall type. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has general guidance on preventing tip-overs and anchoring heavy items safely: https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Tipover-Information-Center

Closet “zones” using tension rods and hanging organizers

Even the tiniest closet can store more if you stop thinking of it as a single rod and start thinking in layers.

Here’s an example of how to upgrade a standard closet without permanent changes:

• Add a second tension rod below your main rod for shorter items like shirts and skirts.
• Use a hanging shelf organizer for sweaters, jeans, or handbags.
• Slide a slim shoe rack or shallow bins onto the floor.
• Hang a fabric organizer on the inside of the door for accessories, scarves, or small bags.

Examples include people turning a 3-foot-wide closet into a mini wardrobe system with double rods, a hanging shoe organizer, and labeled bins. No drilling, no custom carpentry—just thoughtful layering.

Multi-purpose furniture with hidden storage

When you can’t add more square feet, your furniture has to earn its keep.

Real examples include:

• A storage ottoman that hides blankets, board games, or workout gear.
• A coffee table with a lift-top and compartments inside.
• A bench with cubbies or baskets underneath for shoes and bags.

You can DIY these by adding hinges to a simple box to create a storage bench, or by sliding labeled baskets under an existing console table. One of the best examples here is a simple plywood bench with a hinged lid and interior dividers—perfect for entryways or at the foot of the bed.

Over-the-door storage beyond shoe organizers

Over-the-door organizers are classic, but they’re not just for shoes.

Examples of how people use them in small apartments:

• In the bathroom: store toiletries, hair tools, and extra toilet paper.
• In the kitchen: stash snacks, spices, or cleaning supplies.
• In a bedroom: organize accessories, socks, or small clothing items.

If you rent, this is one of the easiest examples of DIY storage solutions because installation is as simple as hooking it over the door. No holes, no drama.

Corner shelves and corner rods

Corners are often wasted space. One smart example of a DIY solution is installing corner shelves—either small floating shelves or a tall, narrow corner unit.

In a tiny living room, corner shelves can hold books, plants, and speakers. In the bathroom, they can store toiletries and towels. You can also use a corner tension rod (the kind that presses from floor to ceiling) with adjustable shelves for a flexible setup.

Another example: in a closet, install a short corner rod so you can hang more items in the back corner that usually sits empty.

Fold-down desks and tables

If you work from home or love crafting, but your apartment laughs at the idea of a full-time desk, a fold-down surface is worth considering.

You can mount a small, wall-attached table that folds up when not in use. Add a couple of shallow shelves above it for office supplies or craft materials. When you’re done working, everything folds away and the floor is clear again.

This is a great example of DIY storage that also protects your mental space. There’s growing recognition that clutter can affect mood and focus; while not medical advice, resources from organizations like the National Institutes of Health discuss how environment and mental health can intersect: https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters

How to choose the best examples for your specific small apartment

With so many examples of 3 examples of DIY storage solutions for small apartments (plus all the bonus ideas), it can be tempting to try everything at once. That usually leads to visual clutter and frustration.

Instead, think in three steps:

Step 1: Identify your worst clutter zones
Entryway, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, or “random stuff” corner—pick the top one or two. The best examples of DIY storage solutions are the ones that solve your biggest daily annoyances.

Step 2: Go vertical first
Before you add another piece of furniture, ask: can this go on the wall, the back of a door, or under something I already own? Examples include:

• Pegboard in the kitchen instead of another cart
• Hooks under a shelf instead of a freestanding coat rack
• Under-bed drawers instead of a second dresser

Step 3: Keep it flexible and renter-friendly
Unless you own your place and plan to stay for years, look for options you can uninstall with minimal repair. Tension rods, over-the-door organizers, freestanding shelves, and removable hooks are all excellent examples of low-commitment DIY.

If you feel overwhelmed, start with just one project—often the entryway wall organizer or under-bed storage. Once you feel the difference that one change makes, it’s easier to tackle the next.

FAQ: Real examples of DIY storage solutions for small apartments

Q: What are some quick examples of DIY storage solutions I can finish in one afternoon?
A: Easy examples include adding an over-the-door organizer in your bathroom or pantry, setting up rolling under-bed bins using crates and caster wheels, installing a magnetic knife strip in the kitchen, or hanging a tension rod in a closet for extra hanging space. All of these can be done with basic tools and minimal measuring.

Q: Can you give an example of a renter-friendly storage project that doesn’t damage walls?
A: A great example of renter-friendly storage is a tall, freestanding shelving unit paired with decorative baskets. You can also use over-the-door organizers, tension rods in closets, and furniture with built-in storage like ottomans and benches. These examples of DIY storage avoid drilling and are easy to take with you when you move.

Q: How do I avoid making my small apartment feel crowded while adding storage?
A: Focus on vertical storage and hidden storage. Examples include under-bed drawers, floating shelves, and furniture that doubles as storage. Keep items in matching bins or baskets to reduce visual clutter, and leave some open space on each shelf so your eye has a place to rest.

Q: Are there budget-friendly examples of 3 examples of DIY storage solutions for small apartments?
A: Yes. Many of the best examples start with items you already have: shoeboxes turned into drawer organizers, jars for pantry storage, or crates turned into rolling under-bed bins. You can also use inexpensive materials like tension rods, adhesive hooks, and basic pine boards to build simple shelves and organizers.

Q: How do I know if my DIY storage setup is safe and not overloaded?
A: Always check weight ratings on brackets, shelves, and anchors, and distribute heavy items low and close to the wall. For general guidance on safe lifting and load handling, resources from NIOSH at the CDC can be helpful: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ergonomics/default.html. If something feels wobbly or unstable, reinforce it or store lighter items there instead.

When you look at all these real examples of 3 examples of DIY storage solutions for small apartments—and the extra ideas layered in—you’ll notice a pattern: you’re not trying to squeeze more stuff into your home. You’re giving every item a clear, logical place to live.

Start with one corner, one wall, or one drawer. Build from there. Your apartment may be small, but with the right DIY storage solutions, it doesn’t have to feel that way.