Vertical storage solutions can be a great way to maximize the storage potential of even the most minimal apartments.

If you live in an apartment, chances are you’re looking for a little extra space wherever you can get it. If you’ve looked everywhere to no avail, you might want to try looking in one more direction–up!

“I think using vertical storage is beneficial for any category and room as long as you have the space to do it!,” says Jackie O’Brien of Clarity Through Organization.

Read on for some expert tips on how to make these vertical storage solutions work for you.

Vertical Bedroom Storage Ideas

Space can get tight in in your bedroom very quick. The key is thinking of underutilized areas in your personal spaces that will help you declutter and bring some serenity to your every day living.

1.  Stacking boxes and bins. Often sold in sets for a convenient and quick vertical storage solution, use any soft storage boxes or baskets. Austin recommends filling any lower containers completely, as half-filled boxes will wilt under pressure.

2. Over the door organizers. These are great for taking advantage of unused vertical behind doors and cabinets. One of the most common is for shoe storage, wrapping supplies, bathroom and cleaning products.

3. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. In New York, we know are short on storage. Most renters get creative with their limited space by using unconventional areas such as the stove to hold shoes.  Maybe you don’t need to use the stove, but we love the ideas of using a display cabinet to store shoes!

4. Pegboard storage adds style. These are great for hanging tools and craft items. In the main image above, the pegboard allows you to display your hat collection but add vertical storage on the wall.

“It’s always better to use your vertical space. Anything you can do to get things off the floor and out of the way will help your space feel cleaner and more relaxing.”

Vertical Storage in Living Spaces

5. Add stackable vertical storage bins. Storage bins are perfect for places like closets. With this in mind, install a few in convenient shape and sizes for sweaters, shoes and even accessories.

“Keeping things stored vertically helps you be able to see and find things easier. If everything is thrown on the floor, it will be very difficult to find things when you need them. It also helps you to make the most of the space you are paying for,” says Colleen Austin of Organizing With Kidz.

6. Free-standing floor shelving Depending on the layout of your space, free standing floor shelving can be used to customize some extra self storage. Think about a free standing shelf set for items like toys in a living room or kids room, hobby gear, or sports equipment.

A free standing shelf with compartments can also be a great addition to corralling items that get cluttered in an entry.

7. Add a tiered storage cart. If you don’t have built in shelving at home, Austin recommends rolling shelves and hooks as an easy way to get some height without too much hassle.

No matter what you’re trying to get out of the way, she notes that keeping similar items together (like sports equipment, for example), will help you find things quickly and easily.

Vertical Storage Solutions for Kitchen and Bathroom

Vertical storage doesn’t have to stop at the living room! Utilizing some vertical storage solutions in the kitchen and bathroom can help keep these highly functional areas clutter free. From under the sink to the pantry, open up tight spaces in these areas with some stacked storage.

8. Use Hooks. For safe storage, make sure you anchor any shelving and make sure your hooks and other hardware are strong enough to handle what you’re storing.

“I also love to have adhesive wall hooks on hand for hats, bags and mops/brooms,” O’Brien also recommends. “You can buy any of these solutions at most retail home stores.”

9. Don’t forget that cluttered under sink area in the kitchen or bathroom. After all, vertical storage doesn’t have to be sky high.

Tension rods or small shelves attached to the back of a cabinet drawer can give you a little lift in small spaces to get some much needed cabinet space back. In these high traffic areas, invest in solid materials that won’t need replacing down the line. 

10. Keep your pantry organized and cut down on food waste with vertical solutions. Group like items together, it’s easier to see what you have in stock, cycle through items that are due to expire, and make that Sunday meal prep a breeze.

Don’t forget to check out more small space styling ideas on our blog. heck out our guide to creating a gallery wall. 

No matter what you need to store, vertical storage is a great way to maximize your space as well as show off your personality, and make your apartment feels like home. Of course, check first with your apartment management to see what you can and can’t do.