How to Choose an Apartment with Enough Storage Space: 8 Key Tips

When looking for a new apartment, one of the most important things to consider is the amount of storage space. Having enough room to store your belongings can make your life more organized and less stressful. A clutter-free home can help you feel more relaxed and focused. Finding the right apartment with enough storage options doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require careful thought. Here’s a guide to help you find an apartment with all the storage space you need.

1. Understand Your Storage Needs

Before you even start looking at apartments, it's a good idea to figure out what your storage needs are. Everyone's situation is different, and knowing what you need will help you find the right place.

Inventory Your Belongings

Take a moment to think about the things you have. Are you someone who owns a lot of things, or do you prefer a more minimalistic approach? For example, do you have a lot of clothes, books, or hobby equipment? If you enjoy biking, do you have bikes that need storage? Listing everything you have and considering the things you might need to store in the future will give you a clearer idea of how much space you’ll need.

Evaluate Your Lifestyle

Your lifestyle will also impact your storage needs. For example, if you work from home, you might need space for office supplies and equipment. If you love cooking, you may require extra kitchen space. On the other hand, if you don’t have many things, you might not need as much storage. Take some time to think about what kind of storage space you’d use on a daily basis.

Plan for Future Storage Needs

You should also think about the future. Will your storage needs change in the coming years? Perhaps you’re planning to start a family or take up a hobby that requires extra space. If that’s the case, it’s worth looking for an apartment that can accommodate those needs as well.

2. Look for Built-In Storage Features

Apartments that come with built-in storage features can make your life much easier. These features are designed to maximize the space, so you don’t have to worry about buying extra furniture or storage units.

Closets and Wardrobes

• Walk-In Closets: These are great for storing clothes and other personal items. Walk-in closets offer a lot of space and flexibility because they can be customized with extra shelving, rods, or even drawers. If you have a lot of clothes, shoes, or accessories, this can be a lifesaver.
• Built-In Wardrobes: These are built into the walls, saving you space in the bedroom. They often come with shelves and hanging areas, making them a great option for organizing your clothing and personal items.

Cabinets and Shelving

• Kitchen Cabinets: A well-organized kitchen is key to maintaining a tidy apartment. Make sure there are enough cabinets to store all your pots, pans, plates, and food items. If the kitchen has deep drawers or pull-out shelving, that can be a big bonus, as they allow you to store more without having to stack things on top of each other.
• Bathroom Cabinets: Bathrooms need storage for toiletries, towels, cleaning supplies, and more. Look for apartments with cabinets under the sink or built-in shelving to store these items.
• Built-In Shelving: Many apartments offer shelves in the living room or bedrooms. These are perfect for books, photos, and other personal items. Built-in shelves are often more secure and efficient than freestanding bookshelves, especially if they’re designed to maximize space.

3. Consider the Layout of the Apartment

The layout of an apartment plays a huge role in how much storage you’ll have. A well-thought-out layout can make even a smaller apartment feel spacious and organized.

Floor Plan

• Open Floor Plans: While open floor plans can feel more spacious, they may lack dedicated storage space. However, open areas can be great if you’re willing to get creative with storage solutions like using stylish storage bins, shelving, or multi-purpose furniture.
• Defined Rooms: A more traditional layout with separate rooms can help you designate specific areas for storage. For instance, you can have a dedicated space for your office, extra storage in the hallway, or a closet for coats and shoes near the entrance.

Additional Spaces

• Basements or Attics: Some apartments come with extra space in the form of a basement or attic. These areas can be perfect for storing seasonal items, holiday decorations, or things you don’t need to access often. It’s important to check if these areas are dry, secure, and accessible.
• Balconies: If you have a balcony, see if the landlord allows you to store items like bikes, outdoor furniture, or gardening supplies. Some apartments even offer outdoor storage sheds for this purpose.

4. Check for Extra Storage Options

Many apartments offer additional storage space beyond the usual closets and cabinets. This can be a major plus if you have a lot of belongings.

Storage Units

• On-Site Storage: Some apartment complexes offer extra storage units on the property. These units are usually separate from the apartment but close by. They’re a great place to store things like seasonal clothes, sports equipment, or tools that you don’t need every day.
• Reserved Spaces: In addition to on-site storage, some apartments offer reserved storage spaces for larger items like bikes, kayaks, or camping gear.

Garage Space

• Private Garages: If the apartment comes with a private garage, that’s an added bonus. You can store your car, tools, bicycles, and anything else you don’t want cluttering up your living space.
• Shared Garages: If a private garage isn’t available, ask about shared garage options. Even a shared space can provide a secure place to store larger items, such as furniture or outdoor gear.

5. Look for Customization Opportunities

You don’t always have to rely on the apartment’s existing storage features. Sometimes, you can add your own storage solutions to make the space work better for you.

Adjustable Shelving

• Custom Shelving Systems: If you need more storage in specific areas like closets or the kitchen, look for apartments with adjustable shelving. These systems allow you to change the height and placement of shelves, so you can fit items of all sizes.

Furniture with Built-In Storage

• Multi-Functional Furniture: Consider looking for furniture that doubles as storage. Items like storage ottomans, coffee tables with hidden compartments, or beds with drawers underneath can help you maximize your space. These pieces are perfect for storing things like blankets, books, or clothes.

6. Evaluate Storage Efficiency

A well-designed apartment can make the most of the space available. When looking at an apartment, pay attention to how efficiently the space is used for storage.

Clever Design Elements

• Under-Stair Storage: If the apartment has stairs, look for ways that the space under the stairs is used. This area can often be used for storage, like a small closet or shelving.
• Built-In Nooks: Some apartments have little alcoves or nooks that can be used for storing items or displaying things like artwork. These spaces may not look like much, but they can be surprisingly useful.

Hidden Storage

• Concealed Storage: Many modern apartments have clever hidden compartments that make it easy to store things while keeping your living space neat and tidy. These might include pull-out shelves, built-in storage under beds, or hidden cabinets.

7. Think About Maintenance and Access

The last thing you want is to struggle with accessing your storage or dealing with maintenance issues. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Easy Access

• Convenient Locations: Make sure the storage spaces are in easy-to-reach areas. If you have to dig through piles of stuff just to grab one thing, it can be frustrating. Try to find storage solutions that are practical and close to where you’ll need to use them.

Security and Maintenance

• Security: It’s important that storage areas are secure and protected from things like moisture, dust, or pests. If you have extra storage space, make sure it’s safe for your belongings.
• Cleaning: Regular cleaning of storage spaces is important. Look for places that are easy to wipe down and maintain.

8. Practical Tips for Finding an Apartment with Storage

Here are a few practical tips to help you in your search for the perfect apartment with enough storage:

Research Online

• Online Listings: Many apartment websites allow you to filter for properties that offer storage space. Make sure to use these filters when searching for apartments with enough storage for your needs.

Visit the Apartments

• In-Person Visits: Whenever possible, visit multiple apartments in person. This will give you a chance to see the storage options for yourself and get a feel for how well the space will work for your belongings.

Ask About Additional Storage Options

• Inquire About Storage: Don’t hesitate to ask the landlord or property manager about any extra storage options. Some apartments offer additional spaces or even allow you to rent storage units on the property.

Conclusion

Finding an apartment with enough storage space can significantly improve your quality of life. By understanding your needs, looking for built-in storage, and considering customization options, you can choose an apartment that meets both your practical needs and your lifestyle. Keep these tips in mind when you start your search, and you’ll find a space that works for you—one that’s organized, clutter-free, and feels like home.

For more tips and inspiration on organizing your space, follow along for updates and creative storage solutions that can transform your home