Is that tiny cupboard in your rental flat or room starting to drive you batty?
If you’ve found yourself living in a rental property that lacks storage, you’re going to have to get creative or resign yourself to living with all your belongings in a pile in the corner of your house. Here are a few options to consider.
1. Stacks of boxes
A simple stack of matching boxes in the corner of a room can be a very elegant and modern solution to your storage problem. You can use plastic, cardboard, wicker or metal – whatever material suits your aesthetic and your budget. Even simple, inexpensive cardboard file boxes can look fantastic stacked haphazardly in the corner of a bedroom or office.
2. Freestanding wardrobes
If it looks like you’re going to be renting for the foreseeable future, it might be a good idea to purchase a freestanding wardrobe. It will give you a place to hang your clothes and can double as a pantry or television cabinet if the next house you move into has decent cupboard space.
You can scrimp or splurge depending on what you’re after – timber wardrobes will be more expensive, but you can get zip-up fabric versions for a fraction of the cost.
3. Shared kitchen space
There’s no need to despair if your new kitchen doesn’t have a pantry, as a bookshelf makes for an excellent alternative. You can keep all of your dry cooking supplies neatly in jars, while chaotic stacks of plates and cups will add rustic charm.
4. Buckets and tubs
These are particularly useful if you have children, as you can store toys, clothing, towels, beauty products, cleaning products, bedding and sports equipment in them. If you purchase tubs with lids, you can stack them neatly in a designated area.
Buckets and tubs are particularly useful if you have children.
5. Hooks
Semi-permanent hooks are a must-have for apartments with scarce storage. Over-the-door hooks are the best option as they aren’t secured with an adhesive, and you can hang coats, dressing gowns and storage organizers from them.
Removable adhesive hooks are another alternative, which you can stick anywhere you like; just make sure you test them on your walls first to make sure they truly are removable.
6. Boxes stacked into shelves
Stacking metal, wooden or plastic boxes on their sides is an excellent way to make a temporary shelf. It’s a good idea to get boxes with lids if you move frequently, as you can just pop the lid on and move your belongings without having to pack anything.
7. Trays
Trays will help you make use of any additional space you have in the house. Big plastic trays on wheels are fantastic for extra under-the-bed storage, while smaller trays are useful for organizing small surface areas such as dressing tables and desks.
Smaller trays are useful for organizing dressing tables and desks.
8. Coat racks
Sleek modern coat racks take up very little room in your home and will provide you with a place to keep coats, sports bags, scarves, and handbags so they don’t pile up on your limited floor space.
9. Books stacked on shelves
Buy some inexpensive planks of wood from a hardware store and use stacks of your books to prop them up to make a shelf. It’s also an excellent space saver, as you’re using an item that needs to be stored to help store other items. It’s also perfect for people with large libraries.
10. Trunks and chests
Trunks and chests are brilliant for storing extra bedding, and if you purchase one that has a flat top it can also double as a coffee table. This is another storage solution that is excellent for frequent movers – you can just pick up the trunk and leave, no need to pack.
Article repurposed from 10 clever storage solutions for rental properties.
