Space-Saving Storage Solutions for Renters

By Wendy Helfenbaum for REALTOR.ca





For many renters living in small spaces, having adequate storage options can prove challenging since you can’t always drill into walls to add more where you need it. Even if your unit includes a storage locker in the building’s garage, you’ll probably want to keep day-to-day items within reach, but not piled up everywhere. 


 

From double-duty furniture to creative solutions you don’t need the landlord’s permission to install, here’s a room-by-room guide to maximize storage space in your rental unit.

 

• Entranceway
  
   
• Living room
  
   
• Kitchen
  
   
• Bedroom 
  
   
• Bathroom

Expand entranceway storage 


 

Entry halls can be big trouble spots for renters because too often, they come with tiny closets, says Allison Weigensberg, a professional organizer with Everything in Place in Montreal, Quebec.


 

“I always suggest people use their entire vertical space to maximize storage,” says Weigensberg. “There are many inexpensive, damage-free stick-on hooks that are good for purses, keys, coats, snow pants, and baseball caps, and you don’t have to put holes in the wall to install them–just make sure to read the instructions carefully.”

 

Extend every inch inside the closet by adding a storage unit with cubbies, she adds.  


 

“One of my favourites is the eight-cube IKEA Kallax shelf unit because it’s so versatile. You can set it up horizontally or vertically and repurpose them when you move. Right now, mine has baskets for mittens and hats.”  


 

Plastic bins with pull-out drawers are also useful when placed on top of high closet shelves, says Jerilyn Wolstenholme, owner of Please Organize My Life in Calgary, Alberta. 


 

“If you have a busy family, you don’t really want to use too much of that small entranceway for storage. I’ve purchased six-foot-high narrow shoe racks to maximize the wall storage space to leave more space for people coming in and out,” she explains. 


 

If there’s room for a small bench, get one with a seat that flips up so you can store shoes inside, or one with shelving underneath. 






 

Leverage double-duty furniture in the living room

In a small space, everything must earn its place. Choose ottomans with integrated storage, bookcases with doors where you can stash kids’ games, and side tables with shelving. Lift-up coffee tables can also be a great addition, providing both space for storage and a spot to sit and eat if you’re in an apartment that doesn’t have much space for a kitchen table.


 

“Anything you can use multiple ways is going to be a win; I have a couch in my basement where you lift the seat and there’s storage underneath. That doesn’t just have to be for blankets; you can have off season decorations or clothing there or keep toys out of the way,” says Weigensberg.


 

Take advantage of the vertical space—like a tall bookcase with closed storage so it doesn’t add to the visual clutter.


 

Wolstenholme likes coffee tables with drawers, and leather cube-shaped stools that have storage inside.





 

Keep things organized in the kitchen 

 

Another common problem area for many renters is the kitchen, where having a pantry is rare, notes Wolstenholme, who suggests purchasing a sturdy metal shelving unit if you have a free wall. 


 

“Buy one that’s not too wide and use it for pantry and overstock items. Or get a closed freestanding cupboard to hide pantry items, which you can bring with you to the next home,” she says.


 

Weigensberg likes to put up damage-free hooks inside kitchen cabinet doors to hang measuring cups, cooking utensils or cleaning brushes.


 

“I love using spring-loaded drawer dividers in kitchen drawers to keep them as organized as possible so you can see what you have. They have different sizes available to fit almost any space, and you can take them with you when you leave,” she says. 


 

If you do have a pantry, maximize space by using shelf inserts, advises Weigensberg. 


 

“A lot of pantries are very narrow and deep, so put a basket underneath that acts like a drawer, giving you access to everything in the back.”








 

Bring more storage to the bedroom 

An upholstered storage bench at the foot of the bed can hold linens, extra blankets or seasonal items. You can also stash plenty of stuff under the bed, says Wolstenholme, who recommends wrapping paper organizers with lids.


 

“They have a lower profile, so they fit better underneath the mattress frame,” she explains. “You could use vacuum seal bags or oversized bags and store those under the bed, too.”


 

If you’re buying a new bed, look for a frame with underbed storage—whether it’s drawers that pull out on either side, or one with a mattress that lifts so you can store off-season clothing and bedding under your mattress, adds Weigensberg.


 

Since most rental units feature just one hanging rod in the closet and you may not be able to  install a custom shelving system, make the most of your vertical space, says Weigensberg. 


 

“Valet hooks on the back of your doors can be really helpful to hang up your outfits or housecoats,” she notes. 


 

“For shorter hanging items, like blouses and pants folded in half, get closet doublers that hang on an existing rod with two little hooks to create a second hanging space underneath. I often use the four-cube IKEA Kallax at the bottom of a closet because it fits in very small spaces. Put some baskets in there, and you’ll have additional drawer space for sweaters, socks and underwear.”


 

Wolstenholme recommends adding a second pressure-mounted rod to double your closet space.  


 

“In one of my closets, instead of a pressure-mounted rod I purchased a silver metal rod with two metal strings on the end that hooks overtop the existing rod,” she says.



 

Think vertical for the bathroom

 

When there’s only a pedestal sink in the bathroom instead of a vanity, it’s not easy to store toiletries and other items, notes Weigensberg. She suggests buying a freestanding shelving unit that sits over the toilet. Here, you can keep extra toilet paper, towels, or baskets that can keep smaller items organized.


 

Use the back of the door to hang bathrobes and towels from damage-free hooks, or hang a fabric shoe organizer to hold toiletries, cosmetics or cleaning supplies, adds Wolstenholme.


 

With a little creativity, renters can carve out storage throughout their unit—without busting their budget.

Thanks for reading today’s BLOG!!!

 

If you would like to see any of my previous blog posts, please click here.

 

Brian Kondo
Sales Representative / Team Leader
The Brian Kondo Real Estate Team
Re/Max Hallmark First Group Realty Ltd.
905-683-7800 office
905-426-7484 direct
brian@briankondo.com
www.BrianKondo.com
www.BrianKondoTeam.com

Wendy Helfenbaum's article was initially published on Realtor.ca. You can find it by clicking here.

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