Space-Saving Ideas Under $50

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Space-Saving Ideas Under $50

aptsherpa · May 28, 2007

On a tight budget in a tiny apartment? Here are our top ten space-saving ideas that will cost you $50 or less — perfect for those of you who are trying to save money and space at the same time. All prices on the items below were under $50 as of the post date.

The Bedroom

When there’s so much stuff in your bedroom that you hardly have room for yourself, you’ve got to make more space. Where better to put your stuff then the place you used to hide messes when you were a kid … under the bed.

1. Bed Risers — These sturdy supports allow you to elevate your bed to create more room underneath. You can even stack them to create even more height. A set of 4 will cost you only $9.99 at Target.

2. Under-the-Bed Storage Boxes — Take advantage of your new-found under-bed storage with several flat storage bins. Plastic models are available at most home furnishing stores for everything from papers to toiletries. If your closet can’t hold another thing, consider canvas-clothing bags available at Bed, Bath & Beyond. They are designed to fit under the bed and come with cedar wood inserts to keep your clothes smelling great.

The Closet


Apartment closets are never big enough. If you live in a tiny apartment, chances are you only have one closet. Consider yourself lucky. Some apartment dwellers don’t get closet space at all. So do your best to take advantage of the little space you’ve got with some of these ideas.

3. Multiple Hangers — Don’t rely on flimsy metal hangers from the dry cleaners. They may be small, but they aren’t space efficient. Instead, pick up hangers and racks that take advantage of the vertical space in your closet. You can buy hangers from Ikea that hook onto each other and look great, and cost only $2.49 for a set of 8.

4. Over-the-Door Storage — Take a look at the floor of your closet. Do you see a set of labeled, organized storage boxes, or a jumble of mismatched shoes? Be honest — you need to do something with those shoes. Luckily, inexpensive shoe organizers can take advantage of the wasted space on the back of your closet door. An over-the-door hanger from Target can hold 36 pairs of shoes.

5. Closet Storage Bins — Now that you’ve cleaned up that closet floor, you can take advantage of the new space. Nifty and useful honeycomb storage bins are available at Overstock.com.

The Kitchen

We don’t believe large apartment kitchens actually exist. Have you ever seen one? We didn’t think so.

6. Kitchen Cart — Chances are you’re suffering from serious countertop shortage. You can buy a kitchen cart from Ikea that adds counter space and storage space at the same time.

7. Cabinet Shelving — If you’ve run out of cabinet space, make use of the cabinets’ height by adding some simple shelving. Stainless steel stackable shelves available at the Container Store are sturdy and look good enough to display outside the cabinets.

The Bathroom

Saving space in the bathroom is all about taking advantage of unused wall space.

8. Bathroom Wall Storage — It takes a little work to install, but it will be worthwhile once you hang a simple shelf and towel rack combo unit like these from Target. Accessorize with a chrome shelf or a wood one, depending on your bathroom’s decor.

9. Under the Sink — This is the most neglected area in the bathroom. Shelves designed to fit under the sink can hold cleaning supplies, extra toilet paper, and other bulky items that won’t fit in the medicine cabinet. Under-sink storage shelves are available at the Container Store.

The Hallway

In small apartments, you have to take advantage of every unused spot. If you’re lucky enough to have a hallway, make it work for you.

10. Wall Shelving — You can find simple wall shelves at Ikea that attach directly to the wall, so they won’t clutter narrow passageways. Place photos, flowers, and other decorative items here to greet visitors when they enter your newly organized apartment.

Get creative with your small space and organize it in a fun, decorative way without breaking the bank!

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