Manhattan Apartment Organization Ideas to Steal from the Pros

New York City apartment organization often requires a cunning, tactical approach. Instead of simply moving in, you must consider and take advantage of every potential storage space. Arranging your belongings can feel like a real-world Tetris puzzle as you work to place plates, cups, and that KitchenAid mixer you had to have in a way that allows your kitchen cabinets to close.

Small space living can be both functional and aesthetically pleasing, but it will require a combination of strategy, creativity, and lots of determination. So if your "cozy" NYC apartment suddenly feels overwhelmed by your belongings and you don't know where to start, look no further. My team and I have compiled the ultimate guide for stress-free small apartment organization and space planning tips in New York City.

Take a deep breath, relax, and watch your studio apartment transform from a cramped, small space to a tidy, calming environment in 10 easy steps.

NYC Apartment Hacks: Tips for Maximizing a Small Space

I firmly believe that mindful organization lays the foundation for the intuitive design of aesthetically pleasing small spaces that promise to reduce stress and boost creativity. By creating accessible storage zones within your home, you can streamline your daily routine – and get a coffee cup out of your kitchen pantry without risking a dining ware avalanche.

Most importantly, everything will have a thoughtfully determined place. From your favorite design elements to unsightly electronic essentials, our favorite home organization hacks keep your apartment looking and feeling bright, open, and neat as a pin.

1. Take advantage of closet storage

Believe it or not, an organized closet can provide you with a real advantage when it comes to organizing small spaces in NYC. No matter how many closets you have, determine a theme for the contents in each one – and stick to it.

For example, if you have a closet near your bathroom, you can store your bulky towels, linens, extra toiletries, and cleaning products there for easy access. Use the coat closet near the front door for season-appropriate outerwear and accessories and if space dictates, swapping out your warm- and cold-weather clothes when appropriate, and using slim, matching non-slip hangers to protect your apparel and minimize bulk.

Dedicate a kitchen closet (or pantry shelf, depending on available space) for cleaning supplies so you will always have everything you need for routine tidying or emergency cleanup.

2. Ditch the duplicates

Whether you live alone or share an apartment with roommates, you likely own multiples like unused exercise equipment, winter coats, baking sheets, etc.  These items may seem small – but donating, selling, or disposing of duplicate items quickly results in more usable free space.

3. Add wall and door hooks – and avoid overloading them

Wall and door hooks are great ideas that work like a charm when you need additional storage space in a small apartment. Buy sleek, low-profile hooks to hang over your bathroom door that can keep your towels fresh and dry. Contain your coats and bags with hooks near the door or in your bedroom for easy access. You can even use hooks inside the walls of closets for accessories like belts, bags, and umbrellas.

4. Swap cheap plastic storage containers for baskets

Plastic storage containers serve a purpose and work well when packed with off-season clothing in a closet or storage room. But when it comes to visible storage, you can easily elevate your apartment's feel with storage-as-decor: woven or metal bins, boxes, and baskets. Consider a low profile bin to a place near your sofa to corral your dog's toys rather than leaving them strewn across the floor, or try a woven basket to stash extra throw pillows and blankets in the bedroom.

5. Invest in multi-use furniture

The perfect solution for small spaces? Multi-use furniture. These hardworking pieces offer the aesthetic advantage of a beautiful coffee table, ottoman, or armchair, then fold out or open up to reveal ample storage space – or even a comfortable bed for your guests. If your linen closet has limited space or your bedroom lacks shelving, multi-use furniture can provide room for bulky items without eating up your floor space.

6. Purchase items meant for small apartments

Choosing sofas, tables, beds, and other furniture from small-space lines can help maintain the look and feel of your home. Instead of squeezing past large, bulky furniture, each piece will suit the size of your apartment. Plus, you can finally add a side table next to the sofa in your living room or a coat rack and shoe storage in your tiny entryway, thanks to the newly available square footage.

7. Select a functional, durable shelving unit 

Decorating with a custom shelving unit doesn't have to cost thousands. Even a simple design can become an eye-catching centerpiece that will add premium storage space to your NYC apartment.

You can customize your shelving needs with The Container Store’s store Elfa system or a metro shelf for a more industrial feel. Organize books, magazines, or DVDs on the shelves, arrange tiny boxes and baskets for small items like pens, paper clips, or electronic devices, and create zones where you can leave your keys, glasses, and wallet for easy retrieval on busy days. Again, come up with ideas for storage-as-decor even at the micro-level.

8. Store rarely-used items

We all have the items we love but rarely use, like holiday serving dishes, roasting pans, air fryers, and the behemoth KitchenAid mixer taking up most of your under-counter storage. Rather than sacrificing valuable shelving space, archive these pieces on a top shelf, the back of a closet, or the back of a non-essential cabinet. Just think of how light and airy your kitchen will seem, minus the cluttering bulk of these seasonal objects.

9. Think outside of the box

When it comes to organizing apartments in NYC, aim for a little creativity when you shop – or let our expert team help you. Look for attractive trays, slatted crates, and woven boxes to keep items organized in your closet, drawers, and pantry shelves. Breathable canvas baskets will keep your linens smelly fresh, while bamboo trays can help organize utensils in your kitchen drawers.

10. Get creative with your apartment's unique features

Like any living space, your NYC apartment has its quirks and special features. From pencil-thin closets to wide window casings, an awkwardly bare wall, and more, you can create improvised storage solutions in the places you may have previously ignored or disliked.

Apartment Organization in New York City

Organizing your NYC apartment can feel overwhelming, even with the best tips and tricks in the world. If your small space has you at your wit's end, my team and I can help.

We specialize in generating ideas and designing functional decor for NYC apartments our clients will love – from interior design to move management, home shopping, and space planning. 

Whether you need help getting organized, decorating, moving, or you want help to focus on decor ideas for your bedroom, kitchen, or living room, I would love to hear from you! Email me today and enjoy an unbelievably organized NYC apartment you will be proud to show off. Also, be sure to follow my blog since I post regularly.