Living in an apartment means doesn’t always mean having limited space, many are gracious in size. However, no matter where you live, or how much space we have to work with, we may have more “stuff” than we realize. But that doesn’t mean you need to do a major decluttering session, throw out everything, or live a strictly minimalist lifestyle. There will always be things you need, but don’t need out in the open for everyone to see. So, you must come up with an effective system of decorating and arranging things–all without cluttering up your place, or having stacks of the unsightly storage bins.
There are various ways to organize and hide your things. In this post, we’ll share a few decorative items that can be used as storage to help keep your things out of sight
Multifunctional Side Table
What do you do with remote controls, keys, coasters, and other odds and ends? You’re probably used to placing them on your coffee table.
But if you want to keep them within reach while hiding them away when not in use, you can invest in cute woven baskets or resin trays.
Or better yet, get a side table or coffee table with hidden compartments. You can easily find minimalist table designs with tabletops that can be lifted or tables with inconspicuous built-in shelves for storing odds and ends.
Slide-Out Pantry Beside the Fridge
No need to display jars, bottles, and other containers of different sizes and colors. You can invest in mobile shelving units that are made to form part of your fridge.
Designed to be placed next to your refrigerator, slide-out shelves can keep your pantry stuff hidden beside your fridge to keep it readily accessible.
Storage Under Your Bed
The space under your bed doesn’t have to be dedicated to your dust collection. Clean it up and put your bed linens and off-season clothes in under-bed storage systems.
From simple boxes with lids to rolling containers, there are lots of under-bed storage options you can choose from. And if you’re planning to replace your old bed anyway, why not opt for a storage bed with a lift-up frame or hidden drawers?
Camouflaged Trash Bin
No, we’re not talking about the military camouflage pattern. What we’re referring to here is a trash can that looks like something else entirely.
Because trash bins can be an eyesore, many companies have come up with solutions to hide them away, like clever cabinets with tilt-out garbage bins and stylish wooden containers for holding trash bins. Or if you’re strapped for cash, you can always repurpose old hampers or wine barrels and use them for keeping your trash.
Over-the-Door Storage
One of the most overlooked places for storing things? Behind closed doors.
With the right over-the-door organizer, you can use your closet door or entryway door to hide your shoes, accessories, towels, or other things away.
Even better, you don’t need to drill into anything. You can find tons of over-the-door racks and baskets that you can hang over the door.
Ottoman
Unsightly printers and other bulky equipment can be challenging to hide. That’s where a simple storage ottoman comes in handy.
While many ottomans are designed to be footstools, there are lots of styles that incorporate hidden storage systems. And with their spacious storage, you can easily keep your large office equipment out of sight.
Hollow Books
Have jewelry, cash, and other precious belongings you need to hide? You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on a safe. Hide your valuables in plain sight behind “books.”
You can buy secret storage books online and even have them customized. Or if you have books that you’re planning to dispose of, you can easily make your own hollow book storage system.
These are just a few ideas to help keep your private items, valuables, or bulky and unsightly items safely put away and out of sight. Not only does it help to keep your apartment feeling tidy, but it keeps your personal items hidden from nosy guest. Give some of these ideas a try—once you start, you might even come up with some creative ones on your own.
Oxford at Tech Ridge Apartments in Austin, TX