Make the Most of Your Small Space

Since finishing college nearly twenty years ago, I’ve always lived in major cities—and big cities usually means small apartments. For nearly a decade, I’ve made a 600-square-foot one-bedroom into a home that works for me. In that space, I’ve hosted potluck parties for 20+ guests, three-course sit-down dinners for 12, built a collection of 20+ board games, and even created a home gym.

Small spaces can hold big lives—you just need the right strategies. Here are my six favorite tips for maximizing every inch.

1. Choose Furniture with Built-In Storage

Multi-functional furniture is a game-changer. Look for beds with drawers, coffee tables with storage, or kitchen islands with shelves and room for stools.

In my apartment, a large storage chest holds more than 20 board games and doubles as a makeshift desk thanks to its spring-top lid. My kitchen island adds prep space and open shelving, where I keep service for 12, plus a large water filter, mixing bowls, serving platters, and small appliances.

The Large Chest in My Living Room Used as Storage, Coffee Table, and Desk

Dinnerware, Mixing Bowls, and Appliances in My Kitchen Island

2. Think Vertically: Use Walls, Doors, and Magnetic Surfaces

Don’t let vertical space go to waste. Over-the-door organizers can expand closet capacity by 25–33%. I use them for purses, scarves, shoes, belts, and more. In my hallway and linen closets, over-the-door organizers hold overflow toiletries and cleaning supplies.

In my kitchen, pegboards and hanging bars keep nine pots and pans (including large, heavy ones) off valuable shelves. Magnetic accessories for magnetic surfaces are also your friend— magnetic knife holders, paper towel holders, and sturdy rods (for pot covers or kitchen towels) on the side of a fridge or stove can free up valuable cabinet space.

Pegboard for Pots and Pans in My Tiny Kitchen

Pegboard for Pots/Pans and Magnetic Spice Rack and Paper Towel Holder in Client’s Kitchen

3. Add Stackable Shelves

Stackable shelves instantly turn unused vertical gaps into organized storage. Heavy-duty metal shelves are great for pantry closets, while lightweight shelves work well on closet tops or inside kitchen cabinets. I’ve used them to set up pantries for friends and expand storage in my own closet.

Stackable Shelves in a Client’s Makeshift Pantry in Entryway Closet

Stackable shelves in my closet

4. Make Organized Use of Space Under the Bed

Under-bed space can easily become a black hole—so use containers or rolling carts to keep it functional. Under my bed, I store gym gear: a rolling cart with over 100 lbs of weights, a workout step with risers, and a training bar. Everything has its place, and nothing gets lost in the void.

Gym Equipment Stored Under My Bed

Gym Equipment Drawn Out for Use (Unseen: 8 additional risers stored on opposite side.)

5. Invest in Collapsible or Expandable Pieces

An expandable dining table is my #1 recommendation if you like to entertain but live in a small apartment. Mine seats six on a normal day but expands to fit ten—and with an extra side table, up to twelve (see image in Tip 6). Collapsible chairs, foldable dish drying racks, or nesting side tables can also save tons of space.

6. Rotate Rooms for Flexibility

Sometimes the best solution is to reimagine your layout. For larger dinner parties, I move my couch and coffee table into the dining room space and expand the dining table in the living room area. Sliders under furniture make rearranging easy, and friends are usually happy to help.

Dining and Living Room Spaces Switched and Table Expanded ahead of Friendsgiving

Final Thoughts

With a little creativity and the right tools, even a small apartment can feel expansive. Whether you’re hosting friends, storing hobbies, or just wanting more breathing room, these strategies will help you make the most of your space. Try one or two of these tips this week to see how much space you can create.