If you’re moving to a Japanese city, chances are you’ll be living in a pretty small apartment. Many people who live in tiny places often struggle to keep their belongings organized. It’s hard to fit everything you own into a tiny apartment in the first place, and once you’re moved in, you might find yourself overwhelmed with clutter. Don’t give up and resign yourself to living in a messy apartment. You can be organized even if you live in a cramped space. Here are some creative storage solutions for small spaces. 

Vertical Storage 

Making use of vertical space is one of the best ways to store things in a small apartment. Buy tall shelves and place things you don’t have to reach for very often near the top. Use a back of the door organizer for your shoes or skincare and beauty items. Hooks are also a great way to make use of vertical storage. You can hang mugs and other kitchen items from hooks placed on the kitchen walls or fridge. Adding hooks to your closets is also a great way to maximize vertical space. 

Under the Bed Storage 

Unless you sleep on a futon or place your mattress directly on the floor, there’s probably lots of space under your bed. Don’t just let dust collect there. Store stuff under your bed! You can even buy dedicated under the bed storage containers. If you’re buying a new bed for a small apartment, consider getting one that has drawers built in. 

Consider not Having a Bed

Think about sleeping on a futon if your apartment has a room with tatami flooring. While you won’t have under the bed storage with a futon, you’ll be able to get more out of the floor space in your apartment than with a bed. During the day, you can fold up your bedding and put it away. This storage strategy is particularly useful for those who like to do activities that require a lot of floor space, like home workouts. 

Add on to Existing Storage 

Purchasing an add on can help you get more out of the cabinets and closets that are already in your apartment. Mounting holders for hair dryers and straightening or curling irons on the inside of your bathroom cabinets can help tidy up a cluttered bathroom. In addition, many bathroom sinks in Japan have little counter space.

ou can add a rack onto the outside of your cabinets and keep your toothbrush, toothpaste, and other toiletries there. If your bathtub/shower doesn’t have much space for shampoo and other necessities, get a shower caddy that can be placed on the wall. 

Hidden Storage 

Store things out of sight with furniture that includes a hidden storage compartment. Many chairs, ottomans, and even some couches have a secret storage space. Your guests can sit right on top of your storage and not know it. Hidden storage is especially useful for stowing away items you don’t use very often. In addition to being used to maximize space, these sorts of compartments can also be used to hide valuable items. 

Put Away Electronics You Don’t Use Very Often 

Do you have a printer, label maker, or other electronic device you don’t use very often that’s taking up precious desktop space? Consider tucking it away in a drawer or closet and only pulling it out when you use it. Reserve your open storage space for items you use everyday. You’ll have more room to do your work and your apartment will feel less cluttered. 

Window Storage 

Depending on the size and placement of your windows, you may be able to utilize them for storage. Plants that love light often thrive when placed on windowsills. If you have windows in your kitchen, you can buy hanging shelves and racks that’ll allow you to keep your pots, pans, and utensils in the window. If there’s a window above your kitchen sink, you can set your soap and sponges on the windowsill. 

Smart Organizers 

Get storage containers and organizers that help you make the most of your space! Separating your drawers into smaller compartments can help you fit in a lot more clothes. Smart jewelry organizers can help maximize space and keep chains from tangling. Look for containers and organizers that can be stacked, compress your items, or otherwise save you space but are easy to use. Buying organizers that are inconvenient and not user friendly will probably lead to more mess in the long run.