I Live In The Tiniest New York City Apartment Ever—Here Are 10 Space-Saving Hacks I’ve Mastered
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I know it’s annoying to hear New Yorkers complain about the lack of space they have in their apartments, so I apologize for being one of them. But let me just put out there that my gripes are actually paired with tips. See, since I’ve been living in perhaps the tiniest apartment in the East Village (with a roommate I might add), I’ve come to master many essential space-saving hacks.
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For example, I’ve found a multi-use spice rack (yes, there is such a thing) that takes up absolutely no counter space, a mirror that also functions as a huge unit of a jewelry holder, and a desk that is also a bookshelf and plant holder. All of these things took some time and effort to discover. I have a strict budget—I never spend more than $200 on a single item—and am seriously skeptical about products. After all, I am a shopping editor.
But, these items have all garnered my trust and received stellar reviews from other shoppers. Plus, I’ve been using these things daily for more than a year. They’re still functioning and in one piece, so just know they’re better than 99 percent of the things you buy online, anyways.
Also, to prove that I’m not exaggerating about the space in which I live, here’s a picture of my living room/kitchen/office/gym (please give any decoration kudos to my roommate, I did nothing):
Now do you believe me that saving any and all space possible is important to me? You better. Below, shop 10 of the space-saving tools I owe my life to. Without them, I’d be lost in a cluttered mess of a home.
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Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. HSN is a STYLECASTER sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.
Mind Reader Hanging Jewelry Organizing Cabinet Mirror
As somebody who buys every chunky necklace and vintage-looking ring they see, a jewelry holder is an integral part of my daily life. This one has so many uses: It’s a mirror, safe, and dresser all in one. It’s big enough to store slim scarves in addition to the typical accessories.
Mind Reader Jewelry Organizer Cabinet… $186.30
mDesign Paper Towel Holder with Spice Rack
The amount of storage space in my apartment is laughable. What’s worse: the counter space is even smaller. So, what’s a gal who loves to cook to do? Find something that has a few space-saving uses like this paper towel holder and spice rack. It doesn’t require any tools to install and fits a substantial number of spice jars on top.
mDesign Paper Towel Holder with Spice… $16.49 (was $19.99)
Walker Edison Freya Urban Industrial Ladder Desk
Working from home throughout the pandemic has brought with it too many challenges to count. Among them, trying to fit a workspace in a 100-square-foot apartment. This desk doubles as a shelf for decor and books, plus has enough room at the bottom for me to tuck in my ottoman chair when I’m not working. It’s a space-saving savior.
Walker Edison Freya Urban Industrial… $123 (was $255)
Onlyeasy Foldable Underbed Bags
I am a shopping editor, thus I overshop and have way too many things. To put all of those things in a place that’s accessible, yet out of sight would be a huge challenge if not for these underbed bags. They have handles that make it easy to pull them out when I’m switching out seasonal clothes or trying to find that random shirt I never wear. Plus, they have a secure zip cover that somehow prevents any musty smells from arising over time.
Onlyeasy Foldable Underbed Bags $12.97
Household Essentials Hanging Shoe Storage Organizer
I had one of these hanging organizers in my college dorm, so it was a bit of a full-circle moment purchasing another for my full-grown adult apartment. It fits 10 shoes at once (though, if you have flats or sandals, you can finagle more) and utilizes hardly any closet space.
Household Essentials Hanging Shoe… $20.21 (was $34.99)
AmazerBath Adhesive Bathroom Corner Shower Shelf
My shower is just large enough to fit one (1) adult human, and the rain shower head makes it impossible to use a typical shower caddy, so finding this corner shelf was a true miracle. Again, it requires no tools to assemble and somehow has lasted over a year. My roommate and I pile toiletries—I’m talking at least six products each—on our individual shelves (each purchase comes with two) and the holders withstand the weight with ease.
AmazerBath Adhesive Bathroom Corner… $19.99 (was $24.99)
Joseph Joseph DrawerStore Compact Cutlery Organizer
Remember how I talked earlier about having no kitchen storage space? I wasn’t lying. And, the singular drawer I have in my kitchen is about as slim as can be, so much so that I couldn’t even entertain the thought of a typical cutlery organizer. This slim one fits just as many forks and knives inside without having to be super wide. The unique angle of each slot makes it easy to pull out the items you want, too.
Joseph Joseph DrawerStore Compact… $11.99
Diommell 12-pack Foldable Clothes Storage Boxes
I know that it might seem counterintuitive to put smaller boxes into cramped drawers, but trust me when I say this system makes working with crowded dressers so much easier. It allows for my socks, intimates, and everything in between to be organized and stored in the best way possible. The longer ones are great for bras and tights, while the smaller boxes are ideal for socks and underwear.
Diommell 12-pack Foldable Clothes… $29.99
Tribesigns Corner Shelf
In my bedroom, I estimate that I have maybe 6 square feet of extra space, so getting bedside tables was not an option. Instead, I opted for this corner shelf. It functions as a purse holder, jewelry stand, lamp holder, and phone stand. The wider base also creates the illusion that it’s larger and adds a flare of style.
Tribesigns Corner Shelf $149.98
Nifty Rolling Coffee Pod Mini Drawer
I’m a Keurig lover—I just tested the brand’s new smart model and it’s iconic—but storing K-Cups in my cabinets was just not possible. I can hardly fit in a box of oatmeal. This drawer adds space without taking it away. You place it under whatever device you have and it fits up to 24 pods at once. I truly couldn’t imagine life without this wondrous contraption.
Nifty Rolling Coffee Pod Mini Drawer $20.99
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