Just because you live in a small apartment does not mean it has to lack character. In fact, when you have less space, there is more opportunity to make it yours. You can do so much to your apartment, as long as you are willing to embrace DIY.
However, DIY lovers run into a problem with small apartments. Where do you keep your tools and materials? You're trying to make the most of your space, and the last thing you want is clutter.
The good news is that with some small apartment storage hacks, you can find space for your DIY tools while you work on creating your dream space.
Here are some ideas for storing your DIY tools in your small apartment.
Share Your Tools
The best place to store your DIY tools when you have a small apartment is… somewhere else! The reality is that you don’t want to use any of your space for storage if you can avoid it. But while some people are lucky to have friends or family with endless storage space to share, most of us don’t. There is a smart solution to this.
Sharing your tools with someone else can be a great way to avoid having to use your precious space without inconveniencing others. You can allow them to use your tools if they're willing to store them. Alternatively, you can buy tools together and each store what you can. Either way, instead of them taking up space, you bring them into your home only when you need them.
Optimize Your Closet Space
If you have a small apartment, you probably don’t have much closet space. In fact, you may already be struggling to keep all your clothes, linen, and other basic items in the closets you have. However, you can change this with some DIY trickery.
There are many DIY ways to optimize your closet space, and if you do so smartly you may be able to find space for your DIY tools. You can consider creating a standing closet in your bedroom. You can add shelves to your closets to make the most out of the space within them. You can build a new closet with what extra space you have in your home office.
The approach you take will depend on you, but ultimately you will not need a storage room for your tools. Instead, you will be able to use what you've already got.
Use Storage in Your Apartment Building
Your apartment building will have storage space where the tools used by caretakers are kept. This space may be available to all, depending on what arrangement you have as a renter or owner. Many condos have shared spaces like these.
Even if there is no shared space, your apartment board may not mind if you use storage space, as long as you don’t take space caretakers actually need. Ask the board or HOA about any extra space. The worst that can happen is that they say no.
Raise Your Bed
Many people with small apartments use the space under their beds for clothing or other items. There are beds that are already raised and have built-in drawers, but you can do this yourself if you just have a regular bed. Use your DIY skills to raise your bed and create a simple storage system that is easy to access.
All you really need for this is the wood to build in those drawers. You can add some handles and give it all a nice polished finish and you'll have so much more space than before. This is a great hack even for those who do not need the space for their tools.
A Toolbox or Rack
Consider investing in a toolbox or rack specifically designed to store and organize your tools. This will help you stay organized and make it easier to find needed tools when necessary, especially if you have limited storage space. You can find many different styles and options to choose from online or in local home improvement stores.
Keep Your Tools Outside
2. Keep your tools outside of the main area of your apartment if possible so that they do not take up valuable space. This can be a good option for large toolboxes, stools, ladders, workbenches with upper cabinets and other similarly bulky items that take up a lot of space.
Wall Storage Solutions
Consider using wall storage solutions to keep your tools closer at hand. There are many different types of hooks, cabinets, racks and other options that can be used to hang or store items close by so that you do not have to walk across the room every time you need to use something.
Use Empty Space
4. Make use of any empty space in your apartment, like we already mentioned above including closets, under the bed and other areas that are not being used for anything else. This can be a great way to keep your tools hidden away and out of the way but still within reach when necessary.
Garage or Shed
5. If you have a garage or shed, consider storing your tools there instead of in your apartment. This can give you more space to work with and will help keep your tools safe from the elements.
Trolling Cart
6. Another option for keeping your tools organized and close by is to use a rolling cart or trolley. These can be found at many local home and hardware stores and can be easily moved around in your apartment to keep your tools close by when needed.
Making use of DIY to turn your small apartment into your dream space is a great idea. The problem is finding the space to keep your DIY tools and materials. Try and find space outside of your apartment itself, and use clever DIY hacks to optimize space within your apartments if necessary.