6 Tips to Make More Space in Your Small NYC Apartment

Learn how to make more space in your small NYC apartment and create a more comfortable and pleasant living area.

New York is famous for its expensive and relatively small apartments. This, however, is not necessarily a bad thing. After all, you live in one of the most popular and unique cities on the planet. The lack of space may be the issue, but there are ways to make it work. This guide will help you make more space in your small NYC apartment and make your home more comfortable and practical. Even if you think there’s no more space left, we’ve got some useful tips that will help you reorganize the space and make it more efficient.

First things first

Make sure you include decluttering into your regular cleaning/organizing routine. Clutter and unnecessary items are the last things you need in your small NYC apartment. We’re always holding onto things because we think we’ll use them again or find a way to reuse them. Before you start looking for additional storage options, revise your household capacity and eliminate all the things that are eating up space. It’s not more space you need – it’s less stuff. But clutter is not only contributing to a mess in your apartment but also the mess in your mind. Plus, a clutter-free home is easier to maintain and will certainly help you stay focused and more creative. 

      1. Digitalize

In today's digital-first world, embracing technology can dramatically increase the usable space in your small NYC apartment. With advancements in cloud storage and digital management apps, keeping your home clutter-free is easier than ever. Consider using high-capacity cloud services to store large files like videos, high-resolution photos, and important documents securely online. Additionally, explore the world of virtual reality apps that can help you design and visualize your apartment layout before making physical changes. Smart home devices such as all-in-one entertainment systems that combine a speaker, light, and voice assistant can also reduce the need for multiple bulky items, freeing up space for other uses.

Bonus tip: In case you decide to store old photos or memories in a storage unit, make sure you pack and prepare them well before storing them. NYC Mini Storage experts advise removing pill and stick covers and any of the tape or glue parts. Also, avoid sticky or acid materials, and protect each photo with a plastic cover. Pictures and other paper items are sensitive to humidity and temperature changes. Therefore, on-time protection will ensure safety in long-term storage.

       2. Use dividers as storage

Don’t use dividers just as décor pieces. People who live in small homes often use them to separate specific areas of their apartments, such as the living room and kitchen or dining area. Try, for instance, adding a bookshelf or some other piece of furniture. This way, you’ll visually divide the space and make some space for décor, books, or similar items.

       3. Go vertical with storage space

Maximizing vertical space is important in small living environments. Recent design trends have brought various innovative vertical storage solutions to the forefront. Look for modular wall units that can be customized for your specific storage needs—whether for books, plants, or electronics. These systems often feature add-on components like desks and fold-out tables, making them perfect for adapting to different activities throughout the day. Also, consider newer options like magnetic wall strips for kitchen tools or adjustable shelving that can accommodate items of various sizes, ensuring that every inch of wall space can be used efficiently.

        4. Use every corner

Corner space is often underestimated in small homes. However, corners can provide valuable storage space. If there’s a forgotten corner in some room, think of some creative ways to use it to make more space in your small NYC apartment. If you can’t find a corner-shaped piece of furniture that can help you out, simply use hooks to hang coats, gym equipment, umbrellas, and even plants!

        5. Multi-function furniture is a must

If you need to make more space in your small NYC apartment, you need to get another perspective on certain furniture pieces. Nowadays, the market is filled with multi-function solutions, especially coffee tables, ottomans, armchairs, etc. These pieces will do their primary function and have some hidden storage built inside them. You can have a coffee table that will allow you to enjoy your morning coffee and have some cookies and store items such as blankets, magazines, and more. 

At the same time, new designs on the market now include beds with built-in desks, sofas with hidden storage, and coffee tables that convert into dining tables. These pieces save space and offer the flexibility to adapt your living area based on your daily needs. 

Sustainable and eco-friendly furniture options have also become more prevalent, featuring materials that are not only durable but also environmentally responsible. Investing in such versatile furniture can significantly enhance both the functionality and sustainability of your apartment's design.

        6. Get a storage unit for seasonal items

We mentioned putting photos and other memories in storage. Getting a storage unit can be extremely helpful when living in NYC. You can use it for seasonal items and clothes, hobby equipment, excess furniture, etc. Luckily, you have various options at your disposal, so you won’t have trouble finding a perfectly sized unit that suits your storage needs.

Other ways to make your small NYC apartment look bigger

It’s not only about creating additional storage space. There are things you can do to make your home visually bigger and more welcoming. Some tips include:

• Add mirrors to create the illusion of a bigger space but also reflect more light in the room;

• Use light colors – darks can only make the space look smaller, so be sure to avoid them and use light colors instead, especially if it’s time to revamp your walls.

• Add some transparent pieces – bulky furniture can be an issue even in bigger apartments. Chairs or coffee tables made of transparent materials can be a fun way to make the space appear larger.

• Hide clutter – even after a detailed decluttering session, many small items are left around the house. Use decorative baskets to put away all the trinkets and make the shelves tidier and organized.

• Get rid of heavy drapes and rugs – dark drapes and carpets made of ‘heavy’ materials can only make the space look smaller. Go for sheer curtains that allow more light into the room, and opt for thin or no rugs on the floor.

Let’s wrap it up

As you can see, there are many ways to make more space in your small NYC apartment. There are also tricks on creating an illusion of a bigger space. Combining them in your home will give perfect results and completely transform your living space.