No matter what size your living space may be, it seems like we always need more storage space. How do you store all your favorite kitchen gadgets? What do you do with the day-to-day clutter that you can’t quite throw away yet? There are simple answers to most of these questions. All you need is a little creativity (and maybe some shelves)…

Two areas in most homes that get cluttered quickly are the kitchen and the entry, and both of these spots can benefit from some well-placed hooks. A great way to add a few storage spaces for things that are easy to hang like coats or pots is to install a curtain rod and put some hooks on it. You can add more hooks as needed, and slide the hooks from side to side to create more or less space for certain items. You can also use hooks in your bedroom and bathroom for hanging extra towels or outfits.

When it comes to those extra books, the decorations you just can’t give up, or extra lighting, use shelves to think “up” in instead of “out”. Put vertical shelves against a wall of your closet to hold purses, shoes, and other accessories. Consider putting a shelving unit over your toilet to make extra room for toiletries and bath products. Some shelving even includes built-in lighting, allowing you to eliminate a lamp and make more room for your favorite books.

Baskets can be your best friend when it comes to storing blankets and other home accessories. Slide a few baskets under your coffee table and fill them with magazines, blankets for cozy evenings, and even socks and slippers to keep your feet toasty. Baskets are great in the entryway, too, giving you a place to put your shoes when you come into the house. You can avoid filling up your dresser drawers with socks and undergarments by using plastic baskets on your closet shelves to organize smaller clothing items.

Don’t forget all that space under your bed! Use Tupperware or baskets to keep seldom-used items like holiday décor out of the way. Keep your guest sheets and towels under the guest bed to keep things neat, tidy, and organized. You can even keep larger items like folding tables and ironing boards under the bed and out of the way.

With a little ingenuity, you can create more storage space in your apartment so you don’t have to throw away your favorite things!