Expert-approved apartment organization ideas and products to tidy up your space

When you live in an apartment, it’s not always easy to organize your space. But that doesn’t mean that organization is impossible. While you can always hire a professional organizer, that may not be in your budget. Fortunately, you can use the same organizer-approved products to achieve a similar look anywhere. 

Whether you’re trying to fit your entire spice collection in your pantry, get a better idea of your snack inventory, or simply figure out what to do with all of your makeup, here are the best apartment organization ideas along with the essential products to help you get started.

1. CONQUER MAKEUP DRAWER MADNESS WITH COSMETIC DRAWERS

From lipsticks to pencils to foundations — cosmetic drawers can easily become cluttered and messy, making it hard to find what you’re looking for. Done and Done has found a solution to this problem by using different-sized plastic organizers.

Whether you need a long and narrow container to fit brushes, wider options to house palettes, or smaller containers for eyeshadows, just arrange the organizers in a drawer for a custom fit. There are sets available with enough containers to fit small, medium, or large makeup collections.  

2. DECANT AND RE-ORGANIZE

Professional organizer Shantae Duckworth proves you can makeover your pantry with a few key products. For example, a tea sorter can help you eliminate excess boxes as well as get a handle on your tea inventory.

Mason jars are also a practical way to organize all kinds of things from dry foods like beans to leftover pesto sauce in the fridge. However, opting for airtight containers is ideal for foods such as nuts, cereal, and rice. 

However, if you need help sorting snacks and condiments, you can’t go wrong with a classic clear bin. They can also be used to organize the inside of the refrigerator. 

3. ORGANIZE YOUR SPICES 

Spices can become disorganized real quick, especially if you're a fan of cooking. Duckworth has found that multiple-tiered spice racks are a good solution to this problem. Better yet, you can keep everything you need for tonight's dinner within reach. Then, add on a Lazy Susan to hold extra spices or anything that doesn't fit on the rack.

4. EASILY GRAB SNACKS WITH BASKETS IN THE PANTRY

Maintaining a pantry is always a challenge for roomies (or families) who often need to keep lots of packages of food on hand. From bread loaves to rice to snacks — professional organizer Alia Adel of The Styled Stories has found a fantastic solution with chic baskets. Whether it’s a tall basket or a set of medium-sized baskets, they can be used in your pantry, bathroom, or any shelf or closet.

5. OPT FOR CUBBY STORAGE

Basket and cubby systems are an ideal way to store extra T-shirts, bedding, craft and hobby supplies, and other miscellaneous items. These units can also add a stylish touch to home work spaces or living rooms. The way Adel took the opportunity to organize her client's space looks just as stylish as a far more expensive storage unit or piece of furniture would. Re-creating this look at home is easy. Just find a cubby shelving system that fits your space, add baskets, and fill. 

6. PLASTIC BINS WITH TOPS CAN ORGANIZE JUST ABOUT ANYTHING

Keeping small items like kids’ toys, craft supplies, papers, and manuals organized is a chore. But Kendall Wilson of Put Together Place streamlines the process using a variety of organizers from The Container Store. This includes shoe boxes, bins with clear lids, and magazine holders.

7. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THAT TINY SPACE UNDER THE SINK

You might think you can’t store anything in that tiny space under the bathroom or kitchen sink, but Morgan Tyree of Morganize With Me proves otherwise by using a divided turntable to store beauty and personal care items. Similar turntables or Lazy Susans are also available with two or three tiers allowing you to take advantage of every extra inch.

8. ORGANIZE CLOSETS WITH MATCHING HANGERS 

Do you wish your closet looked like a clothing boutique? Then recycle those mismatched hangers and use only wooden or matching velvet hangers instead as seen in this closet organized by Carrie Kauffman of Carrie’s Essential Services. 

Then opt for hampers that easily fit under a closet bar. Be sure to have three — one for darks, one for whites, and one for bright colors or delicates. Then take advantage of the top shelf space with storage bins. 

9. MAKEOVER YOUR LINEN CLOSET WITH LABELED BASKETS

Whether you have a linen closet or stuff your sheets and towels in or on top of a dresser, it rarely looks neat. Corinne Morahan of Grid & Glam has a beautifully visual solution. Fold or roll bedding, towels, and other linens, then store them in baskets. Don’t forget to label each basket for easy access. Morahan created beautiful labels using a Cricut machine, but you can easily write a label on an index card or paper and tape it on instead.