11 Storage Ideas While Living in Small Senior Apartments

Senior Housing

Moving into assisted living after decades of living in your house, raising a family, and creating many memories can be bittersweet. Aside from that, household maintenance and other heavy chores are often a hassle. There is no reason why your new senior living apartment cannot have all the comforts of home and reflect your preferences, even though you will need to make some adjustments on the front end. Additionally, the new space can be an opportunity to begin fresh.

It is for this reason that most older adults prefer to live in small senior apartments. By living in such an environment, they can meet new people, pursue hobbies, and maintain an active lifestyle.

There is, however, a limit to how much space and storage can be found in a small senior apartment. The purpose of this blog post is to learn how to maximize your apartment storage systems as well as how to utilize a smaller space.

1. Mind the Measurements

Take measurements and take photos (of walls, hallways, closets, windows, etc.) of your new apartment (or a similar one). If you want inspiration for your next decorating project, invite a family member or friend to come along. It is always possible to request a floor plan with square footage details whether you can measure or not. When you have more information before you start decorating a small space, it will be easier to decide where furniture, rugs, closet storage items, etc. should be placed.

2. Be Selective About Which Items to Bring with You

Despite your attachment to furniture, decorations, and knickknacks you've accumulated over time, it's not feasible to transfer them all to a downsized space. Think hard about what possessions you will keep, what has sentimental value, and what you must let go of.

When packing, make a list or place everything in a single room to help you decide. Don't forget to include all the items that are important to you, such as antique family heirlooms and keepsakes from your children. When you have everything in one place (or on one list), it will help you visualize how many items you want to bring with you and if your new senior living apartment can accommodate everything you want to bring. If you are considering storing items or donating or passing on items to loved ones, take a second look at what needs to be donated or passed on.

3. Find Resourceful Ways to Maximize Your Storage

You need to create storage areas in your new home, even if your goal is to get rid of clutter and miscellaneous items before the move. Apartment designs in senior living communities are typically more compact to aid in mobility, so there may be less storage space than in previous homes. It is nevertheless possible to use creative and resourceful storage solutions that allow you to have your favorite items in your new space without them being cluttered.

4. Choose Appropriately-Sized Furniture

You should carefully consider the furniture you choose for the apartment if you are allowed to furnish it. Opt for simpler, smaller pieces of furniture than bulky, oversized pieces. A king-size or queen-size bed can be traded for a full-size or twin-size bed, for example. Nonetheless, do not downgrade furniture that can be replaced with a larger piece of furniture. You shouldn't replace a large sofa with a loveseat and armchairs that are smaller. Even one centerpiece can require as much room as several small pieces.

5. Use Multi-Purpose Furniture

When you live in a small senior apartment, you should use multipurpose furniture to maximize your space. A few examples of multipurpose furniture are barrel end tables, storage ottomans, decorative trunk tables, and headboards with shelves. They provide both decorative and hidden storage capacity, so everything from important paperwork to board games can be stored here.

6. Hack Your Storage Space

Adding decorative baskets, hooks, and shelves to your apartment can increase storage space twofold. Pinterest and other sites offering do-it-yourself ideas make excellent resources for storage ideas. Organize your cabinets using baskets inside the doors to save space and store larger items. You should not be afraid to take advantage of vertical storage space as well, but be sure to keep items within your reach.

7. Outfit Your Closet to Maximize Storage

Invest in your closet. It is possible to fit quite a few garments into a small space by using good organizing systems. Shoe boxes, bags, and racks are excellent options for storing shoes. Linen storage organizers are a better option than plastic bins. Your clothes will stay fresh if you allow air to circulate through them. Maintain the cleanliness of out-of-season clothes by investing in zippered bags.

8. Go Vertical

It will be crucial to determine how and where to store things as you decide on how to decorate a small senior apartment. Take advantage of as much vertical space as you can. In addition to saving space, this can help reduce tripping hazards, since excess furniture can be more easily maneuvered. Replace a horizontal dresser with a highboy to reduce tripping hazards. Make the closet more functional with over-the-door shelves or hanging storage organizers. Choosing tall, slim cabinets with doors allows you to keep bulkier necessities, such as snacks, out of sight.

9. Ensure All Essentials Are Easy to Reach

Be sure to arrange your stuff in a way that makes the things you use frequently accessible and easy to find. If you can easily find what you need, then you should be pleased. The ability to live in a senior living community as opposed to your own home has many advantages. In these spaces, stress is eased and hardship is reduced, making life more convenient and comfortable.

10. Utilize the Corners

You may need some time to adjust to the modest square footage of a senior living apartment after downsizing from a long-term residence. Nevertheless, you may discover that there are several hidden corners, alcoves, and niches that can be transformed into cozy spots or useful storage areas. 

Install a few plants and succulents on your kitchen shelves for a natural air purifier and a stunning visual piece at the same time. Is your bedroom wall angled? Use it as office space by placing a small desk and chair under it. Having a reading nook in your bedroom or living room is a great idea. Then arrange a cozy chair, a small table for drinks, and a gorgeous lamp together. Your new home will be more open and livable if you maximize your space.

11. Organize Items Regularly

Keep everything arranged in the apartment by helping you keep an organized system. By regularly cleaning out your closets, desk, and drawers, you can minimize clutter around the house. Donate old items that are no longer needed. Even items in good condition can be donated. Once a year in the spring and once a year in the fall, you'll want to reorganize your apartment. The apartment may not have enough space for both wardrobes, so swap out summer and winter clothing.

Conclusion

Yes, living in small senior apartments with small rental storage can make you feel like you have to discard a majority of your belongings. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With these storage ideas and tips, you’d be able to utilize and maximize your apartment space without the clutter and still feel cozy. Also, with the help of a Senior Living Property Management Software living in a senior community makes things a lot easier for you.

Please schedule a demo with ExactEstate today and let us show you the benefits of modern, streamlined Senior Living Software.