Things I Find Useful as Someone Who Lives in an Apartment
I’ve lived away from my family since I was 15, and over the years, I’ve learned to keep my space practical and low-maintenance. I’m not into owning a lot of stuff, but there are a few things that have stuck with me through different apartments and seasons of life. These are my essentials—no particular order—just things that have made apartment living a little more manageable.
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1. Clothes Rack / Pole
One of the simplest yet most useful things I own is a clothes rack. If you're like me and often find yourself with "in-between" clothes—not quite clean but not dirty enough to wash—a clothes rack is a game changer. Instead of piling them on a chair or at the foot of your bed, you can just hang them up neatly.
It’s also incredibly useful when I do my laundry at night. I don’t hang clothes outside after dark, so the rack gives me a place to dry everything indoors. And during rainy days, it becomes my go-to laundry helper. Compact, affordable, and surprisingly versatile—definitely worth having around.
SHOP HERE: Clothes Pole
2. Hangers and Clip Hangers
This might seem obvious, but hear me out—not all hangers are created equal. I rely on a mix of regular hangers and clip hangers to keep things neat and convenient.
I hang almost all of my clothes—not just because it saves space, but also because I don’t like the creases or lines that come from using a clothesline (aka the dreaded "sampayan" marks, especially on shirts). Using hangers helps avoid that, and it's just easier when you’re short on time.
Clip hangers, on the other hand, are perfect for underwear, socks, and smaller items. They're a must-have if you live in an apartment where the laundry area is shared and space is limited. I’ve found them really useful for maximizing vertical space and keeping things off the floor or other people’s drying lines.
SHOP HERE: Clip Hangers
3. Shoe Rack
Another must-have for me is a shoe rack. Whether you own just a few pairs or a small collection like I do—not too many, but not too few—it’s a simple way to keep your space tidy and organized.
Shoe racks help maximize floor space, especially in smaller apartments where every inch counts. Instead of lining shoes by the door or stuffing them into corners, I keep them neatly stacked on a rack. It also helps me quickly see what I have, so I don’t forget about pairs hiding in the back of the closet.
SHOP HERE: Shoe Rack
4. Storage Boxes
Storage boxes are absolute lifesavers in apartment living. Since not all apartments come with built-in drawers or decent storage space, I use boxes to keep everything organized and out of sight.
I have boxes for seasonal clothes, travel essentials like neck pillows and scarves, important documents, and even food stocks. Labeling them makes it easy to find what I need without digging through everything. They also help keep my place from feeling cluttered, which is a big deal when you’re working with limited space.
Another big plus? If you ever move to another apartment (which I’ve done more than once), storage boxes make packing a whole lot easier. Just seal them up, and you’re good to go.
SHOP HERE: Storage Box
5. Mini Drawer for Daily Essentials
A mini drawer is another piece of furniture I swear by. It’s small but super functional, perfect for keeping all my daily essentials organized. With multiple layers, it offers compartments for everything from cosmetics to pens and other tiny items that tend to get lost in larger drawers or on counters.
What I love about it is how it keeps everything dust-free and easily accessible. Instead of rummaging through a bag or a cluttered drawer, I know exactly where my essentials are. It’s perfect for smaller spaces where a full-sized dresser or cabinet might not be practical.
SHOP HERE: Mini Drawer
6. Canisters and Lunchboxes
Canisters and lunchboxes are staples in my apartment. They serve very different purposes, but both are key to keeping things organized and fresh.
The canisters are perfect for storing condiments, powders like milk and coffee, or anything that needs to be kept airtight. They keep things neat and prevent spills or moisture from ruining my supplies.
As for lunchboxes, they’re my go-to for food storage. Whether it’s leftovers or meal prep, having a set of reliable lunchboxes keeps everything fresh and organized.
7. Water Jug
A water jug is a must-have for me. I can’t afford to buy small bottles of water all the time, so having a big water jug saves me money and reduces plastic waste. With water delivery services, I don’t have to worry about carrying heavy bottles either—just get it delivered to your door.
8. Mosquito Swatter
A mosquito swatter is essential in my apartment. Even though I live in the city, mosquitoes are a year-round issue. It’s important to have one on hand to avoid diseases like dengue and just to keep the bugs under control. Plus, it works on other insects too, making it a handy tool to have around.
SHOP HERE: Mosquito Swatter
9. Mop or Floor Brush
A mop or floor brush is an absolute essential for keeping the floor clean. They’re both easy to use and really effective at getting rid of dirt, dust, and spills. Since apartment floors can get dirty quickly, having one of these on hand makes cleaning a breeze.
SHOP HERE: Floor Brush
10. Vacuum
I’m so glad I discovered the vacuum! Growing up, we never had one at home, so when I first used it, I was amazed by how much easier it made cleaning. I specifically have a vacuum with multiple attachments, which is perfect for cleaning the floor, corners, and even my bed to get rid of bed bugs. It’s a total game-changer, and I can’t imagine life without it now.
Living in an apartment means making the most of the space you have, and these essentials have helped me do just that. Whether it’s keeping things organized, saving money, or just making everyday tasks easier, each of these items has become a part of my daily routine. If you're living in a small space, I highly recommend investing in a few of these to make apartment life more comfortable and efficient.
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