Keeping backpacks out of the way in an apartment can be tough (no roomy mudrooms to see here!) but it's possible with these clever storage ideas.
8 Genius Ways to Store Backpacks in a Small Apartment
Published on Apr. 04, 2025
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Peg Board
Pegboards near the entryway are a great way to store backpacks in small spaces like apartments, as seen here from @larkinlivingspaces. With minimal damage to walls, pegboard can be reconfigured as needed — add a hook for lunchboxes or a shelf for small items like glasses.
What We Like About It: “Strong [pegboard] hooks can comfortably hold the weight of backpacks (some kids carry everything!) without risking hooks falling off and damaging your walls,” says professional organizer Shiffy Goldstein.
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Drop Zone Cabinet
Transform a cabinet or closet into a kid’s drop zone with separate sections for each family member. This example from @builderseearsy_and_me is small enough to fit nicely in an apartment; and includes wall hooks for backpacks, under-bench storage for shoes, and even wall-mounted baskets for important paperwork.
What We Like About It: “Creating a space that can accommodate backpacks, shoes and jackets at your home’s entrance is a great way to prevent the mess dragging through your home and frantically looking for your kid’s belongings every morning,” says Goldstein.
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Backpack Closet
Goldstein (@clearspacebyshiffy) created this backpack closet on a budget, a perfect project for apartment dwellers. By installing several wall hooks and a wall-mounted shoe organizer, this tiny closet can now accommodate six backpacks and a dozen pairs of shoes.
What We Like About It: “When there’s no physical room to put together a mudroom, we create it utilizing the space that is available!” says Goldstein.
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Over-the-Door Backpack Hanger
If your apartment is severely limited on closet or wall space, this over-the-door backpack hanger will do the trick. The steel hanger easily attaches to any closet or bedroom door, creating backpack storage without taking up any precious floor space.
What We Like About It: The two levels on the hanging rack (each tier can hold 11 lbs.) allow extra storage for another backpack or other items like a purse or lunchbox.
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@jasmine.nicosonThis is how I use repurposed wall lockers in our home! ✔️ backpack storage ✔️ jacket and coat storage ✔️shoe storage ✔️ accordion files filled with keepsakes, school projects, artwork, etc. ✔️ additional basket is for miscellaneous items My husband found these lockers for me and surprised me with them years ago! I gave them a fresh coat of paint and he had custom labels made for each one of our sons. We use them a lot, so they’re a little scuffed up, but they still get the job done!♬ Gold (Remix) – Kiiara
Lockers
Repurposed lockers add an interesting design element to your apartment, won’t damage the walls (a big plus for renters), and have a slim profile that can slip into small spaces. These lockers by @jasmine.nicoson store backpacks, jackets, shoes and keepsakes for each kid.
What We Like About It: Simply close the locker doors to hide backpacks and other school clutter; add a plant or two on top, and this clever storage space completely camouflages with the rest of your decor.
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@sarakwebbert #CapCut OBSESSED 😍#organization #diyproject #organizedhome #momhacks #momfinds #schoolhacks #targetfinds ♬ THESE ARE THE DAYS – Niko Moon
Small Backpack Cubbies
If you don’t have the space in your apartment for a large backpack storage area, this mini backpack organizer from @sarakwebbert is a good alternative. She assembles an affordable cubby shelf but omits one level of shelves to create large backpack-size cubbies. The smaller cubbies on the bottom are perfect for baskets to hold shoes and other items.
What We Like About It: This short shelf is the perfect height for small children. “Allowing our little ones to be somewhat self-sufficient helps take the workload off of you while fostering independence,” says Goldstein.
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Command Hooks
Command hooks are a nice option for apartment renters because they won’t damage walls or doors. Install command hooks on the inside of a closet door, as seen here from @thehomerevival, for quick and easy backpack storage.
What We Like About It: Command Hooks don’t leave behind holes, scuff marks, or sticky residue; and their X-Large Hook can hold up to 15 lbs.
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@sierradallasBack to school ideas for hanging backpacks area! Independence is the best for all ages, who agrees?♬ original sound – SierraDallas
Bedroom Wall
You might think apartment backpack storage must be located in the common areas of the home or near the front door—but don’t forget about the kids’ bedrooms! Watch as @sierradallas shows how to utilize the often-forgotten area behind the bedroom door for her son’s backpack.
What We Like About It: Keeping their backpack in your child’s room makes it easily accessible, and frees up entryway space for other things.
About the Expert
- Shiffy Goldstein is a professional organizer and owner of Clear Space by Shiffy, a home organizing business based in Florida. By helping individuals and families organize and streamline their problem areas and schedules, Shiffy helps restore calm to the daily chaos one home at a time.
