7 Best Diy Tech Storage Solutions For Apartment Living That Maximize Space
Tackle tech clutter with these space-saving DIYs.
That tangled mess of wires behind your desk isn’t just ugly. In a small apartment, it’s a thief, stealing valuable square footage you simply can’t afford to lose. Every inch of countertop, floor space, and desktop is prime real estate.
Tech clutter creates visual noise that makes a small space feel even smaller and more chaotic. The constant battle with charging cables, bulky power bricks, and orphaned devices undermines the calm, efficient home you’re trying to build. This isn’t about getting rid of your essential gadgets; it’s about making them work within the constraints of your home.
The good news is that you can reclaim that space with a little planning and a few clever DIY solutions. These strategies are designed to get your tech organized, out of sight, and off your valuable surfaces. It’s time to take control and make your technology serve your space, not conquer it.
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Assess Your Tech Clutter & Plan Your Attack
Before you buy a single organizer, you have to understand the beast you’re trying to tame. Just hiding wires doesn’t solve the underlying problem of an inefficient setup. The first step is always a full audit of your tech ecosystem.
Start by unplugging everything from your main hub, like your desk or entertainment center. Group all the devices and their associated cables by function: computer peripherals, charging gear, audio equipment, and so on. This process immediately reveals redundancies, like having three different USB-A to Micro-USB cables when you only need one.
This audit creates a map of your real needs. You’ll see which devices need to be close to each other and how long cables truly need to be. The goal is to design a system from the ground up, minimizing cable runs and consolidating functions before you build any physical storage around it.
Hide Desk Wires with a D-Line Cable Tidy Box
Organize and conceal your extension blocks and cables for a tidy space. This large, robust ABS box effectively hides wires from TVs, computers, and gaming consoles, keeping them safe from pets and infants.
The "wire nest" behind the desk is a universal problem. It’s a dust magnet and a constant visual distraction. The simplest and most effective first strike is to contain the core of the problem: the power strip.
A cable tidy box, like the popular ones from D-Line, is essentially a simple, ventilated container designed to house a power strip and all its bulky adapters. You place the power strip inside, plug everything in, and snake the cords out through discreet slots. It instantly transforms a chaotic tangle into a single, neat object.
This solution is about containment, not elimination. It’s a foundational step that makes further cable management possible, but it won’t magically shorten your cords. Think of it as creating a clean, manageable hub from which you can then route the individual cables to their destinations neatly.
Mount Your Router with a HumanCentric Wall Mount
Your internet router and modem are non-negotiable utilities, but they are often clunky and awkward. Leaving them on a desk, shelf, or—worst of all—the floor, eats up valuable horizontal space. The solution is to go vertical.
A simple wall mount lets you secure your router to an unused patch of wall, getting it completely off your surfaces. Brands like HumanCentric make adjustable mounts that fit most devices, but the principle is what matters. Using a few screws or even heavy-duty command strips for a renter-friendly option, you can tuck your router away behind a TV, high up in a closet, or in another discreet location.
Easily hang large frames up to 24x36 inches with Command Large Picture Hanging Strips. These damage-free strips hold up to 16 pounds per set and adhere securely to various smooth surfaces without tools.
This move has a dual benefit. Not only does it free up space, but it can also improve your Wi-Fi signal. Mounting a router higher and away from obstructions often provides better coverage throughout your apartment, turning a storage solution into a performance upgrade.
Customize Your Wall with an IKEA SKÅDIS Pegboard
Organize your essentials with this set of 3 white SKÅDIS open-top storage containers. Designed to perfectly fit SKÅDIS pegboards, these durable steel containers (7.5x9x8cm) offer convenient, accessible storage.
In a small apartment, your walls are your most valuable, underutilized asset. An IKEA SKÅDIS pegboard system is one of the most versatile ways to turn a blank wall into a highly functional, vertical storage zone for your tech. Forget the garage workshop; this is for modern living.
The beauty of a pegboard is its modularity. With an array of hooks, shelves, clips, and containers, you can create a custom layout for all your small electronics. Hang headphones, loop charging cables, store game controllers, and create a "landing strip" for your phone and keys.
This isn’t a one-and-done fix; it’s a living system. As you get new devices or your needs change, you can rearrange the board in minutes without drilling new holes. It centralizes your tech in one organized spot, making everything easy to find and keeping your desk and counters clear.
Create a Sleek DIY Multi-Device Charging Station
The daily ritual of charging your phone, watch, and tablet can quickly devolve into a chaotic pile of cables on a nightstand or kitchen counter. This constant clutter eats up precious surface area and creates unnecessary stress. A dedicated charging station is the answer.
You don’t need to buy an expensive, pre-made unit. Find a simple wooden desk organizer or a small, attractive box. Drill a hole in the back large enough to pass through a power cord, and place a multi-port USB charging hub inside.
Now, you can run short charging cables from the hidden hub up into the organizer’s compartments. Your devices stand neatly in their slots while they charge, all powered from a single outlet. This project consolidates a sprawling, messy function into one tiny, controlled footprint, instantly decluttering multiple surfaces in your home.
Install an Under-Desk Mount for Your Laptop
Your laptop is essential for work, but when the workday is over, it becomes a 13-inch paperweight occupying a huge chunk of your desk. In a space that may need to double as a dining table or creative area, that’s a problem. The solution is to make it disappear.
An under-desk mount is a simple set of brackets that you screw into the underside of your desk. This creates a sturdy, hidden shelf where you can slide your laptop when not in use. Your entire desk surface is instantly cleared and ready for its next role.
This is a prime example of activating "dead space." The volume underneath your desk is almost completely wasted, and this puts it to work. This simple modification is a game-changer for anyone living in a studio or one-bedroom apartment where every surface must serve multiple purposes.
Use a Vertical Stand to Maximize Your Desk Space
If you use your laptop with an external monitor, laying it flat is a massive waste of desk space. You need it accessible, but its footprint is a killer. The key is to stop thinking horizontally and start thinking vertically.
A vertical laptop stand is a deceptively simple device that holds your laptop securely on its edge. This reduces its footprint from over a square foot to just a few inches. Suddenly, you have a huge amount of usable space back for a keyboard, mouse, notebook, or just the mental clarity of an uncluttered surface.
This OMOTON vertical laptop stand securely holds two laptops (up to 17.3") simultaneously. Its adjustable dock and non-slip silicone mats protect your devices, while the durable aluminum construction ensures stability.
This is more than just a space-saver; it’s an ergonomic improvement. It encourages a proper desktop setup with an external keyboard and monitor at the right height, which is better for your posture. You gain the functionality of a large, dedicated office setup on a small, apartment-sized desk.
Conceal Power Strips with a Custom Fabric Box
Plastic cable boxes are perfect for under a desk, but they can look jarringly out of place next to a sofa or TV console. In your main living area, functional items also need to blend in aesthetically. An ugly power strip can ruin the entire vibe of a carefully curated space.
This is a perfect weekend DIY project. Find a sturdy shoebox or a cheap wooden craft box that fits your power strip. Then, using spray adhesive or a hot glue gun, cover it in a fabric that complements your room’s decor—something that matches your curtains, pillows, or rug. Carefully cut discreet slits or holes for the cords.
This unfinished pine box is perfect for crafts, jewelry storage, or gifting. It features durable hinges, a secure clasp, and a smooth, paintable surface ready for your creative touch.
This simple act transforms a piece of utilitarian hardware into a decorative object. It’s a powerful reminder that in small-space design, you can’t afford to have single-purpose items that are also eyesores. This solution proves that functional tech management and good design can, and should, coexist.
Taming your tech clutter isn’t about minimalism or sacrifice. It’s about being smarter and more intentional with the space you have. It’s about recognizing that every surface, every wall, and even the empty space under your desk is an opportunity.
By shifting your storage vertically, consolidating functions, and concealing the necessary but unsightly infrastructure, you do more than just tidy up. You create a space that feels larger, calmer, and more functional. You make your apartment work for you.
Ultimately, these solutions give you back control. They empower you to design a home that supports your modern life without being overrun by it. Start with one project, and see how much space—and peace of mind—you can reclaim.
