Just because you live in a bicycle-friendly city doesn’t make bike storage easy

If you don’t have enough storage space for your bike or if you’re wondering where in your apartment it might fit best, you’re certainly not alone. City bikers have figured out all kinds of clever bike storage tricks for their small apartments, including the ideas listed below.
1. Coat closet
A coat closet is a great space to utilize when storing your bike in your apartment. If your coat closet has extra space, your bike can be extra accessible there since coat closets are usually close to the front door. 

On the other hand, if you don’t have extra space in your coat closet, you can move some items from the closet into different areas. You can store your long or bulky coats in your bedroom and replace them with lightweight coats to make more room for your bike. With some rearranging in your coat closet, you can turn it into a convenient space for bicycle storage that keeps your bike out of sight.
2. Wall-mounted bike rack
A wall-mounted bike rack can be ideal for smaller apartments. Although your bike won’t be out of sight with a wall-mounted rack, this apartment addition can add a more industrial aesthetic to your space depending on your interior design.

However, you may need to check your lease to see whether you can hang a bike rack. If you’re allowed to hang a rack, the good news is that many bike racks are lightweight and fit neatly in the corner of a room. If you love your bike, you can make it a centerpiece of your living room.
3. Bike hook
Another way to mount your bike on a wall is by using some bike hooks. These hooks allow you to hang your bike on the wall horizontally or vertically. Many bike hooks are both heavy-duty and easy to install quickly. Additionally, many bike hooks have non-slip grips to ensure safe storage of your bicycle.
4. Hidden between furniture
If you have large pieces of furniture such as a bookcase, console, or armoire, you may be able to hide your bike behind them. However, you might need some help to move your large furniture a few inches away from the wall. If you can move your furniture, then you can hide your bike behind it by just sliding it back there and letting it gently rest between your furniture and wall. 
5. Porch or balcony
With a secure bicycle lock, you can leave your bike on your porch or balcony. You should check your lease to see if there are any regulations against storing your bike on the porch or balcony. You can make sure your bike isn’t damaged in inclement weather by covering it with a bike cover. However, if you store your bike on your porch or balcony, it’s important to make sure your bike won’t be blocking a door so you don’t get trapped.
6. Under the stairs
If your apartment has multiple floors, storing your bike underneath your stairs can be feasible. Options include installing bike hooks or a pulley lift underneath a staircase. Again, you should check your lease or ask your landlord. Storing your bike underneath some stairs can be a great alternative to keeping your bike outside, where it’s exposed to outside elements that can potentially degrade some bike parts.

Which way do you think is the best way to store a bike in an apartment? Sound off in the comments!

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