One undeniable trend that has hit apartments over the last 20 years is the fact that they all tend to be getting smaller; quite a bit smaller, actually, so what are we supposed to do when we need more storage space? Here are a few general ideas that you can keep in mind when you have too much stuff and not enough space.

Try to go vertical. Stores like Ikea and other popular furniture stores now sell a wide range of hangable storage units that are all the rage. Most of them work like a foldable shoe tree that hangs from a closet bar and can be stuffed with just about anything, including shoes. Make sure you don’t overload them, however, as they aren’t made to hold a full humans weight.

Large, flat plastic storage containers have become extremely popular over the last few years since they not only hold quite a bit of stuff but they can easily be slid under beds and in other lost storage spots. Practically every store from Sears to Wal-Mart sell these types of containers, and although they can be a bit unsightly if left out in the open, if you can hide them, they are a great storage option.

While it can be a pricy option, using a self storage company is a popular choice. Many of these companies feature air-conditioned storage so your belongings won’t get wet or ruined. It probably isn’t a good idea if you don’t have a storage company near you, however, as you would have to drive there and back every time you wanted to remove something.

It is a nightmare scenario that we never want to face: being responsible for a fire that not only destroys our own apartment but also the apartments of other people. The loss of belongings and life would be a burden you would have to carry for the rest of your days and the financial implications would be crippling. Keeping an eye on our apartment fire hazards is a big part in preventing accidents, so let’s look at a few common sense things we can do.

Obviously the biggest fire hazard is from fire itself. Every year, unattended candles start millions of fires thanks to everything from breezes to pets to simple bad luck. To put it simply, candle usage should only be done if directly supervised by an adult. Never leave candles burning in a room alone, even if your power is out.

Candles aren’t the only thing that we light and then sometimes leave unattended. Everything from cigarettes to incense has been known to start fires. It can be temping to light something and then forget about it, but it is only with the proper diligence that we can avoid fires like this for good.

Fires from cooking accidents are also a leading cause of apartment fires. Don’t ever leave your oven or stovetop unattended for more than a minute and don’t use your stove top as counter space since bits of paper and things can fall inside the burner and cause fires.