Where to Store a Vacuum in No Closet: Real Space-Saving Solutions

If you’re stuck staring at your vacuum, wondering where it should live because your place is missing a closet—yeah, I’ve been there too. It’s not just about hiding the thing. You want it handy, but not tripping you up every time you walk through the door. And stuffing it behind a random door (or under the bed) is not always realistic.

Let’s get straight to it. There are actually lots of clever places to keep your vacuum out of sight, even if you’re dealing with a city-sized studio or a crowded family room. Think about spots that usually get ignored—like the dead space behind a door, the gap between your fridge and the wall, or that low shelf in your laundry area. You’d be amazed how much a little rearranging can open up unexpected storage options.

And you don’t have to be a DIY expert or spend big money either. I’ll break down real examples and quick fixes I’ve used in my own home, as well as tips that I’ve seen work for friends and family. Ready to finally find your vacuum a proper home—no closet required?

• Why It’s Hard to Store a Vacuum Without a Closet
• Sneaky Spots Right in Plain Sight
• Using Vertical Space for Storage
• DIY Storage Nooks You Can Build
• Vacuum Types That Make Storage Easier
• Tips to Keep Your Vacuum Tidy and Accessible

Why It’s Hard to Store a Vacuum Without a Closet

Finding a place for your vacuum when there’s no closet is a headache for a lot of folks. Most of us think of closets as the go-to spot for hiding big, awkward stuff. When you take away that option, suddenly you realize just how bulky and weirdly shaped a vacuum cleaner really is. Some uprights are over 40 inches tall and don’t exactly blend in like a shoe rack or bookshelf.

Spaces like under the bed or behind a couch usually can’t handle the shape or height of most vacuums. Even the smaller stick or robot models still need a spot where you can plug in their docks, and they don’t always look great sitting out. According to a 2023 survey by the National Association of Home Builders, nearly 34% of new homes have fewer closets than homes built just 10 years ago. That means the vacuum storage struggle is getting more common every year.

"Maximizing unused corners and unconventional storage areas is a must in modern homes," says interior organizer Rachel Lessing, founder of Homejoy Organization. "Vacuums are just too big to sit in the open, and not everyone has a utility closet."

Here’s what really makes vacuum placement tough without that dedicated closet:

• No built-in storage — Most apartments and small homes cut closets to save space, which means you need to get creative.
• Awkward size and shape — A vacuum storage spot has to be wide and tall enough for the handle and body, and deep enough for the base.
• Cord and charging needs — Cordless models need an outlet nearby, so you can’t just shove them anywhere.
• Noise and dirt — You probably don’t want your vacuum sitting next to your sofa or in the kitchen, where it can pick up crumbs or just look messy.

Most people end up with their vacuums leaning in a hallway corner, wedged behind a door, or even stuck in the bathtub between cleanings. Not exactly ideal—and it makes cleaning way more of a chore than it needs to be.

Sneaky Spots Right in Plain Sight

You don’t need to drag your vacuum storage drama into another week. Some of the best places to stash your vacuum are literally in rooms you use every day—out in the open, but not obvious. First, look at the space behind swinging doors. If you’ve got a door that opens fully and sits an inch or two away from the wall, there’s your answer. Just add a couple of wall hooks or a simple bracket and you can hang lightweight stick vacuums there, totally hidden when the door’s open.

Another smart move: under the stairs, if you’ve got them. Loads of homes waste that weird triangle space. Vacuums slide right in, and you can even build a simple curtain or panel if you’d rather not see it. Some newer vacuum models are compact enough to fit behind the couch or beside your washing machine. The depth of most standard washing machines is about 27 inches—just enough for lots of upright vacuums.

Here’s a quick look at some common sneaky spots and vacuum fit:

Shoe cabinets can double as home organization tools—take the shelves out of one side, and there’s space for a stick or handheld vacuum. TV units sometimes have tall, skinny cupboards nobody uses. Toss the old DVDs and stash the vacuum. Got a laundry nook? Put up a hook or two. Just keep the vacuum off the wet floor to avoid rust.

Don’t forget about the classics, either: coat racks at the entryway or those big baskets for extra blankets. With kids or pets, quick access is a lifesaver, and nobody expects your vacuum to be right next to the umbrellas anyway.

Using Vertical Space for Storage

Let’s be real—floorspace is gold if you’ve got no closet. But most of us completely forget about our walls. Using your wall space is one of the smartest vacuum storage tricks for small homes or apartments. Get your vacuum off the floor and up where it’s out of the way but still within arm’s reach.

Wall hooks and brackets are easy to find at most hardware stores (and online), and you don't have to break the bank. If your vacuum is cordless, most models actually come with a charging station you can mount right on the wall. I’ve set one up in my laundry room, just above the washer—easy to grab when I’m doing chores.

Even if your vacuum is a little bulkier, heavy-duty utility hooks will often hold the hose or even the whole upright body. Just be sure to use wall anchors if you’re drilling into drywall. If you don’t want to drill, there are strong adhesive hooks that work great for lighter cordless vacuums or accessories.

Some folks even turn an unused vertical corner into a docking area by adding a tall, narrow shelving unit. You can put the vacuum on the bottom and cleaning supplies above it. That way your home organization stays tight and tidy.

• Mount vacuum holders behind doors (bedroom, bathroom, utility room—wherever you’ve got space)
• Add sturdy hooks on pantry or garage walls for heavier models
• Stack accessories or vacuum heads on small wall racks, so everything’s in one spot

Think about vertical space not just for the vacuum itself, but also for the attachable tools. You know, all those weird vacuum heads that never have a real home? Stick a couple little storage bins or hooks next to your main mount, and done—no more mess.

Did you know? A recent survey of small-space apartment dwellers found that 60% used vertical storage for cleaning tools and reported fewer lost accessories and less clutter. Taking advantage of what’s on your walls can really give you that breathing room you’re after.

DIY Storage Nooks You Can Build

If you’re short on closets, a simple vacuum storage nook can save you a ton of headaches. You don’t need to knock down walls or get all fancy—just use what you already have. Here are a few down-to-earth builds you can pull off without a pro.

• Behind-the-Door Cubbies: Got a door that’s always open or swings into an unused space? Mount a set of sturdy hooks or a shallow rack behind it. Upright vacuums slide right in, and stick vacs can hang. Just make sure you don’t block the door from closing all the way. This is especially handy for bedrooms or basement doors that barely get used.
• Corner Racks: Most homes have at least one forgotten corner. Pick up a $20 corner shelving unit or build a simple L-frame out of plywood. Leave one section open at the bottom—it’s perfect for slotting in a vacuum. Top shelves can hold cleaning stuff or extra bags.
• Under-the-Stairs Cubby: If you’ve got stairs, that wasted triangle underneath is gold. Even rental homes usually let you slide storage bins or a small vacuum in there. If you own, cut a simple access hole (just big enough for the vacuum) and finish off the inside with peel-and-stick tiles to keep it clean.
• Laundry Nook Mods: Stack your washer and dryer if possible and use the freed-up side for rolling in a stick vac. I know a guy who mounted his cordless vacuum right above the dryer vent—didn’t take up any new floor space at all.
• DIY Curtain Cover-Up: No budget for carpentry? Use a tension rod and a cheap curtain to zone off a little spot in the hallway, kitchen, or even a big bathroom. Slide the vacuum behind and draw the curtain. Out of sight, easy to grab.

A lot of folks worry about airflow if stashing a vacuum in a small spot. You don’t want it smelling musty. Stick an odor absorber or some dryer sheets nearby, and make sure the area stays dry.

If you’re curious about what works for most people, check out this quick look at common spots for vacuum storage in apartments (based on national survey data):

Nothing here takes more than an afternoon—sometimes just half an hour if you’re handy with a screwdriver. Start with one of these home organization tricks and that wandering vacuum finally gets a real home.

Vacuum Types That Make Storage Easier

Not all vacuums are built the same, and when you don’t have a closet, picking the right one is half the battle. Some models are clearly better than others for vacuum storage in small spaces.

Sticks vacuums are pretty much the MVPs for this. Most of the new ones stand up on their own, they’re slim, and they usually come with wall mounts. Dyson, Shark, and Tineco all have cordless stick vacuums that take up less than a foot of floor space. Some people like to mount them behind a door or in a utility room, using just a couple of screws. Even if you rent, these mounts leave tiny holes that are easy to cover up when you move out. Just make sure there’s an outlet nearby if it needs charging.

If you have a handheld vacuum (like a Dustbuster or something from Black+Decker), those are tiny and can fit almost anywhere—inside a kitchen cabinet, on a pantry shelf, or even in a drawer if you’re living super light. Sadly, they’re usually not powerful enough for a full-house cleaning, but for small apartments or pet hair duties, they’re awesome for home organization and storage solutions.

Robot vacuums have become poplar, mostly because you barely notice them unless they’re zooming around the place. Their little charging docks can tuck under a couch, under a bed, or in a corner next to the TV. You don’t even need to hide them—most of the time, guests don’t look twice.

Here’s a quick reference for which vacuum types fit where:

If you’re looking to save space, stick or handheld vacuums make small space tips a breeze. For tight apartments, even a robot vacuum can help keep the place tidy without eating up your precious storage. If you already own a big upright vacuum, try storing the hose and handle separately—sometimes that just makes everything fit better in awkward nooks. Either way, choosing the right vacuum storage option can be a game changer.

Tips to Keep Your Vacuum Tidy and Accessible

Once you’ve found a spot for your vacuum, the next step is to keep it organized—nobody wants to wrangle tangled cords or dig for missing attachments. The trick is to make it just as easy to put away as it is to grab for a quick clean-up. Here are real, doable ways to keep your vacuum storage hassle-free.

• Keep accessories together: Always store your vacuum attachments in a small basket or a zip-up bag. Stick it with the vacuum, so you’re not searching when you need the crevice tool for crumbs under the couch. Some people even use a cheap over-the-door shoe organizer for this. Works like a charm.
• Use a hook or wall mount: If you have an upright or stick vacuum, mounting it on a wall with a hook by the handle keeps it upright and tidy. Lots of stick vacuums come with wall mounts that even charge while they’re stored, saving both home organization space and time.
• Wrap cords neatly: For corded vacuums, looping the cord with a Velcro strap or a bungee keeps it from dragging or tangling. If the cord is long, use two straps—one near the plug and one near the base.
• Clear the area regularly: Every month or so, check your vacuum storage spot. Toss out any built-up dust bunnies or junk that snuck in behind it. Wipe the vacuum down too—stuff like pet hair and grit love to hide in the wheels and filters.
• Label if you share space: If your vacuum lives in a shared area, slap a label or name tag on the basket of accessories. That way, no one “borrows” your favorite nozzle and forgets to return it. Not glamorous, but it saves you a headache.

If you’re curious, a basic home vacuum and all its attachments can fit in about 3 to 5 square feet of space when organized well. Here’s a quick look at typical vacuum storage needs:

Small habits here make a huge difference. Putting a little thought into storage solutions saves frustration, keeps your place looking neat, and you’ll never step on a lost vacuum brush again.