While it would be silly to install new custom cabinetry in your rental—even if your landlord did allow it—there are options that minimize damage to the space while letting you live more comfortably. If you have available wall space, open shelving remains very much in play. “You’ll need to secure brackets for the shelves directly into wall studs,” says Robert Degni, a general contractor in New York City, who has had many clients who rent. “But if and when you move, the holes left behind won’t be much worse than for, say, a wall-mounted TV, or even a heavy piece of artwork.” Check your lease or ask your landlord about policies pertaining to damage to walls. If your landlord is planning on painting before re-renting your apartment, they may be completely amenable to allowing the shelves. If they’re hesitant, you can even offer to patch the holes yourself before moving out as a condition of getting back your security deposit—a small can of spackling compound and a 2-inch putty knife will do the trick. Buffets, jelly cupboards, and hutches are also great options for adding extra storage space, and they can come with you when you move.