Some other random thoughts w/ links to illustrate (I gave up on finding the original links--these are from my Pinterest board, but I think you can find the original links there if you want them) Re: that extra depth in the upper cabinets, and overhead pullouts. Imagine this as a pullout from the side that lets you access the rear 12" or 18" for the upper section of the cabinet (while you still access the front 12" or 6" inches by opening doors). https://www.pinterest.com/pin/302656037428927703/ Similar rear pullout to access back depth (this one is in the knee-hole of a craft desk, but it's the same sort of idea--access the depth by pulling it out to the side. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/302656037432245478/ similar side-access pullouts or drawers: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/302656037428927706/ https://www.pinterest.com/pin/302656037428932903/ This is my favorite overhead pullout for full depth. You pull it out, but you access the shelves from the side. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/302656037434813694/ Other overhead pullouts: These are to the front https://www.pinterest.com/pin/302656037434480577/ These chef's drawers are a neat way to have full access to the depth without having to have a separate bin or basket. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/302656037434591751/ This is an interesting (but elaborate) way to have lots of shallow, accessible storage in a deep cabinet. You lose some of the space, frankly, to the organizing system itself. But it's interesting to think about. You could conceivably use something similar for only a small section. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/302656037434646254/ Here's something to ponder about creating a cabinet on the side. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/302656037434591800/ https://www.pinterest.com/pin/302656037434591784/ If you do want some sort of writing surface, consider something temporary like this pull-out ledge/shelf. That'll keep it from becoming a clutter catcher, but still let you write something now and then. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/302656037429046614/ Back-of-the-door storage. This one w/ a vacuum. It shows using hooks on the wall behind, back-of-door storage as well. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/302656037429046844/ Back-of-door storage look at the hooks on the sides of the door cubbies. This would let you have easy access to the dog leash, extra keys, whatever, and still have substantial bins for other stuff (mittens; those shoes) https://www.pinterest.com/pin/302656037429046869/ This isn't a cabinet at all, but it sort of shows having sideways pullouts, and pullouts of different sizes. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/302656037429213715/ Another sideways-accessed pullout. Not that you're storing cans, but it's a way to have deep cabinets for shallow or small stuff. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/302656037429213913/ Recycling pullouts, on the bottom: See this laundry-basket storage. This is on the front, but you could have one bottom cubby that pulls out from the side. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/302656037429524380/ Tilt-out laundry storage, which could inspired recycling storage, or a basket/bin/bucket for gardening shoes. (could tilt out sideways, or front ways) https://www.pinterest.com/pin/302656037429524386/ Tilt-out on the side, sort of. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/302656037435705334/

My coat closet is in a small unheated small vestibule on my house exterior, could you build one around either your front or back door. Another less costly option is a pax wardrobe in the living room near the door for storage and coat hanging. My shape house is similar to yours here is my front vestibule. One side is empty in the winter I have a boot bench and the rest of the year a small mail desk and the other is a reach in closet. there is a second door from here into my house.

Contact a closet company like The Closet Factory. They came out and took my insanity and made it something beautiful and that's was IMO like turning a rat's tail into a silk purse. Best money spent in the entire project!

Any ideas for how to store costs in a small nyc apartment without it looking messy and cluttered?