Why your pockets are suffering (and why it matters)
You start New Horizons with tiny pockets that fill up faster than a DIY project on a crafting binge. More space means fewer annoying trips back to storage, fewer frantic item drops on the ground, and a happier you—plus more room for that shiny fossil or suspiciously adorable fruit.
Starting inventory: the cold, hard numbers
At the very beginning you get 20 inventory slots. That sounds fine… for five seconds. But once you’ve got tools, materials, bugs, fish, and a questionable amount of beach debris, you’ll hit that cap and curse the day you picked up that extra shovel.
First upgrade — get to 30 slots (the trusty midgame)
Want those sweet +10 slots? Buy the Pocket Organization Guide from the Nook Stop. It becomes available after you pay off your first 5,000 Nook Miles loan. Head to the Nook Stop terminal in Resident Services, choose Redeem Nook Miles, and spend 5,000 miles on the guide. Apply it and voilà: 30 glorious slots.
Final upgrade — hit the max of 40 slots
If you crave the full pocket experience, snag Ultimate Pocket Stuffing from the Nook Stop for 8,000 Nook Miles. This option shows up after Resident Services is upgraded from the tent into the proper building. Buy it, install it, and enjoy a maximum of 40 inventory slots—enough for most hoarding habits.
Quick inventory survival tips
Even with 40 slots, you’ll still want to be tidy. Keep a shovel, axe, and fishing rod on hand. Stack common materials like wood and fruit. Use your home storage for bulk items and only carry essentials while out gathering. And yes, you can still drop things temporarily when you’re in a tight spot—just don’t forget where you put them.
Short recap (for the attention-challenged)
Start with 20 slots. Buy the Pocket Organization Guide (5,000 Nook Miles) → 30 slots. Later, after Resident Services is re-built, buy Ultimate Pocket Stuffing (8,000 Nook Miles) → 40 slots max. Manage your gear, stack smart, and your island life will be much less chaos and a lot more joy.
