Home Storage Hacks To Improve Your Space
Storage is often an issue at home, with the lack of it making your place feel small and cramped. The result is a chaotic, stressful atmosphere that’s impossible to keep neat even though you may feel like you’re always tidying up.
Whatever size house or flat you’ve got, having good storage transforms how you live. Here are ten great tips on making space even when you think you haven’t got any to spare.
Declutter First
Before diving into actual storage solutions, you need to go through and declutter. In an ideal world you’ll only have the stuff at home that you use regularly or that you love having around. Go through your belongings and sort things out. Investigate storage spaces to rent for items you no longer use but want to keep or those things you treasure but have no space for. Throw away or recycle anything that’s damaged and beyond repair.
Think Up, Not Out
One of the most underused storage areas in any home is the space on your walls. There is always room for more shelves, bookcases, or wall-mounted cabinets to take advantage of this valuable area. With so many styles of shelf available, you can find units or floating shelves for every room in the house.
Invest in Multi-Functional Furniture
Multi-functional furniture is a game-changer for space-saving. Consider a sofa with built-in storage compartments, a coffee table that can double as a desk or casual dining table, or an ottoman with hidden storage. These pieces not only serve their primary functions but also provide extra space for stashing away items you don’t want on display, plus a bit of extra seating when it comes to ottomans or chests and trunks.
Under-Bed Storage
Choose a divan with built-in drawers or use under-bed storage containers beneath a frame bed. This area is perfect for storing sports clothing, extra bedding, towels or shoes, all while keeping them out of sight and neatly organised. Kids can use them for toy storage too, or choose raised or platform beds with desk or closet space underneath the sleeping area.
Upgrade Your Garage Space
Homes that are fortunate enough to have a garage have a great area for storage. One way to maximise the space here is to invest in bespoke storage systems. For example, companies such as The Smarter Garage specialise in garage cabinets, overhead storage and shelving, and slatwall systems. All of these upgrades will help you to capitalise your storage space whilst still having lots of room for other activities.
Built In Wardrobes
A fantastic way to save space in a bedroom is by investing in bespoke built in wardrobes. These types of wardrobes make use of every inch of space compared to standard wardrobes. There will be no gaps down the sides, in between or up above. Every nook and cranny of a bespoke built in wardrobe will be used. It is a no brainer when you are trying to design storage space for a bedroom.
Use Clear Containers
When it comes to storage containers, transparent is the way to go. Transparent bins allow you to see the contents without having to open them, making it easier to find what you need. Be sure to label them for quick identification if the contents aren’t easy to identify (such as different flours in kitchen containers).
Fold-Down Desks and Pull-Down Beds
Fold-down desks and wall beds are brilliant solutions. Pull-down beds can look great, provide comfortable sleeping quarters while folding up vertically, leaving your floor space free for other activities during the day. They would be handy in the guest room, or even in kids’ rooms if you sometimes need to make space for activities. A fold-down desk can be mounted on the wall and folded up when not in use, creating a workspace that disappears when you’re done.
Over-the-Door Storage
Doors are often overlooked as potential storage space. Over-the-door organisers or racks can hold everything from shoes to cleaning supplies to jewellery. Get creative in identifying potential doors – wardrobes have doors too that could have hooks or over-door hangers installed.
Modular Storage Systems
Modular storage systems are a versatile addition to your storage furnishings. Mix and match shelves, drawers, and cabinets to create storage that fits your space perfectly, exactly where you need it all over the house. The nice thing about modular storage is you can change it around when your needs change, or when it no longer matches your layout or décor.
Make Use of Corners
Corner spaces can be tricky to use effectively. However, corner shelves or cabinets are designed specifically to fit these spaces, and can turn wasted space into a useful storage area. Try them in the kitchen for pots and pans or your living room for decorative items or plants.
Store Seasonally
A really simple way to create lots of space at home is to use a nearby storage rental as a seasonal storeroom. During summer, pack away all the winter stuff including coats and boots, then switch things back as the seasons change. There are lots of bulky items most of us own that are hard to keep at home when space is limited. Think of things like DIY tools and equipment or sports and camping gear.
Home Storage Made Easy
One or two of these ideas should get you thinking about how you can use your personal space better. Give your ideas a try and see if they don’t make your life feel more relaxed, spacious, creative and calm.
