Do you ever feel like no matter how hard you try, you just can’t get your house tidy and organised? You wouldn’t be alone in that, especially when everyone’s busy with work and school. Better home storage can help because then everyone knows where stuff belongs and can (hopefully) do their bit to keep it there.
Clear the Clutter
You probably have more stuff than you realise just lying around and taking up space. The number one top tip for better home storage is to start with a good clear out. If it feels overwhelming, break tasks down into smaller chunks, such as sorting out one drawer or cupboard or tackling just one room or category of belonging – maybe toys, books, hobby equipment etc. Make yourself three simple rules:
- If it’s broken, either mend it immediately or throw it out
- If you love it but don’t use it, consider self-storage as a secure, alternative option.
- If it’s simply in the wrong place, take it to where it belongs.
It’s an ongoing process, but the first time is the hardest. Have regular decluttering blitzes to prevent muddles from piling up again.
Create Categories for Storage
Dividing possessions into categories not only provides a mental inventory of what you have, it also automatically creates a sense of place for where it belongs. For instance, it makes sense to keep all the kitchen tools, appliances, crockery, and cutlery in the kitchen. And equal sense to keep the treasured vinyl by the record player. When you know where a thing should be stored in the house, it’s easier to make sure it stays there when it’s not being used.
Maximise Vertical Space
There’s always room for an extra shelf or two, whether it’s in an alcove, under stairs or even inside kitchen cabinets and closets. Decide which rooms get most cluttered the figure out how and where to add a shelf or two. Unusual places such as over a door can help squeeze extra storage into small spaces such as the bathroom. In sheds and garages too, fix hooks and hangers to help get tools and equipment off the floor and make room for bikes etc. Just make sure to fit good, sturdy padlocks for storage areas, whether they’re in self-storage or your own outdoor storage areas.
Organise Wardrobes
Slim hangers take up less space on the rail so you can fit more in, or try using shelf dividers or drawer organisers to help keep things together. Fix a hook or rail inside the wardrobe door for ties, scarves, or other accessories. If there’s room, try installing a shoe rack in the bottom so they’re not cluttering up the bedroom floor. Over-door organisers are also useful for shoes or accessories.
Rotate Belongings
When seasonal items are stored at home, they take up space for months at a time. Instead, pack them into labelled tubs, luggage, or boxes and move them into self-storage until you need them again. Include things like seasonal clothing, garden machines and furnishings, Christmas, and other seasonal decorations. Play items your kids are currently bored with are also prime candidates since these things might find a new lease of life when they’ve been unavailable for a while. There’s a wide range of storage unit sizes, so you’re only paying for what you need.
Use Multifunction Furnishings
Furniture with storage is a boon when you’re trying to control clutter. Tables with drawers or shelves are brilliant in the living room and divans or ottoman beds are great places for linens and bedding. Divans are also useful in kids’ rooms as they offer extra, tucked-away storage for toys or sports items.
Create Activity Zones
Having activity zones at home helps everyone know where things belong. Create office or homework zones where printer supplies or reference books live, have play zones where the toyboxes are, and have a quiet zone where people can go to relax, read, listen to music, or just generally chill. We’re all different, so it’s up to you which zones you need and how best to work them into your space and routine.
No one can tell you exactly how to organise your home storage but the basic concepts are nearly always the same; having a place for everything, suitable containers or retainers to keep things together, and some logic about where items are stored or placed. Get family members, even kids, involved in devising storage solutions. Everyone will benefit from better home storage.
*This is a collaborative post
