Storage, Storage, Storage: How to Maximise Your Storage Space

No matter the size of your home, most people have the same complaint – too little space and too much stuff. There are very few people out there who don’t have storage problems, and figuring out how to solve this issue effectively and aesthetically can be a significant challenge.

 However, if you’re struggling with the lack of storage space in your home, don’t worry. There are ways to maximise and expand your storage space without compromising on the rest of your décor – and here’s what you need to know.

Declutter

 It’s generally not something a lot of people like hearing, but one of the best ways to make the most of your storage space is to declutter and get rid of things you don’t use first.

 The fact is, most of us own things we don’t use and likely never will. This includes everything from clothes that are the wrong size to books you were gifted but aren’t interested in. All of these items take up storage space, and decluttering will free up a significant amount of space.

 To declutter, go room by room, taking breaks if you start feeling overwhelmed. Once you’ve decided what things you can get rid of, consider what items you can donate and what you will need to throw away – and then go through with getting rid of these things.

Think Vertical

 Most of us forget about the prime real estate available on our walls. Look for ways to use your walls as storage space. This can include everything from building new bookshelves for storing books to outfitting your walls with hooks where you can hang and store your coats and hats – or, for your kitchen, your pots and pans!

 Shelves that are significantly higher up and aren’t easily accessible can be used to store boxes of items you don’t use frequently, such as speciality appliances and heavy books you don’t read but are loathe to throw out. Wall space in closets is especially useful for this purpose, as it will ensure you don’t’ have to worry about the aesthetics.

 Use Dual-Purpose Furniture

 There are a number of furniture items that can double as storage spaces, including ottomans, couches, benches, and tables. For example, one option is to use a trunk as a chic table – and make use of the inside as storage for magazines, games, or anything else you’ll need to access frequently when guests are over.

 Similarly, you should also consider pull-out furniture such as pull-out couches and Murphy beds. These pieces allow you to make the most of limited space while also being practical solutions to bedding issues you may be facing. The only thing you need to remember to do is make sure there’s enough space to pull out the couches and beds when necessary.

Maximise Prime Real Estate

 When it comes to storage, your prime real estate is the space between your knees and shoulders – which is to say, easily accessible storage solutions. These spaces should be used to store your most used items, such as favourite clothing items and much-read books.

 Use better storage solutions in these spaces, such as decorative baskets and other containers. Not only do they allow you to store more items in the same space, they make your storage more efficient by allowing you to group items together in categories.

 When using baskets and containers, make sure to label them for easy retrieval. This is especially true if you’re using numerous storage baskets in the same area, which can make it easier to confuse one for the other.

 Limited space should never mean compromising on what you can buy. While you shouldn’t hold on to items that you’ll never use in the future, you shouldn’t find yourself second-guessing every purchase you make.

 These storage maximisation tips will help you see just how much space you have available in your home. With a little bit of time, patience, and ingenuity, you’ll find yourself feeling your rooms are bare and empty rather than cluttered and messy!