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Do you struggle to maximise home store space? You’re not alone. A recent survey shows 1 in 5 UK households struggle with home storage space. Finding enough space in your home can be challenging, especially when it isn’t very spacious and many new builds in the UK lack built-in storage. But living in a small space shouldn’t cramp your style or storage. In this post, I share some nifty tricks to help you maximise home storage space while keeping things organised. These clever solutions will help you reclaim your space and keep your home spick and span.
1. Clear Out Your Clothes
Clearing out the clothes you no longer wear can work wonders for your wardrobe space. Dedicate a few hours to this mission to help you maximise home storage space. Pull out everything, categorise it, and then get decisive. Keep donation boxes handy for items you’re ready to part with and bring in a pal to help with the tricky choices.
If something hasn’t seen the light of day in over a year, chances are it won’t in the future, so you can consider giving it up to free up some room. Consider storing special occasion pieces, like sentimental tees and fancy dresses, in an alternative spot like a spare room cupboard with extra space. Take a thorough pass through every item, including belts, bags, and hats, ensuring that whatever goes back into the closet is a true wardrobe favourite.
2. Store Items in Durable Containers
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Everything sharing a closet space, except for shoes and handbags, must be well-kept in a defined area, preferably in a container. Neatly file-fold those sweatpants and shirts into matching boxes, and don’t forget to label them for quick access.
Reserve separate boxes for bags and belts, ensuring they remain in perfect harmony. Loose items tend to stay far more organised when they have a designated home rather than floating aimlessly on shelves or the floor.
When selecting baskets and boxes for your closet, go for materials that won’t easily snag soft fabrics, so consider steering clear of wicker, metal, or rattan options.
3. Select Open Storage Solutions
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Think beyond traditional closed cabinets and drawers when seeking to maximise home storage space. In compact spaces, making use of openly accessible areas is key. Try arranging similar-sized items, such as kitchen paper rolls and wraps, in a stylish storage unit that complements your room’s decor.
For your cooking essentials like aluminium foil and parchment paper, a mesh file organiser keeps them conveniently within reach, adding functionality without sacrificing style.
4. Use Simple Shelves for Added Storage
Consider adding shelves to those often underused closet nooks and crannies if you have a spare room. Whether it’s a single shelf positioned above the hanging rod or a slender vertical shelf tucked away in a corner, maximise every inch of available space.
Bulky items like sweaters and pants tend to occupy less room when neatly folded on shelves rather than hung on a rack. Plus, spotting what you need when your items aren’t crammed together on hangers is easier. Keep a compact, foldable step stool nearby for a taller shelving unit to access those higher spots.
5. Maximize Door Space for Storage
If your closet features a regular door, consider getting a handy customisable rack organiser for the back. You can use baskets to stow away small purses and fabric care essentials such as lint rollers and shoe repair kits. Pegboard hooks can be a great solution for hanging cross-body bags, scarves, or your cherished collection of hats. If you have bifold or sliding doors, this door-hanging method may not be suitable. In such cases, look for wall-mounted racks that can easily fit within your closet, even on narrow sections of empty wall space.
6. Double up Your Hanging Space
Here’s a clever trick to enhance your hanging space without breaking the bank. Install a double hang rod in your closet, and you’ll be amazed by the difference it makes. Use one side for shorter clothing items like shirts, and use the space below to hang another category, such as shorts.
This simple addition instantly doubles your hanging capacity while keeping everything visible and accessible. Consider a hanging sweater cubby if double hang rods aren’t an option due to space constraints.
Don’t be tricked by the name; these cubbies are versatile and can store items like jeans, scarves, hats, and more, all while taking up minimal hanging space.
Invest in matching drawer inserts to keep smaller items tidy and contained for added organisation. You can also include a trusty metal clothes rail for hanging additional items.
7. Discover Useful Add-Ons
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In your quest for extra storage space, don’t overlook smartly designed products that can come to your rescue. These innovative additions can be terrific for managing clutter in compact spaces. Seek out single-storage solutions that provide a home for everyday items, allowing you to keep them within easy reach yet out of sight when necessary. Consider options like hairdryer holders that conveniently mount inside cabinet doors or specialised bins for clothes, all designed to make your storage challenges a thing of the past.
8. Unlocking Storage Potential with Repurposed Furniture
Breathe fresh life into your old furniture by repurposing it into smart storage solutions. Turn that vintage dresser into a stylish TV stand with handy storage compartments. Alternatively, give a new purpose to an unused bookcase by transforming it into a kitchen pantry to neatly house your culinary supplies. With a little creativity, your options are limitless, and you’ll find a unique storage solution that suits your needs.
9. Find Efficient Jewellery and Makeup Storage
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Finding adequate storage for small items like jewellery and makeup can be challenging, even in spacious surroundings. Traditional organisers with uniform compartments may not suit the diverse sizes of these items.
Consider using your walls to optimise your storage while preserving valuable drawer and shelf space. Transform an empty frame into a functional storage unit by attaching a piece of cork or a decorative metal sheet with holes. Use pins or hooks to hang necklaces and bracelets for easy access. Attach magnets to the back of each product for makeup items and store them vertically on a framed magnetic board. This way, you’ll free up space and keep your items within reach.
10. Get an Efficient Dish-Drying Cabinet
Here’s a smart small-space storage idea to free up your countertops if you run out of kitchen space. Traditional drainboards can hog precious shelf space and clutter your kitchen. Why not try a more innovative approach? Consider a dish-drying cabinet that provides a dedicated spot for your wet utensils, and keep them off your countertops. This vertical solution saves space and ensures your cups and plates are neatly arranged, preventing countertop chaos. Say goodbye to cluttered horizontal surfaces in your kitchen and embrace the efficiency of a dish-drying cabinet.
11. Unlock Hidden Storage Potential Under Your Bed
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Don’t let the space beneath your bed go to waste. It’s a goldmine for storage. Use this often-neglected area with under-bed storage containers or drawers. Neatly tuck away linens, clothing, or shoes, and make the most of every inch. For those bulkier items, consider vacuum-sealed bags that efficiently compress and store your belongings, keeping them fresh and ready for use.
12. Make the Most of Your Windows
While natural light can work wonders to illuminate your living space, windows can sometimes consume valuable wall space that could be used for storage. Think about installing shelves or racks across your windows to balance welcoming light and enhancing storage.
This clever storage solution ensures that your kitchen essentials like pots, pans, and everyday dishes remain within easy reach while letting the sunshine in. It’s a win-win for functionality and ambience.
13. Maximise your Entryway Storage
Creating efficient entryway storage in smaller homes with limited closet space can be tricky. But you can transform this area into a practical drop zone with creative solutions. Install an array of hooks and open shelves to suit your family’s needs. Use bins or baskets on these shelves to neatly arrange belongings by family member or item type. This way, your entryway becomes a clutter-free and functional space accommodating your family’s daily routine.
14. Choose a Functional Headboard
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Who doesn’t appreciate a stylish headboard in their bedroom? People often wonder whether a headboard is essential for a bed. While you can have a bed without a headboard, you’ll likely become a fan after trying headboards, as they can become your bedroom’s secret storage ally.
A storage headboard can be filled with things you want to keep close at hand such as lamps, a music system, books or even a drink.
No matter how small your living space is, you have a bunch of nifty tricks to create extra storage space and spruce up your home. The above are simple and clever ways to stash away more of your stuff and maximise home storage space. Happy storing!