Whether you’ve got a large home or a small apartment, it may always seem like you’re searching for more storage space. Too bad you can’t just magically expand your home’s existing areas with a wiggle of your nose! Check out these clever tips for finding and creating storage spaces in your home.
Go behind closed doors.
Over-the-door hooks have 4 to 6 hooks for hanging lightweight, non-bulky items such as belts, scarves, and hats. In the bathroom they are super for hanging towels and bathrobes. Use that extra space behind your doors for storage space, and it may give some things a better “home” than the floor: in my kids’ rooms they’re for hanging PJs! Just don’t use them for hanging heavy items such as school backpacks, or items so bulky, like a puffy coat, that the door can’t stay open. For behind the laundry room, pantry, or bathroom door, this white mesh shelf rack is wonderful—helps clear off your counter space!
Check under the bed…
…and you may see more than just dust bunnies. It’s an excellent space for storing your seasonal clothing and accessories! There are so many styles and types of under-bed storage to choose from. We like the ones with wheels and handles to make pulling them out easier. Pop in a dryer sheet before you put the lid on and keep it fresh-smelling.
Not everything needs to be bought in bulk.
If you’re a big Costco shopper, you know you can really save by buying in bulk. But do you really need to get everything in large amounts? Take stock of the items you buy in bulk and decide if you’re better off buying regular sizes. For instance, if you use very little oil when cooking, does it really make sense to buy a gallon of cooking oil? Or will it go rancid before you get to the “Use by” date? If you have a couple of large dogs, though, buying their food in bulk will definitely save you money. Check your pantry and freezer, as well as the extra freezer and shelves in the garage. Check your other storage areas, too. List the items you buy in bulk—toilet paper, detergent, canned goods, butter, rice, etc.—and make those determinations based on your usage and this detailed food storage chart.
Keep lofty ideals.
Looking for more space in your kids’ bedrooms? Consider a loft bed! My first New York City apartment was a tiny studio—a loft bed with a desk beneath it was a great space-maker! These are a wonderful solution for bigger kids and teens who can sleep safely up high.
Double-duty your tables.
A coffee table with shelves or drawers below can store books and magazines, or even remote controls and coasters. A coffee table with a lifting top can hold extra throws and pillows. If you’re feeling creative you could repurpose an old steamer trunk and have ample storage plus a conversation piece. Don’t stop there—your end tables are also potential storage spaces for small items. Just be sure not to turn any of these into junk drawers!
Say goodbye to the old versions.
Do you have tech or tech-related items taking up too much space? An old TV in the garage. A drawer filled with old phones, e-readers, and tablets. Old computers or game consoles sitting in the corner of the den. A stack of old stereo equipment, a VCR, and a broken DVD player on a shelf. If you clear out all these unused items as well as its accompanying detritus—cords, manuals, attachments, cleaners—you could free up a lot of space! Not sure how to safely get rid of your outdated tech? We’ve got a thorough guide on how to declutter and organize your devices safely.
It’s your turn to get benched.
If you are tight on storage, look no further than where you’re sitting. Storage benches come in so many styles, colors, and sizes, and it’s a great way to create storage space without changing the size of the footprint. You could put one at the foot of your bed, in the entryway or mudroom, on one side of the kitchen table…so many possibilities.
Become reacquainted with your desk.
If you haven’t seen your desk’s surface for some time, you need to, 1) Declutter your desk, and then 2) Add desktop storage solutions. Use your desktop to create more space by using a desktop organizer, such as a tiered shelf system or a small cubby. Keep your desk area tidy and organized by taking five minutes at the end of each day to reset everything, and your productivity will get a thumbs-up!
Don’t just stare at the walls.
Instead, use them wisely! Whether you use pegboards in your hobby room or garage, or put up shelves in your laundry room, or put hooks near the entryway, use your wall space creatively and with purpose. Better Homes & Gardens has some cool wall storage ideas.
Hopefully you’re now looking at your home through new lenses, and we’ve inspired you to find creative storage spaces! No house or apartment is too small to be effectively organized—you just have to know how to do it. We’re here for you if you need extra support.