Storage space is one of the most sought-after features when buying a house, yet it can also prove difficult to maximize in a small home.
Maximizing storage space requires creativity. There are plenty of ways to do this without making your home appear cramped or unwelcoming.
1. Under-the-Season Closet Storage
If your climate is typically mild and dry year-round, seasonal items like winter gloves and scarves, sun visors, gardening hats and other clothing and accessories that only work in certain weather conditions should be stored away.
Instead of leaving out-of-season clothing in your closet where it can be easily seen and reached, try moving them to less accessible storage areas within your home each season as needed. Doing this makes transitioning your wardrobe from one season to the next much smoother.
Another ideal place to store out-of-season clothing is under your bed. Utilizing short, sturdy rectangular baskets or rollaway bins that fit under the bed can help maximize the space in this often neglected corner of your home.
You can also use breathable stacking fabric bins with attached lids to keep items dust-free and prevent fading while stored away. These bins can be stacked on shelves or the floor of your closet, yet are lightweight enough to collapse flat when not in use.
When storing out-of-season clothing for long term, it's essential to store them in a climate controlled space that isn't too damp or hot, or without humidity. Basements and attics are too humid and may harbor mildew, mold, and insects which could potentially harm your clothes.
In addition to protecting your items from weather damage, it's essential that your storage space remains tidy and organized. It may even be beneficial to add cedar liners in order to keep pests away from bins and boxes during storage.
2. Wall-Mounted Shelves
No matter the size of your home, finding enough storage can be a struggle. It's not always easy to organize essential items like papers and office supplies or decorative accessories like candles in an organized manner.
Wall-mounted shelves are an excellent way to maximize storage in any room of your house, while adding a fashionable touch. They can be installed in bedrooms, living rooms or kitchens and provide plenty of room for books or decorative accents.
Wall-mounted shelves can be an excellent addition to a bathroom or laundry room for extra storage space. They're great for organizing towels, toiletries and other items you don't use frequently.
Installing wall-mounted shelves is a relatively straightforward task that anyone with some experience can do. Just make sure the standards you use align with the studs in the wall for best results.
For a longer-lasting solution, wall-mounted adjustable slotted shelves can be the ideal storage solution. These shelves can be adjusted to any height required and come in various sizes and styles to meet your specific requirements.
They're perfect for showcasing your favorite artwork or other objects. Plus, their versatility allows you to reposition them at any time, giving you the flexibility to switch up your decor easily.
If you're not sure how to install wall-mounted shelves, there are plenty of tutorials online that will guide you. For instance, these step-by-step instructions on installing a shelf in your kitchen. Or, view these videos to learn how to add floating shelves to living rooms or bedrooms.
3. Under-the-Sink Storage
Are you searching for innovative ways to maximize storage in your home? Look no further than under-the-sink areas. This is where many of us store items we use frequently, such as towels and toilet paper.
Make the most of this space by investing in products that organize your items functionally. From baskets for stacking soaps and sponges, to drawers with pullout sections, there are plenty of under-the-sink organizers to help keep all your cleaning supplies sorted and accessible.
For example, this double-tiered sliding drawer organizer mounts inside your sink and is the ideal place to keep dish detergent, cleaning spray bottles and other janitorial supplies organized.
Another under-the-sink organization tip is to install tension rods across the top of your cabinet. These come in various sizes and finishes, making them ideal for hanging bottles of spray cleaner.
If you're constantly storing trash bags under your sink, try investing in a roll that takes up less room in the cabinet. These are readily available at most grocery stores and an effective way to declutter your cabinet.
Under-the-sink organization is ideal for storing hair tools and other personal care items. A shower caddy can be the ideal place to organize similar tools together, while a stationary unit works great as backup or rarely used items.
In addition to these tips, you can also utilize vertical space in your cabinets. If the cupboard is overrun with items, buy small baskets to place inside of the door and label them clearly so you can quickly and efficiently locate what you need.
4. Rolling Laundry Cart
A rolling laundry cart is an ideal way to keep all of your essential laundry supplies close by while washing and drying. You can use it in a small laundry room or between two machines to maximize space efficiency.
These carts come in a range of styles, sizes and materials so that you can find one to meet your requirements. Crafted out of mesh or nylon, these lightweight yet sturdy carts are great for frequent or repeated usage.
Many laundry carts feature multi-tiered design, so you can organize frequently reached-for products on the top tier and less-frequently used items further down. This design feature also lets you customize how the cart is organized, creating a storage area that's both practical and attractive.
For instance, a folding cart with clothes hanger racks on top and shelves at the bottom is perfect for organizing and hanging clothes out of the dryer. Not only is this type of cart easy to move around, but it can be stored away in your car trunk when not in use.
To construct a rolling laundry cart, you will need several pieces of wood. Start by cutting one 12-by-12 into four 30 inch length pieces. Measure 14 inches from the bottom edge of each piece and mark it with a pencil; repeat at 28 and 42 inches for your measurements.
Next, drill a 1 1/4-inch screw into each one-by-two where you drew the line. This will secure the shelving lips in place.
With your circular saw, cut the remaining one-by-two pieces into three 30-inch length pieces. Line up each of these shelves lips flush from front to back and drill screws into each as you did for the base piece.
5. Closet Organizers
If organizing your closet space is a constant struggle, working with a professional can help relieve some of the stress associated with it. They'll assist in prioritizing belongings and developing personalized storage solutions tailored specifically for you.
A well-organized closet can help you quickly and easily locate items when you need them most, reducing stress and giving yourself more confidence. Furthermore, having an organized closet provides peace of mind which can be beneficial in both personal and professional lives.
Closet organizers come in a range of shapes and sizes, such as hanging systems, shelving units and drawers. While no system is perfect for everyone, finding one that works for you can make a significant difference in both your organization efforts and time spent locating what you need when you need it most.
Organizing your closet isn't just about keeping things tidy and accessible; it's also about safeguarding your belongings. Properly stored apparel can last longer, helping ensure the quality of each piece.
Maximize storage space by taking non-seasonal clothes out of your closet and placing them in protective organizers under the bed or on top shelves (see next tip). This will free up more room for seasonal clothing while allowing you to sort through and discard items that no longer bring you joy.