Home storage is a constant battle for most of us. Many people operate under the falsity that when they run out of storage space, they need a bigger house.
I couldn’t disagree more.
Sometimes when home storage is scarce, it’s time to declutter. In fact, it’s always time to declutter at my house. Don’t underestimate the power of a good clean out sesh!
Other times we just need to better utilize the spaces we already have.
Case in point: I have mentioned before that our entertainment center is actually a breakfast room hutch (minus the top piece). If offers plenty of space for all of our electronics, DVDs, and even photo albums.
So whether you are maxed out on home storage options, or you are just fresh out of ideas I want to give you 4 options to consider when looking for a place to stash your belongings.
4 clever ways to add storage in your home
1. Create innovative home storage with furniture
I am all about storage that doesn’t look like storage. When my kids were born I knew our home needed kid storage spaces where they could keep their toys and feel included, but I loathed the idea of plastic “kid” storage all over the place.
As I started thinking outside the box I decided our furniture wasn’t limited to its traditional uses.
One might think the antique sideboard in my dining room is full of fine china and silverware, but it really houses my kids’ art junk supplies, notepads, and crafts. I love that it offers adequate storage but looks nice (as opposed to plastic bins or drawer sets everywhere).
I also have an antique wardrobe in my daughter’s room that perfectly contains her toys. Again, it looks nice, but is totally functional for what she needs. And I can’t see the chaos inside. #winning
Don’t be fooled into thinking furniture pieces can only do one job and that you have to purchase storage containers for your things. Look around at what you have and brainstorm ideas for how your furniture can fully serve your family’s storage needs.
If you need to purchase furniture, look at Craigslist or local antique markets for cool pieces. Garage sales and estate sales are also great places to find unique furniture pieces.
2. Additional shelving in closets and pantry
Shelf extensions like THESE can buy a lot of space (and save your sanity) when you’re running low on storage and high on stuff (namely food at our house). A lazy Susan might also be helpful under the sink or in a linen cabinet.
Sometimes pantry shelving doesn’t perfectly fit our needs and if the shelves are fixed it can be tricky to find ways to maximize the space.
If you aren’t committed to your shelving, consider a customizable system like the Container Store’s Elfa systems. They help maximize closet space so you can utilize every inch!
3. Doors aren’t just for closing
When floor (or shelf) space is limited, use the door for additional storage. Laundry hampers like THIS can free up floor space in small bathrooms, and jewelry storage like THIS over the door system can solve limited wall space and counter challenges.
At one point I used an over the door hanging shelf for additional storage in my pantry. When I didn’t need it anymore it became the home for my daughter’s beanie boo collection. Got those stuffed animals off the floor and out of sight (thank God)!
Hanging shoe organizers like THIS can also store rolled towels, paper towels, cleaning supplies, and girls’ hair accessories.
4. Maximize upper shelving
The upper shelf of any given closet may well be the most neglected storage space in every home, and why wouldn’t it be? It’s hard to reach, and many times higher than the door frame which makes for a super awkward reach when retrieving needed items.
As tricky as it can be to pull things down from the upper shelves, they make for the perfect storage space for items rarely used like holiday dishes, special decor, and other special use items (think ski clothes, swimsuits, etc).
Rather than junking up the bottom of your storage spaces, tuck those rarely used but important items in plastic bins, label them and use those upper shelves.
When you have maxed out your home storage options, try implementing any of these four tips and see how much further your closets, doors and furniture will go! Don’t be afraid to get creative with door storage when space is limited. And don’t assume storage systems can only be used for what the packaging advertises.
Think outside the box a little and consider what your family needs. Great ideas won’t be far behind!
What storage tricks are you most proud of?
How do you maximize the space in your home?
Tell me in the comments below!
