Simple ways to take advantage of the storage space in your home.
I have yet to meet a client that didn't have a self-proclaimed storage issue. Now this isn't to diminish the fact that there truly are poorly constructed spaces that can make homeowner's scratch their heads when trying to figure out where to place their items. However, in my experience of helping client's address their clutter and home organizing issues, lack of space typically isn't the major issue or an issue at all.
Chances are, there's prime storage real estate that you're missing out on in your home. And with all the innovative organizing products out there created just for your home organizing needs, you're sure to find solutions that work best for your space.
Utilize vertical space!
When in doubt, think up! Using vertical space not only saves you precious floor space, but it also opens up a space and makes it look more tidy. And we all want our homes to look as least cluttered as possible, right? I know!
Reducing the clutter can be the absolute bane of our existence, but we'll tackle that in other article....back to vertical space!
If you've ever lived in or visited a small home or apartment with high ceilings, you get what I mean. All that space up there creates the illusion that the home is much larger and more open than it may actually be. The concept is similar with taking advantage of those higher areas in your home. And what's even more exciting is there's tons of products that eliminate you having to think about where to start or what to do. From shelving units to stackable bins, the options are endless.
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A tip to remember when considering what items may be great to store in a vertical organizing product, look for the things around the home that tend to clutter flat surfaces like coffee/end tables and countertops. For one client, I opted for tiered baskets as a solution for her fruits and veggies that were cluttering her kitchen countertops. It was simple to assemble and install and while we chose to place it on an inside wall of her walk-in pantry, it's definitely cute enough to be out in the open where it would be often seen.
Use the back of doors
This one definitely can also fit in the category for vertical space, but it's still very much a category of it's own. I want you to take a moment and count how many interior doors you have in your home. There's pantry doors, bedroom doors, bathroom doors, closet doors, and so much more. That's a lot more space than I bet you thought you had. And if we really want to get technical, we could also count the cabinet doors in your kitchen and bathrooms. They are doors, they have backs, and there's plenty of products geared specifically for them! Every square inch counts, especially if you live in a small home. You've really got to get creative with identifying new potential storage areas for your home. I think you'll be impressed with the difference it can make!
If you need a little visual inspiration, you can get some ideas here in this video by Clean My Space.
Invest in furniture with built-in storage
This one is my personal favorite. If you're like me and don't like seeing too much stuff out in the open, you'll appreciate this! On the other hand, if you're the type that hides clutter just so you don't have to look at it, this for sure isn't the best option for you as these items will be out of sight and out of mind or the furniture may end up being a dumping site for the things you simply don't need or can't find a place for. Which ends up being a bigger problem down the road. Trust me on this one, know thyself!
But anyway, furniture with built-in storage is a win-win in my book. It's well worth your investment because it serves a dual purpose. Don't get me wrong, aesthetics is important, but I truly believe that functionality is of equal importance. Cute and having no purpose just doesn't do it for me.
The options are endless here as well! Storage ottomans, bed frames with drawers, coffee tables, end tables, and entryway tables with bottom shelves are all great options. I don't know about you, but I love an excuse to put a cute basket on the bottom shelf of a table! Double-duty furniture can easily store overflow linens and blankets, books, electronics, and photo albums, children's toys, and just about anything else you can think to store.
I've got little ones, so if you know, you know. Things just don't seem to ever stay in one place for too long. Their playroom is upstairs so I keep two baskets under the coffee table that they can use to toss toys in that they bring downstairs to reduce the back and forth throughout the day. In addition, there's a bench in our home with cubby holes in the bottom that I use cube storage organizer bins in for them to toss their shoes in when they come in from outside. They have a purpose, I don't have to see little shoes lying around, and it just works for everyone.
And when a storage solution works for each member of the family, it's much easier to maintain!
I encourage you to think of how to make these simple and practical solutions work for you and your family.
However, if the very thought of starting the task on your own is overwhelming that's ok too. There are professionals willing to help! And just to validate you...there's no shame in that! Just as you might seek the expertise of a medical professional for a physical issues, it's completely normal and a great assessment of yourself to seek the help of an organizing professional for home organizing tasks that might bring you stress and anxiety. If the DIY thing is not for you and you're ready to get organized today, then schedule a free consultation where together, we can discuss your needs.
Did you find these tips to be helpful? If so, leave me a comment below and I'll look forward to getting back to you!
Happy Organizing!
Check out the recent Redfin article we were featured in:
If you're renting an apartment, chances are you know every square inch counts to create a functional yet stylish abode. But while carving out storage with the additional challenge of a smaller space may seem like an impossible task, it doesn't have to be. With some careful planning (and a bit of creativity), you can achieve the Pinterest-worthy, beautifully organized space you've always envisioned.
Whether you're downsizing to a one-bedroom apartment in New York City or renting a condo in Phoenix, AZ, breaking each task down room-by-room can make organizing an apartment a little less daunting and well worth the effort. To help you get started, Redfin reached out to us and other experts to create the ultimate guide to organizing an apartment (and keeping it that way). Read on for our tips to divide and conquer a cramped space.
Read the full article here: 20 Clever Ways to Organize and Maximize Every Room in Your Apartment (And Keep Them That Way) | Redfin