It may not seem like it, but storage is one of the crucial elements of having a clean and organized home. However, we often use storage to hide our clutter away.
Storage is designed to provide a clean and hassle-free environment. Imagine not having to worry about where to look for your crockpot and where to put it back after use. It also helps you avoid misplacing important items like documents, family heirlooms, and other valuables.
Simply put, having enough storage can help you keep your belongings and make them easy to retrieve. If you want to improve your quality of life, we suggest that you keep these seven storage hacks in mind:
1. Assess your space
Most homeowners tend to plan their storage haphazardly. Hence, you are likely to see a pantry filled with container bins.
Sure, this is a cost-effective solution. However, this can also lead to an uncoordinated collection of storage solutions. That said, it is better to assess your space and make a storage plan.
The following into consideration:
- The items you want to store
- The size and shape of a storage space
- The kind of storage solutions you will use (e.g., shelves and drawers)
- The storage solutions that are currently available
2. Store your items upright
To maximize your storage space, consider storing your items upright. As we always tell our clients at Maid Sailors Cleaning Services Austin, doing so allows you to utilize your storage fully.
You can do this with your dishes, cutting boards, and pots and pans.
3. Install a hidden storage
If you are in the process of building or remodeling your home, consider installing hidden storage. This is a smart way of turning an unused space, like your wall, into something practical.
If you want to hide your large flat-screen TV, you can sneak it behind a cabinet with bifold doors. Another is turning your stairs into drawers. This is a common storage solution if you live in a small apartment.
4. Build a pull-out closet
If you have a couple of inches of space between a wall and an appliance, consider using it for a pull-out closet.
This can serve as modular kitchen storage to keep your spices if you have a small kitchen. You can also use the same principle in your garden (for your gardening tools and supplies) and laundry area (for your laundry detergents).
5. Invest in a freestanding closet
If you do not have ample closet space, one of the first things you need to do is get rid of clothes that you no longer use. If your existing closet is still filled to the brim with clothes, you should invest in a freestanding wardrobe.
It is like an armoire where you can hang some of your clothes and put on your folded sweaters.
To maximize your freestanding closet, we suggest that you display the clothes that you’re regularly using. Meanwhile, store your seasonal clothes in your closet.
6. Hang pots and pans
Our pots and pans are often heavy and take up a lot of space. So instead of placing them in your kitchen cabinets, it would be ideal to hang them.
Hanging your pots and pans is a smart way to save storage space while keeping them within reach.
You can install a hanging rack over the kitchen island or build one yourself using copper pipes and S-hooks. If your kitchen cupboards have extra room underneath, try installing hooks to hang your pots and pans.
Another option is to install a metal railing on an empty wall and attach some hooks. And then, you can use the space to hang your pots and pans.
7. Create storage nooks
Decluttering your belongings is just half of the organization battle. The other half is looking for a way to store the items you want to keep.
If possible, consider creating storage nooks. Some excellent examples would be space under the stairs or beneath a sitting area. You can also turn the space under a kitchen island into storage where you can keep the dishes and cutleries you use during special occasions.
If your children have their own room, consider turning the space under their bed as storage for the toys they don’t often use. When they start growing tired of their toys, you bring out the stored ones and make the swap. That way, you don’t always have to buy new toys to keep your kids entertained.
Conclusion
When you have limited storage space, it can be frustrating to keep your house clean and organized.
Luckily, you do not necessarily have to spend a significant amount to add storage in your homes. Often, all it needs is a bit of practical creativity.
That said, start decluttering your belongings. Once you have them trimmed down, follow the storage hacks listed above to keep your home clean and organized.
