Finding the space to store everything a modern family requires can be a struggle, not to mention the worst. Modern homes are, on average, 30 per cent smaller than those of the 1950s, and 21st-century households have more clutter than they did fifty years ago, and the result is that thousands of families are living in more messy and uncomfortable dwellings.
Most people find that the possibility of extending their home or transforming basements or attics is not within their budget or practicality. It means that they need to be content with the space they’ve got, and that means they have to think more creatively about storage. Here are some tips to discover hidden storage spaces within your home that you might not have considered.
* Go up
If you’re running out of horizontal space in your home, consider whether you can move vertically instead. A majority of rooms are occupied by at least 20 per cent of their total area wasted due to the level of furniture and the head of the occupants. Consider spaces above sideboards, above doors and even up the walls to create storage spaces without affecting the floor space available.
* Multi-purpose furniture
Families must have certain items, like couches, beds and a dining area. If you are thinking of storage ideas, take a look at where the items are making a profit in terms of the floor area they consume and whether there could be a better way to store them. Sofas with storage underneath are great for storing the child’s toys. Additionally, footstools and tables, which serve as DVD storage, also make it simple to keep your home tidy.
* Dead space
It’s easy to think you’ve packed your house to the maximum but are you actually? Take a look at the space where the two kitchen cabinets meet, which is usually empty space. You could consider installing a sliding shelf in the corner to enhance the space you have for pots and dry foods. The stairs are another space that is often unused; think about buying an adjustable drawer or a neat size box to put in there and make the most of the space.
* Self-storage
If you’re at the limit of space in your house, There is always the option of renting self-storage space for things that you don’t require daily. Self-storage is available at the most affordable price and certainly less expensive than moving into a larger house. Think about putting away things that are not in season, like furniture for the garden in winter and heavier clothing during the summer.
Making sure you have a place for everything and placing everything in its proper place is the first step to having a tidy, clutter-free home. This may appear like a daunting task at the moment; however, once you’ve discovered space for all your possessions and you’ll be much more simple to keep it this way. Naturally, having fewer items in the first place could make the entire process much more manageable, and therefore, you should consider clearing out your home and then locating storage for only what you truly require.
The author has published and written essays on a range of subjects related to our home environments, such as moving houses, decluttering spaces in new-build homes, as well as self-storage facilities located in London, along with the benefits of self-storage to help us manage our belongings.