Smart Storage Solutions

If you’ve ever looked around your home and wondered where all the stuff in it came from, you’re certainly not alone. According to a survey from Talker Research, half of the respondents deemed at least one room in their place unsalvageable due to clutter. In fact, our houses are so overflowing that, per StorageCafe, an estimated one-third of us utilize self-storage.

One way to take control? Get creative. Here are some simple ways to maximize your spaces and prevent your belongings from becoming burdensome.

Box them in

For most people, sectioned-off areas—including drawers, shelves, and large receptacles—are big sources of mess stress, and basic boxes or bins are great for increasing their cleanliness. For instance, a crate would work well as a sturdy keeper of small tools on your workbench, while adding shallow bins to your freezer can make grouping, and thus finding, items easy. And if your drawers are too small for boxes, opt instead for organizers like dividers for a similar decluttering effect.

Go under

Do you have an alcove that’s not currently being utilized? Mull over what you could potentially store there. Consider the space under your basement stairs: it can be used to neatly stack paint cans if the room is unfurnished, or you can add shelving if it is. In addition, the gaps beneath beds are a perfect place to keep items like seasonal clothes in covered bins. You can do the same below a sofa that has tall legs.

Go vertical

Sometimes, the answer to our problems is staring right at us—in this case, it’s our doors and walls. Over-the-door hangers, for example, are convenient out-of-sight options for draping everything from robes to purses to ties in various rooms and closets; shoe organizers can also do the trick. Cabinet doors are similarly ideal for storing hair dryers, utensils, and the like using hooks or magnetic strips.

In addition, you can find inspiration in the classic pegboard. Normally hung in the garage, it can be added to a wall in virtually any room. Utilize one for impressive craft storage or even for organizing your kitchen’s pots and pans.

The ongoing battle to keep your home clutter-free can be won with the right tools and a little ingenuity. You’ll be amazed at the possibilities that exist when you make the most of your square footage to stow away your possessions.