If you are a homeowner, you are aware that one of the most significant factors to consider when purchasing or constructing a home is the amount of space available. It can seem impossible to organize your home so that you have enough open space to store everything without stuff falling over or awkwardly left out in the open.
From necessary and decorative furniture taking up entire corners to wardrobes filled to the point you can’t even close the door, and new buys with no place to go, it can be difficult to keep a space tidy yet functional.
Additionally, any storage space, no matter how big, will quickly become overloaded when you have a big family. So what can you do after you have reached your limit and need a solution to your storage problem without relocating?
Things to do when you run out of storage space
Below are six practical steps you can take when your home seems to be out of storage space.
Rent a self-storage unit
While most people declutter first and find space for extra storage later, we’re doing things differently. Decluttering isn’t always easy for everyone, especially people attached to things they own.
Getting a self-storage unit in this scenario might be a good idea. You’ll have additional space to store stuff you don’t need for everyday use. A self-storage space is also an excellent alternative if you’ve been collecting items for future use but don’t require them right now, such as cute rugs, study chairs, or a swing set. You may check out Henfield Storage for affordable and secure storage units in Brighton that come in various sizes to cater to your specific needs.
The great thing about a self-storage facility is that you can store anything and access it whenever you need it. If you’re based in California and have already started looking for a facility, Camarillo storage can offer you exactly what you need.
Declutter
While a storage facility is ideal for things bigger in size, decluttering is necessary for smaller items like clothes, shoes, books, makeup items, and decorative and sentimental pieces.
It’s possible that every member of your household is holding on to things they can easily part with but haven’t found the time to sort and tidy up. These may be small items, but they can take up a lot of space—otherwise better utilized—considering the bigger picture.
A good way to start the decluttering process is by designating spaces for everything, storing in-use and necessary items there, and taking the rest away. You can decide what to do with the rest of the stuff once you have it sorted on the basis of need and use.
Before looking for additional storage options, consider selling, donating or recycling things that you can put to better use.
Recycle, sell or donate unnecessary items
Whenever you run out of storage space, donating or selling items you don’t need is a fantastic method to make space in your home.
When your basement and storage areas are filled to the brim, and you have no other choice, use services like eBay to sell or give away unwanted items. Old furniture, toys, games, clothing, and footwear are just a few examples of stuff you might sell.
If you have overstocked a specific food, auction it at a yard sale. Donate things you haven’t used for a while and don’t plan on using again to appropriate organizations—books to libraries, toys to foster homes, blankets, and bedding to shelter for the homeless.
You can also recycle and upcycle old clothes to create new pieces, such as cutting up t-shirts to make cushion covers and converting old bedsheets and curtains to make doormats.
Reorganize your attic
The space between the roof and the ceiling is usually considered an attic. If you live in a house with an attic, you probably don’t go up there very often. Attics can be difficult to access because the entry either involves adding retractable stairs in the access panel. However, don’t overlook your attic as a potential storage area. You can store a variety of items in your attic, including Christmas decorations, camping equipment, and your children’s old toys. Use metal shelves for storing large storage containers and utilize the vertical space rather than stacking on the ground.
Furthermore, you’ve probably seen pegboards at the workplace to store tools, but pegboards aren’t only for the garage or the craft area. They can be used to organize practically anything. Install one in your attic to store extra kitchen, washing, and home improvement supplies. The tools will be visible and accessible when stored on a pegboard. The size and arrangement of your attic may be unconventional, but it doesn’t imply the small rooms are useless.
Create storage in unexpected places
If the bedrooms in your house don’t have enough built-in storage for your needs and you don’t want to invest in external storage options, look under the beds. Consider purchasing storage boxes to store items like bedsheets and bedcovers under the bed; this makes the access easy and doesn’t leave you with an unorganized or untidy bedroom. Use containers intended to fit on your staircase to store frequently used items. These can be used in a variety of ways: If the stairs are next to your entrance door, use them to keep shoes and socks, winter hats and scarves, or handbags fully prepared for the morning rush.
Additionally, you can build shelves to fill up odd spaces, or make built-in storage benches and cabinets in the sitting room, dining hall, or bedroom, or put a tiny cupboard beneath your staircase. Storage ottomans, readily available in the market, function similarly to storage containers. The ottoman’s top section is a cushioned cover that opens up to expose a hollow area perfect for storing seasonal garments or blankets. Although, keep in mind that the primary goal of having an ottoman in your home is to be able to move it for usage as needed, so don’t store heavy items that may make moving it around difficult.
Utilize outdoors
You can keep everything you use outside organized and neat if you have adequate backyard storage. Several styles are both functional and chic, ranging from stylish wall shelves that occupy no floor space to innovative furniture with concealed multiple compartments.
As we all know, everyone likes a large, comfortable sofa to sit in and enjoy the fresh air. However, outdoor seating can be tricky in terms of taking up space, so go for a 2-in-1 sofa set with a storage room for umbrellas, shoes, or other outdoor equipment.
Additionally, open garden storage solutions are a perfect way to clear up floor areas while keeping everything within easy reach. Wall-mounted crates or boxes, canvas hanging pockets, and sleek multi-sectioned grids are ideal for storing small items and can also be used to brighten up a blank wall. Keep everyday items like sharp scissors, garden ropes, gloves and hats, and kitchen utensils in a safe place.
Key takeaway
What happens if you run out of storage space in your home? It’s an unsettling experience! If you genuinely feel like your house is overflowing with things, consider utilizing the above suggestions to help you locate some storage solutions, either at home or storage units.
