Welcome to the magical world of home organisation, where every corner and crevice offers a golden opportunity to banish clutter for good. If you’ve ever felt like your living space is shrinking while your belongings multiply, you’re not alone.
But here’s a little secret: your home has more storage space than you think – it’s just in hiding. From the shadows under the stairs to the overlooked alcoves, we’re about to embark on a domestic adventure that will leave you with a supremely organised and serene living space. With that in mind, here’s how to eke out storage from seemingly dead spaces about the home.
The Stairway To Storage Heaven
Let’s start with the understairs cupboard, shall we? Often home to a sad collection of half-empty paint cans and a vacuum cleaner that’s seen better days, this space is brimming with potential. First, clear out the clutter (yes, that includes the rollerblades from 1995). Then, install some bespoke shelving or build in under-stairs storage with a fitted wardrobe. Suddenly, you’ve got a home for everything from your wellies to your collection of vintage board games. And if you’re feeling particularly crafty, a pull-out coat rack can transform this spot into a mini cloakroom. How very Mary Poppins of you!
But why stop at the space beneath? The staircase itself offers untapped potential. Those steps beneath your feet could be a cascade of pull-out drawers, ideal for stowing away shoes, scarves, or even pet paraphernalia. Imagine each step revealing a secret compartment where clutter can be neatly tucked away, out of sight but always within reach. It’s like having a personal storage butler at every level.
Read: 5 IDEAL ways to add more wardrobe storage space to your home
A Little Alcove Alchemy
Alcoves – those quirky little recesses by the chimney breast – are like the wallflowers of the room: often overlooked but full of potential. With a bit of imagination, they can become the belle of the ball. Fitted shelves are the classic choice, perfect for books or displaying your collection of ceramic teapots. But why stop there? A custom-built desk can turn an alcove into a cosy home office. Just add a plush chair, and you’re in business – literally.
The Bed Box Bonanza
Now, let’s talk about the bed. No, not for a nap – though the thought is tempting – but for storage. Beds with built-in drawers are a godsend for stashing away linens and out-of-season clothing. But if you’re not in the market for a new bed, fear not. Simply slide some stylish storage boxes or baskets under your existing one. It’s like a game of hide and seek, but with winter jumpers and spare towels.
The Lofty Heights Of Storage
Lofts are not just for Christmas decorations and old photo albums. With a proper loft ladder and some sturdy flooring, you can transform this space into a storage haven. Just remember to keep things organised and accessible – unless you fancy a game of ‘hunt the suitcase’ every time you go on holiday.
The Throne Room Trove
The bathroom, though often the smallest room in the house, always feels in need of more storage. Those pesky extra loo rolls need a home, after all. Floating shelves above the door frame are a stroke of genius for those seldom-used items. And if you’re blessed with a pedestal sink, consider a wrap-around sink skirt. Not only will it add a touch of elegance, but it also hides a multitude of sins (and cleaning products).
The Kitchen Drawer Dream
In the kitchen, those drawers that seem to swallow up utensils and gadgets into a chaotic jumble are crying out for some organisation. Enter drawer organisers – the unsung heroes of kitchen storage. With clever dividers and compartments, you can transform a tangled mess of wooden spoons, whisks, and potato peelers into a picture of orderly perfection. From cutlery trays to expandable organisers for those awkward deep drawers, these simple solutions ensure everything has its place. No more rummaging about for that elusive garlic press – it’ll be exactly where you left it, every single time.
The Settee Secret
Next, to the living room. The settee, or sofa for the non-Brits, can be more than just a comfy place to sit. Choose one with storage under the seats, and voila! You’ve got a nifty place to store those DVDs (for those who still partake in the vintage charm of physical media) or board games.
The Window Seat Wonderland
Bay windows are charming, they let in the light, and they offer the perfect opportunity for a spot of daydreaming. But beneath that cushioned seat lies a chamber of secrets waiting to be filled. By transforming this area into a window seat with storage, you create the perfect nook for reading while also providing a home for those bulky items like spare blankets, board games, or photo albums. It’s a delightful blend of form and function, where you can gaze wistfully at the rain and know that your spare umbrellas are just beneath you.
Read: 5 stylish ways to dress your windows for winter
The Garden Shed Shangri-La
Venture outside to the humble garden shed, often a haven for spiders and rusty tools. But with a little love, it can become an organisational powerhouse. Proper tool storage is the foundation of any well-organised shed – install wall-mounted pegboards for hammers and saws, magnetic strips for screwdrivers, and clear plastic drawers for screws, nails, and fixings. Add labeled bins for larger power tools and a lockable cabinet for anything sharp or hazardous.
Even better, create a fold-down workbench for potting plants or fixing the odd bike. Your shed will no longer be just a graveyard for garden gnomes and forgotten sports equipment; it will be a well-organised hub where every tool has its place and every DIY project starts with ease.
Alternatively, you could even repurpose your shed into a home office. Now, there’s a thought.
The Hallway Haven
The hallway, often treated as merely a thoroughfare, deserves far more credit in the storage stakes. This transitional space is prime real estate for clever organisation. Slim console tables with drawers can house keys, post, and all those bits and bobs that need a home. Wall-mounted hooks at varying heights accommodate everything from coats to bags and dog leads.
For those with a bit more space, floor-to-ceiling fitted cupboards can be an absolute game-changer – sleek, handleless designs keep the space looking streamlined whilst concealing everything from shoes and outdoor gear to household essentials. And don’t overlook the upper reaches – a picture rail shelf or floating shelves near the ceiling can display treasured items whilst keeping them safely out of the daily hustle and bustle. With a bit of imagination, your hallway transforms from a mere corridor into a hardworking haven of household harmony.
The Utility Cupboard Command Centre
Finally, let’s talk about that utility cupboard – you know, the one currently playing host to a jumbled orchestra of mops, buckets, and mysterious cleaning products. This modest space deserves a promotion to household command centre. With a bit of thoughtful organisation, you can transform this chaotic corner into an efficient hub.
Consider vertical storage solutions to make the most of the wall space, hooks for hanging items, and containers to corral smaller bits and bobs. A little planning goes a long way in ensuring everything has its place. With a well-organised utility cupboard, you’ll never again find yourself rummaging through chaos just to locate what you need. It’s the household equivalent of having your own personal assistant – silent, efficient, and always exactly where you left it.
The Bottom Line
By incorporating these additional spaces into your storage repertoire, you’ll not only declutter your home but also discover the joy of finding the perfect place for everything. With these clever solutions, you’ll transform your living space into a model of British ingenuity and charm, where every inch is utilised, and every storage opportunity is seized with gusto. Now, go forth and conquer those crannies!
