A recent survey in the UK by the storage solution company Clever Closet found that 77.57% of Brits believe they do not have enough storage space at home. This is despite such a requirement being one of the biggest priorities buyers are looking for in a new home.
It is a good bet that people feel the same in Australia, as well as the USA, Canada, and most other places around the world, which shouldn’t come as a surprise considering many people, especially those who live in cities, do so in small, cramped spaces.
So, how can you ensure all your most valuable and necessary possessions fit into your place of residence?
The answer is through clever storage solutions that adapt to your floor plan.
It doesn’t matter if you live in a five-bedroom mansion on acreage or a tiny basement flat in the middle of the suburbs. Here are seven essential storage solutions every house needs.
1. Plastic Storage Containers
Arguably, one of the most convenient storage solutions is plastic storage containers, which are excellent for storing a wide range of items, including everything from bed linen and sports equipment to seasonal bedding or clothing and important papers.
The great thing about these containers is that they come in various sizes, so there is an option for all homes.
They are also perfect for stacking in cupboards or garages and are versatile enough to be used as make shift furniture, such as coffee or bedside tables. (Just throw some material on them).
You can usually pick them up from places like Big W, Kmart, and Mitre 10 for between $5 and $10 a unit.
2. Cardboard Boxes
Just like plastic containers, cardboard boxes are another very good storage option that comes in a range of sizes.
While you can put pretty much any of your possessions in them, they are particularly good at holding keepsakes like your children’s artwork, old CDs, travel photo albums and sports trophies.
Boxes can be left in the basement, attic, cupboards or even under your bed. But wherever you put them, it is a good idea to label them or stick an inventory sheet on the side of it. That way, you’ll have an idea of what is inside them without having to open them up.
3. Storage Cabinets for Dangerous Goods & Materials
In most Australian homes, there are a range of potentially hazardous substances and highly flammable liquids.
These include petrol, solvents, chemicals, bleach, diesel, and kerosene, all of which need to be stored properly.
The best way to find them is to shop for Australian-made storage solutions from STOREMASTA or another similar company.
Sourcing this type of solution is important because the risks of fire or explosion are increased if they are not done so safely.
Unfortunately, there are over 17,000 homefires in Australia every year. A significant number of which are fatal. So, you should do all you can to reduce your chances of your residence experiencing one.
4. Storage Under Steps of Stairs
In homes that span two levels, one of the cleverest solutions you can employ is to add in storage compartments under some of the bottom steps of your stairs.
By utilising this otherwise dead space, you can avoid cluttering up hallways with shoes, raincoats or umbrellas to create a bigger sense of space.
5. Bed Drawers
Another very good option for packing things away is bed drawers, particularly as they are not often seen, thanks to draping duvets or bed sheets.
Some bed brands feature storage compartments built-in underneath them, which enables you to neatly keep blankets, bedding, bags or extra clothes. They are available in all sizes of beds, from single to king size, making them a terrific solution for small rooms that are short on space.
6. Tension Rods
Although you might think tension rods are specifically for curtain poles, many people use them as alternative forms of shelving or hanging racks around the home.
Just by putting them in cupboards, you can easily introduce additional vertical space, which can be used to hang up more of your clothes, such as dresses, trousers or shirts.
One of the best things about tension rods is that you can get them in different lengths or have them cut to size. They also can hold a lot of weight and are relatively simple to install.
7. Magazine Holders
Given how much we use our devices, many people don’t read magazines anymore.
However, instead of chucking out your old magazine holder, you can actually use it as a clever form of storage throughout your home.
These bad boys are perfect for keeping electrical cables in the garage or toilet paper in the bathroom. You can also use them to keep jars of food in the pantry or various balls of wool in your haberdashery cupboard.
