The Best Storage Solutions for Your Home

Are you feeling squeezed for space? Do you constantly have to rummage through cluttered closets or an overstuffed garage? Adding more storage is one of the best ways for you to get organized and reclaim your home. This guide covers the top storage solutions to maximize every square inch of your space. Learn more about maximizing home storage.

Use Furniture as Storage

Investing in storage furniture is a smart way to add space for your belongings while keeping a tidy look. Armoires and wardrobes provide ample room for you to hang clothes or store other items. Look for solid wood construction with adjustable shelves and racks. The pros are the organized storage capacity and attractive furniture styling. Cons are the large footprint and higher cost.

Dressers also bring handy storage, especially in bedrooms. You should opt for wider models with deep drawers to hold bulkier items. IKEA, Target, and Walmart offer affordable options. The pros are abundant drawer space and design flexibility to complement your existing decor. Cons are less hanging space than wardrobes.

Storage ottomans provide hidden storage for your living room, den, and bedroom. Lift the lid to stow items inside. Many feature tray organizers to corral remotes, books, and more of your belongings. The pros are extra storage and seating. Cons are lifting a heavy lid. Look for storage ottomans with flip-top covers for easy access.

Organize Your Closet for Maximum Storage

For many homes, closets present the most frustrating storage challenge. Make the most of your existing closet space with racks, shelves, and compartments.

Entryway Closets

The entryway closet is prime real estate for coats, shoes, purses, and other items coming in and out of your home. Maximize every inch with a combination of shelves, racks, and baskets. Install hooks on the back of the door for bags, hats, and leashes. Stackable shoe racks avoid a messy pile-up on the floor. Use a shelf above the pole for hats and scarves.

Bedroom Closets

Bedroom closets need storage for your out-of-season clothes, extra linens, and more. Add adjustable shelves above shorter hanging items like blouses. Use hanging shoe organizers inside the door for flip-flops and slippers. Purchase fabric bins to neatly corral undergarments, socks, and accessories. Install a second closet rod to double the hanging capacity. Using bed risers to lift your bed higher can allow you to slide storage bins underneath. Read up on storing seasonal clothes in the closet.

Optimize Your Garage for Storage

Your garage should be more than just a place to park cars. Make the most of this valuable space by organizing sporting goods, seasonal items, tools, and more with specialized storage solutions.

Sporting Goods

Clear bulky gear off the garage floor by mounting wall racks for bikes, kayaks, surfboards, and more. Use pulley systems on the ceiling to lift canoes, ladders, and other long items overhead. Install cabinets with adjustable shelving to store helmets, life jackets, balls, and other equipment. Pegboards also efficiently store smaller sporting goods. Wall-mounted bike hooks are an easy and inexpensive way for you to hang bikes overhead.

Seasonal Items

Seasonal belongings like holiday decorations and backyard patio furniture take up precious garage space when not in use. Keep them accessible but out of the way with overhead storage. Look for heavy-duty racks or pulley systems that lift and lower rubber bins and other containers. Cabinetry and drawers also work for your smaller seasonal items. Use clear bins so you can identify contents.

Utilize Basement & Attic Spaces for Storage

Expand your home's storage possibilities by utilizing often overlooked spaces like basements and attics. With some simple upgrades like lighting and shelving, they can be great storage solutions. See tips for storage in older homes.

Ideas for Attic Storage

Attics tend to be hot, dusty, and dimly lit. Limit storage to items not prone to temperature damage or moisture. Install shelving along the attic wall for boxes and bins. Place plywood across the joists to hold light items like holiday decorations and extra linens. Make sure to leave a wide aisle down the center for accessing stored goods. Consider skylights or recessed lighting to brighten the space.

Ideas for Basement Storage

Basements are ideal for furniture, archived documents, and sentimental keepsakes prone to humidity. Use industrial shelving units and cabinets to take advantage of vertical walls. Place water-resistant storage containers on the shelves. Dehumidifiers will keep moisture in check. Avoid cardboard boxes, which can sag and collapse. Make sure all containers are clearly labeled so you can locate items easily.

Storage Containers

Plastic bins, baskets, and shelving cubes are ideal storage containers for keeping your items together while maximizing space. Clear plastic bins allow you to see contents at a glance. Bins with gasket seals protect items from moisture and pests. Invest in stackable bins and shelves to double your storage. Use small parts organizers for garage and workshop hardware storage.

Learn More About Storage

The Bottom Line

With a little creativity and the right storage solutions, you can find room for all your possessions, no matter the size of your home. Take time to evaluate where you need more space, and invest in quality storage furniture and organizers that will stand the test of time. Don't let your items pile up without a home. Every homeowner can benefit from more thoughtful organization.

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