With so many things in our possession and not enough places for them, we can end up juggling so much of our junk. This is why when it comes to winning the battle against storage in your home, you’ve got to be systematic in your approaches to storing your belongings effectively while also doing more than your fair share of decluttering. So, what does it really take to win the storage battle in your home?
Maximise Your Closet Space
If you have fitted wardrobes, this is an excellent place to begin, but you should double down on your closet space by installing more shelves, hanging rods, and extra compartments to make the most out of the space. It’s also worth looking at things like door racks and over-the-door organisers that can make a big difference in the long run. Closet space is one of those things that people seldom maximise because there is very little width in some, but this is why fitted wardrobes and wardrobes with greater depth can cover up a multitude of sins.
Regular Decluttering
We hear so much about the benefits of decluttering in terms of mindset, but when you are throwing things out, it’s vital to follow these rules:
- Start by bringing less home. There is absolutely no point in decluttering if you undo this process by bringing more stuff in.
- When you start, begin with easier items that have very little sentimental value because this can build momentum prior to tackling the harder decisions. Get rid of duplicates, especially in terms of clothes and books. Keeping the very favourites or the one in the best condition is the best course of action.
- Do not feel guilty about letting go of things, especially if you paid a lot and don’t use them. The same applies to unwanted gifts. They are yours, and therefore you have the choice as to whether you should keep them or get rid.
- Don’t take on too much at once. Decluttering is easier when we do it in manageable chunks over time, and often we can find ourselves feeling swept up in the process, which is fine, but if we end up becoming overzealous and throw so many things that we regret later on, this can be to the detriment of ourselves and there could be more than a tinge of regret.
- Do not organise before you declutter. Organising clutter is still clutter; it is just in a different place! Always prioritise decluttering first and then organise what is left.
- Use the 6-month rule, which means letting something go if you haven’t used it in six months or don’t plan to soon, and also the 90/90 rule is worth considering too, which is a very similar method; if you have not used it in the last 90 days and will not use it in the next 90, just get rid of it!
Use Vertical Space
Make the most of vertical space by installing shelving units, hanging organisers, and over-the-door storage solutions to maximise your available storage without taking up too much space. This is particularly useful in kids’ bedrooms because you can struggle to find out if your child wants to keep something or not, especially with regards to certain types of books. In terms of throwing out books, they should always match your child’s current reading ability. If they are kids’ books and your child is now approaching seven or eight, get rid!
Rotate Seasonal Items
If there is one part of storage that can be troublesome, it is when you have a variety of clothes that will be useful in the winter, but you can’t store them anywhere. Storing off-season items under the beds is the best course of action here. However, with chunky winter coats that take up a lot of space, what you need to do is vacuum pack them. This is an excellent way to maximise storage because you are taking all of the air out of the storage bag, meaning you can double or potentially triple your storage!
Organise Hidden Storage as Well
Whether it’s your child’s bedroom or living space, hidden storage can easily become cluttered. Places like under the bed but also the attic or garage can easily become cluttered and disorganised without regular maintenance. Take the time to declutter these spaces as well!
As you can see, it is thoroughly possible to win the battle against storage. It’s all about the right types of tactics, techniques, and being a little bit ruthless!