If you feel like you’re drowning in your own stuff, you’re not alone. Research from Cushman & Wakefield and the Self Storage Association UK shows that demand is crushing the self-storage supply in the UK. That’s bad news for everyone … except the self-storage industry.
It’s easy to get determined to conquer your own storage struggles yourself without turning your home into a storage unit. But raise your hand if you’re done with unrealistic home organization tips. Instead of getting a good laugh over the sexy world of unobtainable storage that’s taunting you from a Pinterest board, go for something high-functional and achievable that makes a big impact in small spaces. From shelves that feel magical to secret storage options, here are five real-life storage solutions for small spaces.
Float your shelves
Free up valuable counter and cabinet space in your kitchen, bathroom or any room in the house with floating shelves. Instead of taking up floor space with a traditional shelving system, floating shelves can get your stuff off the floor and onto your walls. The best part is, people will think you’re sophisticated and design-savvy by choosing such dazzling modern shelving. No one has to know you’re just desperately looking to reclaim precious floor space that you can use for more important things, like lying face down after a long day.
Transform bedtime into storage time
Every bed in your house is an opportunity to sneak even more storage in your home. Look for platform beds with drawers to store away sheets, night clothes and spare toys to keep them out of sight and out of mind. And when the bedtime routine with the kids is a battle, you can feel smug knowing the favorite toys they’re looking for are actually tucked away in drawers underneath their sleepy heads.
Install a fold-down desk with storage
Your kids need a place to do homework or at least pretend they’re doing homework, but desks take up valuable space you may not have. Instead of transforming your dining room into the dreaded after-school homework chamber, install a fold-down desk instead. A fold-down desk can be as simple as pulling down a mounted desktop from your child’s wall and adding a chair to get to work.
Repurpose your footrest
Ottomans may be a comfortable place to throw up your feet and indulge in a cocktail while the kids chase each other around the house, but they just take up space you don’t have. That’s why you need an ottoman that doubles as storage for quilts, games and toys. Now you can whirlwind around the room and throw everything into the ottoman when unexpected guests stop by.
Maximize your ceiling
If you’re not utilizing your ceiling, you’re probably missing out on prime storage space. Use hooks and hanging baskets to store everything from bicycles and large toys to fruits and vegetables. There’s plenty you can do with your ceilings, but make sure to hire a professional, otherwise, you might end up with your ceiling and toys crumbling to the floor.
You don’t need to rush out and get in line for self-storage just yet. Focus on maximizing the space you have by getting creative and ruthless with your storage options. From floor to ceiling, create the space you need with the right shelves, footrests and solutions to restore your sanity.
