Not enough space at home? The number one reason why people think they can’t get organised is that they “don’t have enough space”.

But if you had been in the number of homes I’ve been in and seen the overflowing extra closets, garages, and attics, you’d quickly agree that even if you did have extra space, it might quickly become cluttered as well.

As tough as it might be to accept, the truth is that when it comes to storage you only have the space you have!

So, my first bit of advice is always to be ruthless with what you have and decide how much of it you really need and how much of it can leave your overcrowded home.

While the space you have is fixed, the volume of things you own can grow (and overflow) or shrink (and fit). Everything you decide to let go of will help when it comes to storing the items you own.

1. Declutter, declutter, declutter
As always – I’m going to encourage you to declutter and purge one more time.

Keep an eye out for things that serve only one purpose and ask yourself whether there’s another way you can accomplish whatever task that item is used for.

Certain items in the kitchen come to mind like bulky rice cookers or bread machines or even yogurt makers. Those things take up valuable space for a small return so unless you use them regularly consider ditching these items.

2. Your things should multitask wherever possible
Second, while we’re on the topic of items that can be used for multiple purposes, consider replacing pieces of furniture with those that can give you some much-needed storage.

An ottoman with hidden storage space inside is a great idea. Dining tables that can fold away easily to be out of the way or that double as a home desk are also good. And, bedside tables that don’t have lots of storage built-in should be replaced with those that do.

3. Maximise the space you have
Now for a little creativity… finding unused or underutilised spaces in your home. This is the time to look at your spaces in a new and considered way. How might you use what you have differently or more efficiently?

Where is the ‘dead space’ that seems unusable? What areas are under-utilised? Look for storage spaces you might not have seen or considered before.

In my experience, there’s often lots of this kind of space.

4. Vertical space to the rescue
Utilising the vertical spaces in your home can often provide a workable and stylish solution to storage problems.

First, check your walls. Shelving can be installed, folding chairs can be hung, and easily installed hooks can be used. In the bedroom, jewellery can be hung on walls.

5. What’s on the back of your doors?
Next, what’s behind your doors? My favourite tip for giving people extra storage space is over-the-door storage organisers.

They can be hung on both the bedroom and the bathroom doors and will add quite a lot of extra ‘drawer’ space.

These areas are great for socks, underwear and gym clothes in the bedroom, and toiletries and hair appliances store well in these organisers in the bathroom.

6. Under your bed works, too
Finally, look down. Under your bed is a great place for luggage that’s not being used. And, by the way, consider storing all of your out-of-season clothing in your luggage when you’re not using it.

If you don’t have enough room under your bed, risers are sold at most DIY types of stores. They’re inexpensive and work really well to give you a little bit room under there.

7. Storage tricks inside cupboards
There are some simple and inexpensive things you can do to increase the storage capacity of your cupboards.

Placing risers in your cupboards can double your shelf space. Tension rods can be installed under most sinks and in most lower-level cabinets.

You can hang all sorts of things there, like cleaning supplies to keep them out of the way and not on the floor of the cabinet.

These are just a few ideas to get you started.  When you have limited storage space, you have to become creative.

Consider every piece of space in your home and think how you might use it a little more efficiently. You’ll be amazed at how many more things you can put away!

Source: realestate.com.au