In the United States, space is often at a premium in homes and apartments, making it difficult to keep everything organized and tidy. Clutter can cause several problems, including stress and anxiety, and having too many items in a cramped space can be frustrating and overwhelming. Fortunately, many ways exist to increase your storage space and maximize your living area. Here are five ways to do just that.
1. Organize your closets
According to the National Association of Home Builders, the average size of a primary bedroom closet is 6 feet by 9 feet. Closets are often underused spaces that can hold a surprising amount of items when arranged properly. Install a closet organizer to make the most of the space you have. Use hanging organizers for shoes, scarves, and belts. You can also install shelves for folded clothes, bags, and hats and use storage bins for items you hardly use.
2. Use vertical space
A National Association of Professional Organizers survey reveals that 82% of people feel more relaxed at home when their space is organized. One of the best ways to increase your storage space is to use your walls. Install shelves or floating bookcases to hold books, plants, and other items, and hang hooks to keep coats, bags, and hats off the floor. You can also mount organizers on the back doors to hold shoes, cleaning supplies, and toiletries.
3. Invest in multi-functional furniture
According to the American Home Furnishings Alliance, the average American household spends $1,368 on furniture annually, making it essential to invest in the right furniture that will serve you well. Investing in furniture that has multiple purposes can be great for saving space. For example, you can use a sofa bed for sitting and sleeping during the day. A coffee table with built-in storage can hold blankets, magazines, and board games. A storage ottoman can provide extra seating while also serving as a place to store items like throw pillows and blankets.
4. Maximize kitchen storage
Kitchens can quickly become cluttered with appliances, utensils, and pantry items. Use your kitchen storage best by installing shelving or a pot rack to hold pots and pans. Use drawer dividers to arrange your utensils. You can also consider convenient options like a lazy Susan in your pantry to make items easier to access. Installing shelving is a cost-effective way to leverage your kitchen storage, especially when the average cost of a kitchen remodel is $25,000.
5. Create outdoor storage
A Houzz survey reveals that 83% of homeowners who renovated their outdoor spaces will likely use them more often. If you have a backyard, consider creating outdoor storage to keep items like bikes, gardening tools, and outdoor games out of your home. Set up a shed or a storage box to keep these items organized and easily accessible. You may also invest in building storage spaces in your backyard instead of paying extra for expensive storage across town. A custom shed, for instance, can be terrific for storing your easier and convenient storage for seasonal items and extra stuff.
In conclusion, maximizing storage space in your home is essential for maintaining a clutter-free and stress-free environment. Following the above tips can assist you in increasing your storage space and making the most of your living area.
