Storage is an essential part of any home. However, the rooms in our homes with the most storage potential are often left underutilized. So, how do you ensure you're making the most of every square inch?
Effectively planning storage ideas throughout your house will not only help you to declutter your surrounding living space but also elevate the functionality and aesthetic appeal of each room.
To help you organize any space, whether big or small, our experts have shared their top tips for maximizing storage in every room.
How to maximize storage in every room
The key to maximizing storage in every room is targeting dead spaces that are often underutilized.
'Dead spaces don't need to be absolute; they can be used as extra storage space when you plan them well,' says Ivo Iv, interior designer and founder of Decor Home Ideas. 'You can squeeze drawers into small recessed areas to store dry items or under window banks. Use shelves to maximize storage in these areas. Under the stairs, vertical drawers or pull-outs are also a great storage idea that you can use for your books, linen, old toys, or files.'
1. The Living Room
As spaces designated for relaxing and socializing, aesthetics are key in any living room, so, keeping them looking clutter-free with adequate storage is essential. However, it's important to implement storage solutions tactically to maximize space without making this space look overcrowded.
'Optimize storage in the living room by choosing multifunctional furniture,' recommends Jackie Pittman, . 'These pieces help reduce clutter without taking up additional floor space or interfering with the aesthetics of your space.'
A coffee table with a lift up top, drawers and or shelving can hold numerous items thus clearing the top to look less cluttered, and ottomans that open at the top to reveal extra storage are excellent for keeping remotes, magazines, or blankets neatly tucked away.
Utilizing vertical storage space is key strategy for maximizing storage. 'Floor-to-ceiling storage not only maximizes the use of space but also draws the eye upward, making the room feel more expansive,' says Jackie Pittman, founder of Chez Nous Organizing. 'Implement floating shelves, tall bookshelves or wall-mounted cabinets to dramatically increase storage capacity.'
'Additionally, decorative storage baskets and bins can be both practical and visually appealing for storing miscellaneous items,' adds Brenda Scott, professional home organizer and founder of Tidy My Space. These can be used as part of multifunctional furniture items or as an aesthetic addition to open shelves.
$699 from West Elm
This coffee table has plenty of storage space for living room items and can be used with dividers to improve organization.
$1,799 from West Elm
This versatile sofa has a seat that can be lifted with a toggle to reveal plenty of discrete storage space.
$698.00 from Anthropologie
This cozy ottoman is the perfect multifunctional item to store your living room items to reduce clutter.
2. The Kitchen
Although the vast majority of kitchens are designed with built-in storage, it's essential to consider how to make them as functional and organized as possible and which additions can further the storage capacity.
Kitchen island storage can be a great addition if you want to minimize the amount of vertical storage you have in this room. These can be fitted with shelves, cabinets, or even a small refrigerator. If you don't have a kitchen island, a rolling cart could be a flexible storage alternative that can be transported or tucked away when not in use.
Enhance the efficiency and organization of your kitchen by investing in cabinet, shelf, and drawer organizers. Use dividers for pots, pans, utensils, and groceries. Vertical non-slip plate holders can keep these items organized and make the most of cabinet space. Under-sink organizers, such as pull-out trays and baskets, provide a systematic way to store cleaning supplies and other essentials.
For increased accessibility, opt for pull-out shelves or blind corner cabinet shelves, or install lazy Suzans to make lower cabinets more functional and minimize awkward hard-to-reach spots.
Finally, hanging organizers, including hooks or racks inside cabinet doors, can make the most of vertical space. Consider a hanging rack above a kitchen island, such as this one from Amazon, a rail with hooks for pots, a magnetic knife strip from Amazon, or over-the-door storage for the inside of cabinets.
3. Bedrooms
Make the most of space in your bedroom by utilizing multifunctional furniture such as storage benches or beds with storage, such as those with storage headboards, lift up beds with storage beneath or those with drawers.
Look for vertical storage solutions such as tall dressers or wardrobes, wall-mounted shelves, or integrated, over bed cabinets for added functionality.
'If you want an affordable but effective way to add storage, underbed storage containers are perfect for storing books, purses, footwear, and out of season clothing,' adds Brenda Scott. 'You can also use hanging organizers or hooks on the backs of doors to keep items keep concealed in cabinets or on display for easy accessibility.'
4. Bathrooms
The bathroom is another room where organization is key, since any clutter can disrupt the clean and relaxing atmosphere that is essential for creating a spa-like experience.
Start by using bathroom organizers, including drawer organizers and dividers to keep toiletries, makeup, and other items separated and easily accessible. Utilize the space under the sink with stackable bins or shelves to maximize storage in this area.
If you have a small bathroom, consider using a shower caddy or tension rod with hanging baskets to keep items like shampoo, conditioner, and body wash on hand.
Additionally, when organizing a bathroom consider adding vertical storage where appropriate. For example, using integrated cabinetry or a storage vanity, such as this Linden medicine cabinet, from Pottery Barn, can seamlessly integrate multi-purpose storage into your bathroom.
Alternatively, utilizing the space above the toilet with shelves or a small wall mounted cabinet can be both stylish and practical for frequently used items, such as towels, toilet paper, and other bathroom essentials.
$19.99 at The Container Store
The springloaded design of these dividers means that they will stay in place where you need them, and adjust to various drawer sizes. Simply add them to your existing bathroom doors in order to keep all of those smaller items, from skincare to toothpaste, in a separate space.
$35.99 at Amazon
Perfect for organizing a bathroom vanity, this tiered sink organizer with pull out drawers is an adaptable storage solution.
$15.99 at Amazon
For drawers and storage boxes, these clear storage containers are perfect for separating items.
5. Entryway or mudroom
It's essential to make the most of all available storage space in entryways and mudrooms due to the vast amount of items coming in and out regularly.
However, this can be tricky for entryways in particular, since it's important they remain uncrowded and uncluttered for easy movement and traffic flow. For this reason, in these spaces it's important to find solutions that maximize floor space, while keeping frequently used items accessible.
Start by installing built-in shelves and cubbies to provide designated spaces for each family members items. If you have awkward, small spaces in these rooms, such as under the stairs, cubbies can be built here to maximize space.
'In the entryway or mudroom, wall space can be used in the closet to hang some hooks for hats, purses and scarfs,' suggests Rachel Sicherman, professional organizer and owner of Tidy Made Easy Organizing Solutions. 'Pegboards and wall mounted racks are a great way to stay organized.'
These are also the ideal rooms for a bench with storage underneath, as they provide convenient access to shoes or other essential, every-day accessories.
6. The Home Office
To, maximize floor and storage space in a home office, consider installing under-desk storage, such as hanging baskets and filing cabinets.
Incorporate shelving units, either bookshelves or wall-mounted shelves, for efficient storage of books, office supplies, and decorative items.
Additionally, keeping office supplies organized is key to maximizing space. Interior designer, Ivo IV agrees: 'You should define your desk space by using storage containers or compartments with color coding or clear labels. If need be, use inserts to divide the space in your shelves to create extra compartments. This not only makes it easier to store items but also to retrieve them.'
Desk organizers, such as this one from Anthropologie, are also a great way to make the most of desk space while keeping essential items organized.
7. Utility and laundry rooms
Utility zones and laundry rooms are some of the most important spaces to maximize potential storage. Not only do they act as a centralized hub for all household chores, but cleaning supplies, additional pantry items, tools, and laundry supplies often find their way here.
Add shelves or cabinets above any appliances such as the sink or washer and dryer for organized storage of laundry supplies.
use pull-out hampers or baskets in cabinets to provide a convenient solution for sorting and storing all supplies, from food to dirty laundry.
Consider installing a pull out ironing board that can be folded down when not in use. For drying clothes in a small space, a ceiling, over-the-door or wall-mounted drying rack can save valuable floor space. Those that can be compressed are ideal.
'It's crucial that storage solutions are not only functional but also visually pleasing,' adds Georgia Ross, interior designer, and the founder of Simply Tablecloths. 'Selecting storage options that complement the room’s design can enhance the overall aesthetics and atmosphere of a space.'
