Declutter Like a Pro: Smart Storage Hacks for Busy Families

Everyone has been in a position of owning just a bit too many items or living in a space that's too small (or a bit of both). It can be upsetting to feel like there is nowhere to put all your belongings, especially if you have kids. When too many items are left lying around without a storage space to put them in, it can make the home feel too cluttered or busy. However, there are some easy storage hacks for even the smallest spaces. If tiny homes can include storage, so can your living space.

The Sky Is the Limit (Use Vertical Space)

Many homes don't take advantage of wall space for storage. If you lack floor space for more furniture, consider installing wall shelves. There are many types of shelves for all preferences in terms of style, price, and installation. Shelves can be placed over the door to utilize all the wall space in your home. You can also mount bulky items that take up much floor space, like bikes, books, cleaning supplies, or tools. If you're not into shelves, you can install hooks and place decorative bags or baskets to place items in. Hooks are great for hanging clothes, too. Get creative and use the vertical space in your home.

Unbox Bulky Items

It may be fun to shop in bulk, but you'll need a place to put bulk items when you get home. Consider unboxing or unbottling more oversized items and storing them in smaller containers. You can save on refrigerator, laundry room, and pantry space. Instead of a bulky soda box, you can place the individual cans in the fridge. Instead of a massive pack of toilet paper, put them in the bathroom closet or place them on a toilet paper holder. Bulky laundry detergent can be placed in smaller containers for space-saving purposes. Storage containers can come in many forms and look more stylish, too.

Hang Pots and Pans

Pots and pans take up a lot of kitchen space, and space is rare and sacred if you only have a few cabinets. You can install a pot rack or hooks and hang your pots and pans from there instead of having them take up cabinet or under-the-oven space.

Hinged Artwork

Using wall space for storage may take up precious wall space for art or other decor, but it doesn't have to. Some storage space can appear as artwork mounted to the wall but will have hinges to open up and offer shelving space. If there's a particular piece of artwork that you love, you can create some subtle storage space while sprucing up your home's decor at the same time.

Chic Clothing Racks

If you think like a clothing boutique, you don't have to hide your clothes in closets. Closets can be rare (or small) and typically won't be able to host all of your clothing. Consider a rolling clothing rack that can sit in your hallway or the corner of the room. An exposed clothing rack can add a chic, urban feel to a home that looks classy and stylish.

Create Your Own Closet

If you really lack closet space, you can create additional space using curtains. Create a closet space in the corner of your room and cover it with a curtain and curtain rack. It may not be the most stylish solution, but it'll give you private storage space if you've got no closets.

Gain Your Garage Back

Many people don't realize how convenient shelves, peg boards, and storage hooks are, especially in garages. You don't have to keep everything on the floor in a garage. If you have a garage space, hang power tools, bikes, seasonal decorations, and other equipment on the walls. You can free up square footage in your garage to park a car or have more workshop space.

Functional Furniture

Every type of furniture you can think of can come with storage space-chairs, beds, couches, and more. Some bedframes feature drawers in the headboard and under the bed for storage. Chairs can feature storage space in armrests and underneath. Couches can come with storage ottomans or space underneath the cushions. Next time you're buying new furniture, consider the storage space.

Shed Savior

If you have space on your property outside of the home, you can use it by building or buying a storage shed. Sheds are handy for storage that doesn't require much climate control. If you've got seasonal decorations, lawn equipment, outdoor supplies, or power tools, you can keep them in a shed-especially if you don't have a garage. If you already have a shed, declutter it and make it functional again! You may need to replace the shed if it's in disrepair. You can also get replacement shed doors for extra security.

Practical Pets

If your home has pets, you can let them help you with storage! Cat litter box furniture provides a place to hide litter boxes and extra storage. Dog bed furniture can give your tail-wagging friend a place to nap without sacrificing storage room. Whether you need additional space for your belongings or strictly want to use it for pet item storage, pet furniture is a stylish option.

*This is a collaborative post. All views and texts are my own.