When designing or renovating your home, it can be hard to know exactly what storage approaches are best for you and your space. The hardest part of filtering through good and bad storage options is that unfortunately, there's no one size fits all solution. What works for you, might not work for me, and visa versa. But what happens if you make storage mistakes and is it possible to fix them?
If you're finding yourself struggling with your current storage space, there's no need to fret. Thankfully, for most commonly made storage mistakes, there tends to be a reasonable solution. Unleash the full potential of your home's organisational capabilities by rethinking these five commonly made storage mistakes and the easiest tips for amending them.
Vision is key
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One of the biggest and easiest storage mistakes people make is the belief that 'out of sight, out of mind' is the best approach. While keeping your belongings tucked away in large storage containers in your wardrobe or under the stairs may appear neat, it's almost impossible to know exactly what lies within these boxes. This can create more hassle in the long-run, as it's hard to tell what's clean and what items you need to replenish.
The solution is finding practical and useful clear storage coupled with a system that works for you – whether it's labelling your boxes or checking your supplies weekly or fortnightly.
Don't neglect your draws
Us instructing you to use your draw space may seem like a no brainer, but how you actually maximise this space makes all the difference. The trickiest part about drawers are that they don't organise themselves – within a matter of months, these previously, perfectly structured spaces can slip into deep chaos. The best way to avoid this from happening is by implementing organisers inside your drawers. Think draw dividers and individual storage containers to help keep the contents of your drawers neat and tidy. For example, keeping your cutlery and utensils in place can be made easier by incorporating draw dividers, and placing pencils, crayons or paintbrushes into their own individual boxes will save you a world of trouble later on.
If the members of your household need a little extra guidance, we suggest labelling any containers you place inside your drawers to ensure everything is returned to its correct place.
Optimise your furniture storage
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If you're struggling with storage space in your home, it's time to make your furniture work a little harder. While for the most part, choosing furniture comes down to aesthetic, if you're tight on space it might be time to rethink whether the furniture in your home can multitask. Rather than choosing pieces that only provide one function, opt for a side or coffee table that also offers underfoot storage – perfect for storing books, magazines and even old records.
When choosing buffets or consoles for your lounge room or bedroom, remember to keep drawer depth (and count) front of mind; doubling up as a spot for tucking away any unwanted or extra items.
Have a plan for your open shelving
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Although open shelving has the power to open up your space, it can also quickly become a breeding ground for coins, receipts and other miscellaneous items that can pile up before your eyes. The key to keeping any open shelf clean and organised – regardless of whether it's placed near your front door, in your kitchen or bathroom – is by setting clear rules about what does, and does not belong on the shelf.
Rule out any unnecessary items, especially the ones that easily collect dust, and create a visual order for all your items. For example, if you're wanting to keep glasses or mugs on your open shelves, it's worth colour-coding your items as a way of maintaining consistency. The same rule applies for your book shelves and any other uniformed items you intend to place on your shelf. It's also worth assessing whether you might be able to incorporate smaller (chic) storage boxes on these shelves to help find a home for all the leftover items.
One size does not fit all
Although it might be tempting to completely overhaul your home storage in one go, it's hard to know exactly what's going to work in your space straight away. It's best to take each space on step at a time, as different items in your home will fit differently in various boxes based on their shape and size. While it might be more time consuming to begin with, sourcing product-specific storage solutions for each item or group of items will save you time and money in the long run.
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