Clutter is a part of life. It tends to happen without us even realizing it, and then one day, you look at your table and wonder if you even remember what the surface of it looks like.
Let’s not forget the coat closet. Or the pantry. Or the bedroom closet. The point is that messes happen, and the best way to combat those random piles all over the house is to come up with some foolproof storage solutions to help transform your home. The key is not to add to the clutter you already have. We want it gone, but neatly gone, not just shoved into random boxes, bins, or drawers.
We spoke with some organizing experts who were more than happy to share tips they’ve learned throughout their careers so you, too, can have an organized space without the clutter.
Be Conscientious of Your Space
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One tip Shara Ryan, a professional organizer and blogger at Simply Renewed Living, shares is that it helps to be conscientious of your space. “First, take measurements,” said Ryan. She also suggested that measurements are important because you need to know how much space you have to work with in terms of storage supplies.
“Second,” she says, is to “determine the frequency of which you use certain items.” If it’s not a frequent flier, don’t let it take up valuable space you use daily. Put the heavily used items front and center and find a more inconspicuous space for things you use only occasionally.
Take Advantage of Vertical Space
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Vertical space is often overlooked when it comes to storage solutions. We’re so conditioned to fit our items into spaces that we fail to see what’s right in front of us.
Hayley McAteer, interior designer and owner of Cushee, notes that “[w]alls are seriously underrated when it comes to storage.” She advises people to “Go vertical,” suggesting “Tall cabinets, floating shelves, even hidden compartments behind mirrors. It gives you extra storage without cramping the space.”
In the Bedroom
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When it comes to the bedroom, sometimes we might not see the forest for the trees. For example, we have closets and dressers, so do we really need storage? Absolutely.
Look closer, and you’ll find some hidden spaces you could maximize, such as under the bed. Ryan suggests storage bins that easily fit under the bed. You could swap out your clothes depending on the season and store the rest of your clothes in out of sight. Or, you could use large vacuum seal bags for the same effect and fit even more.
Living Room Hideaways
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The living room is one of the busiest areas in the home. It’s where people sit and watch TV or entertain, and because it’s so used, clutter builds up here really quickly. However, if you add some built-in storage, you can kiss those piles goodbye.
Both Ryan and McAteer are fans of hidden living room storage options such as ottomans and coffee tables with built-in, invisible storage. They’re ideal for storing blankets, books, and even toys if you have young children.
Put Those Doors to Work
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Like walls, doors have vertical space you should be using. Door hooks, for example, give you room to hang coats, purses, or scarves to free up space in your bedroom closet.
Shoe organizers aren’t just for shoes. They can help clear up the clutter in the bathroom. Hang one on the door to hold your cosmetics rather than store them on the bathroom counter, or hang one in the shower to hold your shampoo, soaps, and accessories rather than rest them on the rim of the tub or the floor, where they can pose tripping hazards.
Kitchen Solutions
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The kitchen can get just as messy as your living room, if not more so. Think of everything you have stored in the pantry and your cabinets. Tupperware, cookware, food.
Ryan suggests “add[ing] pull-out drawers to maximize accessibility.” That will keep your pots, pans, and food items within reach, rather than getting lost in the back of the cabinets. This might also help you save money, so you don’t keep buying items you already have but just can’t see.
Don’t Forget to Declutter
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Chances are, as you begin to implement some of these storage options, you’re going to come across items you don’t use or haven’t used in years. The best thing you can do — for clutter’s sake — is to get rid of them.
But don’t just toss them in the trash, especially if they’re something like clothing or cookware in decent condition. Many facilities and charities could benefit from your donations.
