Stop Making These 6 Storage Mistakes

Under the bed storage

Whether you have an abundance of space or live in a small apartment, utilizing storage space effectively and keeping it organized can be tricky. After all, there’s nothing worse than storage space that becomes overpacked with items, making it almost impossible to find what you’re looking for. It can also be tricky when you run out of space and don’t have the room you need for everything you own. You’re probably making some common storage mistakes. Rectifying these will allow you more space, a more organized home, and a happier life. Read below to learn about these common mistakes and what you can do to fix them.

Whether you have an abundance of space or live in a small apartment, utilizing s

1. Not Utilizing Wall Space

Failing to utilize wall space as useful storage is a common mistake, robbing homeowners of an abundance of space. Especially if you live in a small home, vertical space is extremely valuable. Rectify this problem by hanging wall-mounted shelves to hold odds and ends such as books, vases, and glassware. Hanging racks are made for more than just coats—they can also be useful in storing kitchen utensils or even folding furniture. Get some of your stuff off the floor and you’ll immediately feel like you’re making better use of your space.

Wardrobe with storage

2. Not Having any Closed Storage

Sometimes homes aren’t equipped with ample closet space requiring every storage solution to be out in the open: garment racks, open shelves, and wall-hung organizers. However, this can take up quite a bit of room in your home and make your space look chaotic. Be sure to use some closed storage solutions such as wardrobes, cabinets, or drawers. These solutions will help to hide clutter. Another good way to hide storage away is to place clothing or other items in large, flat storage bins that can be easily stowed under beds.

3. Making Storage Space too Deep

Deep storage space seems like an attractive option as it allows for a lot of room for all of your prized possessions, but this makes it tough to find things you need them. While rifling through boxes, shelves, and items, you can create a mess. Instead of deep spaces, look for shallow and narrow storage spaces for fewer items to keep things more organized.

Bed with storage

4. Not Purchasing Dual-Use Furniture

There are many furniture items that are meant for one function but can also be used as a storage solution. Whenever you’re purchasing new furniture pieces, consider whether you could find something with drawers or cabinets to provide more stylish and functional storage. For instance, consider a storage ottoman, a bench with a drawer at the bottom, or a bed that has storage built into it.

5. Holding Onto Unnecessary Items

Avoid holding onto items that you no longer need. While this may be easier said than done, it’s certainly a very common mistake. When you switch out items on a seasonal basis, take that time to go through and throw things out that have not been used in a year or more. This will free up space and help you to declutter and stay organized.

6. Not Looking Up

While you probably use some “upper” space for storage—such as the top of your refrigerator—you may not be taking full advantage of room that exists above eye-level. Consider mounting a shelf above a door or storing kitchen items on top of cabinets for functional storage space that is easy to take advantage of.

These storage mistakes are easy to fall victim too, but luckily they’re also easy to correct. Adjust your space-saving habits to make more room in your home and stay better organized.