If your home has become overcrowded, it might be time to get organized. Learning how to maximize your storage eliminates the stress of clutter and limited space.

Getting creative with your storage space can help you store all your belongings without cluttering up your home or garage. Whether you declutter your home, utilize vertical space, or make use of unused wall space, there are several ways to increase your existing space.

• 1. Declutter to Free Up Storage Space
• 2. Use Vertical Space
• 3. Tap into Unused Wall Space
• 4. Opt for Multipurpose Furniture
• 5. Take Advantage of Overlooked Spaces
• 6. Optimize Existing Storage
• 7. Consider Off-Site Storage
• Tips to Keep Your Storage Space Organized
• Make the Most Out of Your Storage Space

1. Declutter to Free Up Storage Space

Decluttering is one of the best ways to free up storage space and make your home more inviting. Sometimes, there’s no way around the fact that you simply have too much stuff. If you have rooms overflowing with clothes you don’t wear or furniture you don’t want anymore, now is the perfect time to start getting rid of that stuff.

You can start by creating a space for items you want to donate. You can donate items like clothing, shoes, and furniture. If you have old belongings that aren’t suitable for donation, you can create a trash pile for those items. It’s usually best to discard items that are stained, damaged, or broken.

Getting rid of your old belongings can be difficult, but these tips can help you downsize and declutter:

• Be thorough. Take the time to check drawers, closets, shelves, and other spots to remove any unwanted or unused items.
• Sort items. Create separate areas for the items you want to donate, the ones you want to throw away, and the stuff you want to keep.
• Consider a yard sale. If you’re having a hard time getting rid of things, consider hosting a yard sale so fewer items end up in the landfill.

2. Use Vertical Space

When you’re trying to figure out how to make more storage space, getting creative is key. Your home is filled with a lot of empty vertical space, allowing you to keep everything neatly organized and free up space for movement.

If you have any closets without shelving units, install shelves to maximize storage space. A simple shelf across the top of your closet will add plenty of space, but you can add even more with a closet organizer with multiple shelves.

Shelves are also ideal in pantries and empty corners of rooms. If you’ve got a spot in a room where vertical space isn’t being utilized, shelves are an excellent upgrade.

If you’re looking for extra storage space for smaller items, hanging baskets are another option. Hanging baskets are great for storing fruits and vegetables, cleaning supplies, toiletries, and other small household items.

3. Tap into Unused Wall Space

Tapping into unused wall space is one of our favorite storage ideas. There are several ways to take advantage of this unused space, from pegboards for kitchen utensils to floating shelves and wall-mounted storage bins.

If you’re trying to figure out how to create space in your garage or kitchen, pegboards are an excellent solution. You can use pegboards to store smaller items, such as tools and kitchen utensils. You can also find magnetic kitchen utensil holders that are designed to be mounted on the wall.

Hooks are a great option if you need extra storage for coats, bags, and other hanging items. You can also use small hooks for keys, lanyards, and dog leashes.

Wall-mounted basket storage bins are ideal for storing all the small items that clutter your garage. These bins are easy to install and can be used for screws, nails, washers, and just about anything else you don’t have a spot for.

4. Opt for Multipurpose Furniture

How do you make storage space in a smaller home or apartment? If you have furniture that serves only a single purpose, it may be time for an upgrade. Multipurpose furniture combines the traditional functions of furniture with hidden storage, providing a discreet spot to store items around the house.

You can find coffee tables and ottomans with built-in storage for your living room. This is a great place to store items you don’t use frequently, such as extra blankets and pillows for guests.

If you’re looking for extra storage in your bedroom, there are several types of beds with built-in storage. Some beds have additional storage in the headboard, while others feature pull-out drawers underneath the bed.

You can even add some extra seating (and storage) to your home with lift-top benches and other seating with built-in storage.

5. Take Advantage of Overlooked Spaces

If you’re having trouble figuring out how to create storage space in your home, it may be time to look at some underused spaces.

If you live in a two-story home, under-stairs storage is an ideal spot for items you don’t use as much. You can store items like seasonal decorations and clothing under the stairs when they’re not in use.

Your bed is also a great storage spot—even if it doesn’t have built-in storage. If the space underneath your bed is empty, you can slide smaller boxes underneath it. Keep the items you use more frequently near the edge of the bed.

There are also lots of other overlooked storage spaces in your home, including:

• Above cabinets
• Behind beds
• Behind doors
• Behind furniture
• Under sinks

6. Optimize Existing Storage

Sometimes, the best way to create extra storage is to optimize the space you already have. If you haven’t reorganized your home from top to bottom in a while, now might be the time to get started.

You can begin by going through closets and pantries to make sure everything is neatly organized. If you need more space in your pantry or closet, consider using shelf risers to create extra storage. You can also use door-mounted racks for smaller items and dry goods. If you’re having trouble clearing up space in a bedroom closet, shoe storage racks can help you free up some space.

It’s also essential to keep your kitchen and bathroom cabinets organized. Start by identifying poorly organized cabinets, then remove all items from them. At this point, consider installing lazy Susans or shelf risers for additional storage. Put each item back in the cabinet, starting with the items you use least and placing them toward the rear.

7. Consider Off-Site Storage

If you don’t have enough space in your home, consider investing in an off-site storage unit. Storage units are a convenient way to free up space in your home. If you have any extra furniture or items you’re not using, you can store them safely until you need them.

Off-site storage is also a great way to store your seasonal items during the offseason. When winter ends and you’re ready to put away your winter clothing and Christmas decorations, consider storing them in a unit so you don’t have to take up additional space in your home.

Tips to Keep Your Storage Space Organized

Keeping your storage space organized is the key to long-term success. Once you make space in your existing storage, follow these tips to keep it organized:

• One in, one out rule. Use the “one in, one out” rule—for every new item you bring into your home, you have to get rid of an old item.
• Regular assessments. Set aside a few hours to assess your storage spaces regularly so you can keep messes from getting out of hand.
• Use up-to-date labels. If you’re using labels to keep your items organized, check those labels and make sure the contents of each box match.

Make the Most Out of Your Storage Space

Working with limited storage space can be difficult, so finding ways to maximize your storage space is important. From utilizing vertical space and wall storage to replacing your furniture with pieces that feature built-in storage, there are numerous ways to increase your storage.

If you’re still having trouble finding a spot for your belongings, we can help. Key Storage offers convenient off-site storage for all your less frequently used items. Find a storage unit near you today.