Running Out of Room? 5 Easy Storage Hacks

Bigger isn’t always better: it’s often the case that smaller homes are cheaper to buy, cheaper to maintain and less effort to clean. In fact, there’s a certain charm about living in a humble abode! But what can you do about your lack of storage space? Well, we’d start by taking a look at these quirky, inventive and ingenious storage hacks.

Use self storage

Forgive us for pointing out the obvious, but you’d be wise to consider storing some of your belongings if you’re running out of room. Companies like RSS could be an easy and cost-effective solution if you need to make a little more space at home. Once you’ve stored the items you’re not prepared to part with, get a little more ruthless and cull anything you don’t use, need or give sentimental value to. You might be surprised to see how room you have to work with!

Invest in modular furniture

You can buy bright, beautiful furniture that hides away amongst other pieces in your home, such as this clever modular bookcase by Orla Reynolds. We’d love to surprise our guests by unearthing dining furniture amongst our cookery books! You might also want to invest in modular seating which allows you to extend or reduce the length of your sofa depending on the space you have available, without having to compromise on comfort or design.

Get clever with your staircase

The problem with our fixtures and furnishings is that we’re used to seeing them in a particular way… but what if we started to view them a little differently? That’s what Australian company Unicraft Joinery did with a run of the mill staircase, turning into a superb storage solution! Storage step drawers offer a convenient place to store away items and are a great way of maximising space that’s already working hard in a home.

Use flexible furniture

Another way to maximise space when you’re running out of room is to use flexible furniture. Humble cabinets and wall mirrors can be unfolded to reveal tables, suitable for dining or office work, and these window blinds designed by Kim Bobin and Ko Kyungen can be angled down for use as a drying rack. We also really like the idea of using furniture with extra height. Raised beds for children are fun (what kid doesn’t like the novelty of sleeping a little closer to the ceiling?) and the extra room underneath can be used for drawers or a great play area!

Move away from tradition

Finally, the most useful thing we can do as we run out of space is to start moving away from our traditional expectations. For example, does a home office really need a shelf for your calendars and reminders? Or, could you use Caroline Burke’s repurposed metal mesh wall hanger? (Caroline uses it to store her shoes, too). A simple reassessment of what we think we need versus what we really need could be all it takes to claw back some room.

*This is a collaborative post