Latest Homes magazine

Latest Interiors says this is the year for space raiding of a different nature

At the start of a new year, our homes are often filled to the rafters with stuff we don’t want, need, or simply don’t have space for any more. If clutter is making your life a misery, help is at hand: this week, Latest Interiors shows you how to make some room.

Sort it out

Start with a great big sort out. If you’ve got drawers full of things you haven’t used or worn for two years or more, be realistic: it’s probably time to get rid. Swap things you don’t need any more with friends, recycle them (pretty fabrics from old clothes make great cushion covers or quilt sections), free-cycle them (give them away at www.uk.freecycle.org) or donate them to a charity shop so that someone else can benefit from them. If you’re stuck, ask friends for advice on what clothes/décor suit you and your home best, or call in a professional. Brighton does a bustling trade in de-cluttering and wardrobe therapy, and you can easily get help.

Fit it in

Once you’ve rationalised your stuff, find somewhere to keep it. All homes have hidden space and space that could be better used. Hidden spaces are those areas we just haven’t thought about using yet. Places like under the bed (leaving old socks and books there doesn’t count), over the doors (great for book shelves!), and under-sink storage in bathrooms. Those lovely high Regency ceilings that many local homes enjoy also count as hidden space – imagine how much you could fit in proper floor-to-ceiling cupboards, or how much space you’d gain from a mezzanine sleeping area. Improving under-used space can make a huge difference, too. You might already have a cupboard under the stairs, or shelves in the sitting room alcove, but fitting out existing storage space with proper wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling shelving or cupboards is likely to double or triple the available storage space. The decrease in clutter will also make your home look bigger, brighter, and altogether nicer. Think it through before you start, and make sure you plan your space around what you need: pull-out drawers for small items or shoes that you want to reach quickly;

box compartments for papers and magazines; open shelving for things you want to see or access easily, and a mixture of tall and medium closed units – with adequate shelving – for simple storage.

Send it elsewhere!

If there are things you just don’t want to part with – family heirlooms, for example, or big items that you want to save for your next home – outsource your storage. Cheaper than moving or remodelling, self-storage companies provide secure storage for the short, medium or long term, with easy day-to-day access. This is the perfect solution for protecting your valuable items when you’re decorating or moving, too. Sorted!

This entry was posted on Monday, January 25th, 2010 at 12:57 pm and is filed under Interiors. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.