Latest Interiors finds storage for all the things you need plus the bits you just can’t bear to part with

Good storage space is the cornerstone of domestic harmony. Well, it is. How many arguments could be avoided if there were somewhere to actually put those carelessly discarded clothes and toys? Or a place to shut all that stress-inducing clutter away and out of sight? We all have stuff lying about that could do with a permanent home. And at this time of year, the ratio of stuff to storage can reach a critical tipping point: you simply run out of space. Perhaps this year we should all start our spring cleaning a little early, with a late new year’s resolution in mind – to make 2012 the year we clear out, clear up, and finally put it all away.

Find the space
If you haven’t used or worn something for more than two years, put it into long term storage, sell it, or give it away. Car boot sales, eBay and vintage fairs will all allow you to make a few bob from your unwanted gear. If you can’t face the hassle of selling, or want to put the cash to better use, then there are charity shops aplenty in Brighton and Hove – and many will come and collect if you bag up your unwanted gear for them. Freecycle and Gumtree are also great places for getting rid of unwanted stuff. If the thought of this overwhelms you, call in a professional. A space therapist or professional property ‘stylist’ will perform miracles with your possessions, pruning away unwanted stuff and reorganising you and your home.

Make it work
Are you making the most of your high ceilings? Fabulous floor-to-ceiling shelves or cupboards make use of the inches or feet overhead. A mixture of open shelves and closed boxes or units works best; things you like or need to access can be left ‘on show’, while the rest is shut tidily away. Under-the-stairs cupboards can be fitted out with mix-and-match storage units to maximise space.

A pull-out drawer for shoes, a tall cupboard for clothes or cleaning equipment, smaller drawers and even a low unit for stowing the hoover away can be fitted beneath most stairs. Wide hallways can also accommodate long fitted shelves, giving the impression of greater space.

Walk-in wardrobes are brilliant for de-cluttering (they’re also a great selling point). If you have a large front bedroom or attic room, then installation of a simple partition wall could give you that coveted walk-in space. Failing that, go for fitted wardrobes with a sensible combination of hanging and shelves. Under-the-bed space can be utilised with drawers or boxes. In bathrooms, a wall of mirrored cupboards will give you a place for everything – and the added light will create the illusion of extra space, too. Other hidden spaces here include under the sink (add a boxed-in unit with shelves) and behind the toilet (creating a ‘false wall’ here to conceal plumbing also provides an opportunity for clever storage and concealed shelves).

Plan for the future
As you start to put things away, it’s a good idea to prioritise your storage space. Place things you need frequently within easy reach. Stuff you don’t need very often but can’t quite get rid of can be put further out of reach. When you’ve finished sorting, tidying and stowing away, ascribe everything a permanent ‘home’ so it can be easily put away – and found – again. It helps to make sure everyone else in the house knows, too – but getting them to stick to it? We wish you luck!