Sort it out! Storage solutions
Latest Interiors seeks out storage solutions to sort out your surroundings
It’s that time of year when things start to feel a little bit crowded; Halloween costumes, party clothes, Christmas presents and decorations all vie for storage space with the usual school stuff, sports kit, and household detritus. You may feel like you’ve run out of space altogether – but don’t panic, Latest Interiors is here to help with our handy guide to spot-on storage.
Spot the space
The average home has a surprising amount of under-used and un-used space. Neglected walls, corners, under-the-stairs and over-the-doors are all areas that can be put to good work. If you’re drowning in clutter, take a good look at your home, and think creatively about any un-used space. But before you get carried away, remember that however much storage space you make, it will only work if you use it properly – so start by having a good sort out.
Clear it out
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, gumtree, Friday Ad 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. Giving your unwanted stuff away feels really good. Freecycle is another great place 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 the room
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 creates 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
Give everything a permanent ‘home’ so it can be easily put away – and found again. And as you start to put things away, 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 away, at the back of the cupboard – sorted!
