Most homes lack proper storage space or you soon run out of space to stash your stuff especially if you have been living in the same apartment or house for a number of years. The things we buy over the years accumulate and though we could do with donating some of the stuff, most of us like to have them around just in case. So we have multiples of blankets, pillows, cushions, electronic items etc. Clothes and shoes also take up a lot of space in most homes as we can never have enough of these.
As a result, our homes are full of things and there are times when we know we have something like a spare windcheater or a pair of rainboots but we can’t find them when we need them. The solution to making your home look less cluttered and organizing your things properly so that you know where what is and can find them with ease lies in having a meticulous storage system. This week, we are here to show you three ways you can build a smart storage system that works for you so that your things find the home they need.
Furniture with storage underneath
An ottoman or bench with storage underneath is a great way to add storage space without it taking extra space. You can use these to store extra blankets and cushions in your living room or bedroom. These days you can customize sofas and beds to double as storage as well. It’s great for stowing heavy clothes and duvets. If you have free space above your closet, consider building a cabinet there. You can use this space to store your suitcases. Make sure you fill the suitcase with out-of-season clothes or other items you don’t use on a daily basis.
If you have a window space that is unused, build a seating area with drawers underneath the space. This can be a great reading nook that doubles as a place to keep things like cleaning supplies, medical files, and other documents, etc.
Boxes and baskets
One of the most inexpensive things you can do to stow away stuff you don’t use or even do use or need on a daily basis like chargers, pens, and bills among others is to invest in pretty boxes or baskets. This hides visual clutter and makes things easily accessible as well. You can buy baskets in all sizes, shapes, and colors in any department store in town. Bhatbhateni Supermarket and Salesberry have a good collection of decent, inexpensive baskets that you can use to store all kinds of things. You can even choose to get transparent ones in similar sizes and stack them together so that you can easily see what’s inside. Otherwise, consider putting labels on them. Another aesthetic option is to get large wicker baskets or patterned cardboard boxes from handicraft stores like Dhukuti in Kupondole or one of the many places in Thamel. These can be displayed wherever there is space in your house. A stack of cardboard boxes can also act as a really cool side table.
Vertical space
Most homes have too many things on surfaces and tabletops giving them a cluttered feel. We don’t make much use of vertical space. The walls might have a few paintings or decor items but other than that they serve no practical use. Consider using your walls as storage solutions in a way that it doesn’t look out of place or untidy. Floating shelves are a great way to display your books. You can use pretty boxes, which as you know are great to store all kinds of knick-knacks, as bookstoppers. Beautiful tote bags strung on pegs can also look aesthetic while keeping things away from sight. The same can be said for macrame file and trinket holders that double as decor. If you explore a little, you will find many ideas on how to use vertical space for storage without compromising on aesthetics.
