Are you among the numerous homeowners who live in an old, sardine-can home or one that was poorly designed that has almost no room for storage? It can be almost impossible to find space for all of your food, clothing, movies, and every day items. Luckily there are some hidden storage areas in your home that can prove to be great solutions to this all-to-common problem. Below are some of the top, often-ignored spaces that are “hidden” throughout your home.
1. Staircase– Here is a hidden storage area that is in almost every home- the staircase! Most staircases have ample space beneath them that’s covered up by a wall, making it the perfect area to store things. You’ll have to check with a contractor first to make sure there is nothing supporting the house in this area, and that you don’t knock out areas necessary to hold up the stairs, and then you’re set. Some opt to just insert small drawers under each step, while others prefer to take on the side wall for more storage. You can also hide the open side with drawers or choose to leave it open.
2. Built-in storage or loft bed- Remember the loft bed you had in college or that bed with drawers you had as a kid? There is a reason that both of these bed styles are popular among those with children (or college kids) in small spaces– they make room. A bed with built- in storage gives you pre-made room to place things, whether it be through drawers, a shelf in place of a headboard, or lifting the area where the mattress is for lots of storage. On the other hand, a loft bed is lifted, giving you that much needed space under your bed.
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3.Dual purpose furniture- Sometimes the tiniest piece of furniture can be the most useful hidden storage area in your home. In the case of an ottoman, you get two things in one, a place to rest your feet and a hidden storage area that is still stylish.
Hidden Storage Areas In Your Home: Making the Most of Your Space
Are you struggling to find storage space in your home? Do you feel like you’re living in a sardine can with no room for all your belongings? Many homeowners face this common dilemma, especially those living in older or poorly designed homes. Fortunately, there are hidden storage areas throughout your home that can provide clever solutions to this issue. By utilizing these often overlooked spaces, you can maximize your storage capacity and create a more organized living surroundings.
- staircase Storage:
One of the most underutilized storage areas in a home is the space beneath the staircase. Most staircases have a sizable void underneath that is typically covered by a wall. This hidden area can serve as a valuable storage spot for items such as shoes, seasonal decorations, or bulkier items that don’t have a designated space elsewhere in your home. Before converting this space into storage, it’s crucial to consult with a contractor to ensure that you’re not compromising the structural integrity of your home. With proper planning and association, the space under your staircase can become a functional and stylish storage solution.
- Kitchen Cabinet Doors:
When it comes to kitchen storage, most people focus on optimizing cabinet and drawer space. However, the insides of cabinet doors often go unused. Consider installing small racks, hooks, or magnetic strips on the inside of your cabinet doors to hang utensils, pot lids, or cleaning supplies. This simple addition can free up valuable shelf and drawer space while keeping frequently used items easily accessible.
- Wall Nooks and Crannies:
Every home has small nooks and crannies in the walls that are often overlooked as potential storage spaces. These alcoves can be transformed into stylish display shelves or functional storage cubbies.Whether it’s a recessed area in the bathroom for toiletries, a shallow niche in the living room for books, or a tucked-away corner in the kitchen for spices, these hidden spaces can add both storage and visual interest to your home.
- Bed Storage:
Utilizing the space under your bed for storage is a classic solution for maximizing space in a bedroom. Invest in under-the-bed storage containers or opt for a bed frame with built-in drawers to store extra linens, out-of-season clothing, or bulky items like blankets and comforters. By making the most of this often underused space, you can declutter your bedroom and create a more organized sleeping environment.
- Unused Attic or Basement Space:
If your home has an attic or basement that is largely unused, consider transforming these areas into valuable storage zones. Install shelving, bins, or hanging racks to keep belongings organized and easily accessible.Label containers and group similar items together to streamline the storage process and prevent clutter from accumulating in these hidden spaces.
maximizing the storage potential of your home doesn’t always require a major renovation or a costly storage solution. By exploring the hidden storage areas within your home and thinking creatively about how to utilize them, you can create a more organized and efficient living space. From the space under your staircase to the nooks and crannies in your walls,there are numerous opportunities to make the most of every inch of your home. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can transform these hidden spaces into functional and stylish storage solutions that meet your needs and enhance the overall organization of your home.
4. Back of doors- Yes, there may be a closet with shelves, but this closet also has a door which you can place hangers on to hold a variety of items. Whether it be spices, jewelry, clothes, or craft supplies, you can hide it on the back of a door to help your home look clean and remain organized.
5. Ceiling- The ceiling is a great place to store things, and yet not many homeowners utilize it. The most often used ceilings are those in the garage and kitchen. In the garage, you can store many things on your ceiling, leaving more ground and wall space for your most-used items. As for the kitchen, you can hang cookware above your counters or island to relieve cabinet and drawer space for other items.
6. In the wall- Similar to the staircase concept, you can also choose to create built-in storage in a wall. Of course, you’ll have to make sure the wall isn’t a low-bearing wall or necessary for holding up the roof, or has plumbing/electricity through it. Once that is cleared, then your storage nightmare could be over!
7. In the floor- Another great hidden storage area is the floor. You can have this be in your bedroom, living room, kitchen… almost anywhere. Many that use this space hide valuables there, but you can choose to put anything in this useful storage center.
What a great idea! I never realized how much space I could save by utilizing those hidden nooks and crannies. Can’t wait to try some of these storage solutions!