Author: Storage Simpler

How to Declutter Before Buying Storage Solutions

When a home feels cluttered, the first instinct is often to buy more storage. While storage can help, it’s usually much more effective to declutter first.

Decluttering before buying storage saves money, reduces clutter, and helps you choose solutions that actually fit your needs.

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1. Start With One Area at a Time

Trying to declutter an entire home at once can feel overwhelming. Focusing on one drawer, cupboard, or room at a time makes the process more manageable and easier to maintain.

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2. Remove Items You Don’t Use

A simple rule is to remove anything that hasn’t been used in the past year. This applies to clothes, kitchen items, and household accessories that tend to accumulate over time.

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3. Be Honest About Space

Storage should fit the space you actually have, not the space you wish you had. Decluttering first helps you see how much storage is really needed and prevents overcrowding.

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4. Group Similar Items Together

Putting similar items in one place makes it easier to see duplicates and decide what to keep. This also helps later when choosing appropriate storage solutions.

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5. Buy Storage Last

Once decluttering is complete, it becomes clear what type of storage is needed. Buying storage as the final step helps avoid unnecessary purchases and clutter.

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Final Thoughts

Decluttering before buying storage creates better long-term results. By reducing what you own first, storage solutions become simpler, cheaper, and more effective.

Best Ways to Store Clothes Without a Wardrobe

Not every home has built-in wardrobes, and in some small flats there may be little or no dedicated clothing storage. Without a wardrobe, clothes can quickly pile up and make a space feel cluttered.

Fortunately, there are several simple ways to store clothes neatly without needing permanent fixtures.

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1. Use Under-Bed Storage

Under-bed storage boxes or drawers are ideal for clothes that aren’t worn every day, such as seasonal items or spare bedding. Choosing low-profile containers helps keep everything hidden and accessible.

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2. Freestanding Clothing Rails

Clothing rails provide hanging space without the bulk of a full wardrobe. They’re especially useful for everyday items and can be moved easily if needed.

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3. Drawer Units and Storage Chests

Simple drawer units or storage chests work well for folded clothes. These can be placed in bedrooms, hallways, or spare corners and often double as surfaces for lamps or décor.

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4. Use Shelves and Storage Boxes

Shelves combined with storage boxes help keep clothes organised while reducing visual clutter. Labelled boxes make it easy to find items and keep things tidy.

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5. Rotate Clothing Seasonally

Keeping only in-season clothes easily accessible reduces storage pressure. Out-of-season items can be stored away, freeing up space for everyday use.

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Final Thoughts

Storing clothes without a wardrobe is mainly about choosing flexible solutions. With a combination of boxes, rails, and drawers, it’s possible to keep clothing organised even in homes with limited space.

Simple Kitchen Storage Solutions for Small Spaces

Kitchens are one of the most used areas in the home, and in small spaces they can quickly become cluttered. Limited cupboards and worktop space make organisation especially important.

Simple storage solutions can make a small kitchen easier to use without major changes.

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1. Use Drawer Organisers

Drawer organisers help separate utensils, cutlery, and small tools. This makes items easier to find and prevents drawers from becoming messy over time.

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2. Make Use of Cupboard Doors

The inside of cupboard doors is often unused space. Hooks or slim organisers can be used for lids, cleaning supplies, or small kitchen tools.

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3. Stackable Containers

Stackable food containers help maximise cupboard space and keep dry goods organised. Clear containers make it easy to see what you have and reduce food waste.

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4. Keep Worktops Clear

Clear worktops make a kitchen feel larger and easier to use. Storing appliances that aren’t used daily helps free up valuable space.

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5. Group Similar Items Together

Keeping similar items in the same area makes cooking and cleaning more efficient. Grouping also makes it easier to see what storage space is being used effectively.

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Final Thoughts

Small kitchens benefit most from simple, practical storage solutions. Making the most of existing space helps keep the kitchen organised without adding clutter.

How to Organise a Small Bedroom With Limited Storage

Bedrooms are often one of the hardest rooms to keep organised, especially when storage space is limited. Clothes, bedding, and personal items can quickly make a small bedroom feel cramped.

With the right approach, it’s possible to keep a bedroom tidy without adding bulky storage.

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1. Prioritise Everyday Items

Keep frequently used items easy to reach and store less-used items elsewhere. This reduces clutter and makes the space easier to maintain on a daily basis.

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2. Use Under-Bed Storage Wisely

Under-bed storage is ideal for spare bedding, seasonal clothing, or shoes. Low-profile storage boxes or drawers keep items accessible while staying out of sight.

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3. Maximise Wardrobe Space

If your bedroom has a wardrobe, using shelf dividers, hanging organisers, or additional rails can significantly increase usable space without permanent changes.

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4. Choose Slim Storage Solutions

Slim shelving units, narrow drawers, or vertical organisers work well in tight spaces. These options provide storage without dominating the room.

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5. Keep Surfaces Clear

Clear bedside tables and surfaces make a bedroom feel calmer and more spacious. Using small drawers or containers helps keep personal items organised but hidden.

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Final Thoughts

Organising a small bedroom is about balance. Simple storage choices and regular decluttering help maintain a comfortable and clutter-free space, even with limited storage.

Storage Ideas for Small Flats That Don’t Feel Cluttered

Living in a small flat often means balancing storage needs with keeping the space feeling open and comfortable. Too much storage — or the wrong kind — can quickly make a room feel crowded.

The key is choosing storage solutions that are practical without overwhelming the space.

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1. Keep Storage Off the Floor

Floor space is precious in small flats. Wall-mounted shelves, hooks, and floating units help keep items organised while maintaining a sense of openness. Lifting storage off the floor also makes rooms feel larger.

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2. Use Closed Storage Where Possible

Open shelves can look cluttered if they’re not styled carefully. Closed storage such as cupboards, boxes, or drawers hides visual mess and creates a cleaner overall look, especially in living areas.

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3. Choose Neutral Colours

Storage items in neutral colours like white, grey, or natural wood blend into a room more easily. This reduces visual noise and helps storage feel like part of the room rather than an add-on.

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4. Store Less, Not Just Smarter

No storage solution works well if there’s too much stuff. Regularly decluttering makes it easier to maintain an organised space and prevents storage areas from becoming overfilled.

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5. Use Furniture With Built-In Storage

Furniture that includes hidden storage — such as beds with drawers or benches with lift-up lids — provides extra space without adding more items to the room.

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Final Thoughts

In small flats, storage works best when it’s simple and intentional. Choosing the right solutions and keeping possessions to a manageable level helps maintain a tidy space without making the flat feel cluttered.

Affordable Storage Ideas That Actually Work

Good storage doesn’t have to be expensive. In many cases, simple and affordable storage solutions work just as well as high-end systems — especially in everyday homes.

This article focuses on practical storage ideas that are budget-friendly and easy to put into place.

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1. Use Stackable Storage Boxes

Stackable boxes are one of the most cost-effective storage options available. They’re ideal for wardrobes, cupboards, garages, and under-bed storage. Clear boxes make it easier to see what’s inside, saving time and frustration.

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2. Shelf Inserts and Dividers

Shelf inserts instantly double usable space inside cupboards or wardrobes. They’re inexpensive and don’t require permanent installation, making them ideal for rented homes or temporary setups.

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3. Baskets for Everyday Items

Simple baskets help group loose items together and reduce visual clutter. They’re especially useful in living rooms, bathrooms, and bedrooms where small items tend to pile up.

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4. Under-Bed Storage

The space under beds is often wasted. Low-profile storage boxes or drawers are a cheap way to store seasonal clothing, spare bedding, or rarely used items without taking up extra room.

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5. Reorganise Before Buying

Before buying new storage, it’s worth reorganising what you already have. Removing unused items often creates enough space that additional storage isn’t needed at all.

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Final Thoughts

Affordable storage solutions can make a big difference when chosen carefully. Focusing on simplicity, flexibility, and function helps keep costs low while still improving organisation.

Best Storage Solutions for Small Homes (Simple Guide)

Living in a small home or flat often means finding ways to make the most of limited space. The right storage solutions can help keep things tidy without making rooms feel crowded.

This guide covers simple, practical storage ideas that work well in smaller homes.

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1. Use Vertical Space

Walls are often underused. Wall-mounted shelves, hooks, and tall shelving units can provide storage without taking up valuable floor space. Vertical storage is especially useful in kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways.

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2. Choose Multi-Purpose Furniture

Furniture that doubles as storage can make a big difference. Examples include beds with drawers underneath, ottomans with hidden storage, and coffee tables with shelves or compartments.

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3. Storage Bins and Boxes

Clear or labelled storage bins help keep items organised and easy to find. They work well in cupboards, under beds, or on shelves. Using uniform containers also helps spaces look less cluttered.

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4. Make Use of Doors

Over-the-door organisers are a simple way to add storage without tools or permanent changes. They’re useful for shoes, cleaning supplies, pantry items, or bathroom essentials.

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5. Keep It Simple

The best storage solutions are often the simplest. Regularly reviewing what you actually need and removing unused items helps prevent storage from becoming overwhelming.

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Final Thoughts

Small homes can still feel organised and comfortable with the right approach to storage. Focusing on simple, practical solutions makes it easier to keep spaces tidy and functional.