Category: Home Storage

How to Choose Storage for a Small Living Room

Living rooms often need to serve multiple purposes — relaxing, entertaining, and storage. In small living rooms, choosing the right storage is essential to avoid clutter and keep the space feeling comfortable.

The key is selecting storage that fits the room without overwhelming it.

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1. Consider How the Room Is Used

Before choosing storage, think about what the living room is mainly used for. Items such as books, electronics, blankets, and everyday clutter should be easy to access without dominating the space.

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2. Choose Storage That Doubles as Furniture

Storage ottomans, benches, and coffee tables with shelves or compartments provide space to store items while still serving a practical purpose. This reduces the need for additional furniture.

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3. Keep Storage Proportional

Large cabinets or bulky shelving units can quickly overwhelm a small living room. Slim shelves, low units, or wall-mounted storage help maintain balance and openness.

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4. Use Closed Storage to Reduce Visual Clutter

Closed storage helps keep everyday items out of sight, making the room feel calmer. Cabinets, drawers, or boxes prevent clutter from becoming a focal point.

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5. Leave Some Empty Space

Not every wall or corner needs storage. Leaving some areas clear helps the room feel more spacious and prevents storage from becoming excessive.

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Final Thoughts

Choosing storage for a small living room works best when practicality and simplicity are prioritised. Thoughtful storage choices help keep the room organised without sacrificing comfort or style.

Plastic vs Fabric Storage Boxes: Which Is Better?

Storage boxes come in many styles, but plastic and fabric boxes are two of the most common options. Each has its own advantages depending on where and how it’s used.

Understanding the differences makes it easier to choose the right type of storage and avoid buying boxes that don’t suit your needs.

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Plastic Storage Boxes

Plastic boxes are known for their durability and strength. They’re easy to clean and provide good protection from dust and moisture.

Pros:
– Durable and long-lasting
– Easy to wipe clean
– Good protection for stored items
– Often stack securely

Cons:
– Can look utilitarian
– Less flexible in shape
– May feel bulky in living areas

Plastic boxes work best for garages, lofts, under-bed storage, or anywhere items need extra protection.

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Fabric Storage Boxes

Fabric boxes are lighter and often designed to blend into living spaces. They’re usually collapsible and easy to store when not in use.

Pros:
– Lightweight and flexible
– Often more visually appealing
– Easy to store when empty
– Suitable for everyday use

Cons:
– Less protection from moisture
– Not as durable as plastic
– Can lose shape over time

Fabric boxes are ideal for bedrooms, wardrobes, shelves, and living rooms where appearance matters.

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Which Is Better?

The better option depends on how the storage will be used. Plastic boxes suit long-term or protective storage, while fabric boxes are better for accessible, everyday items in living spaces.

Many homes benefit from using a mix of both types depending on the room and purpose.

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Final Thoughts

There’s no single best choice between plastic and fabric storage boxes. Choosing based on durability, appearance, and location helps ensure storage solutions work effectively without creating clutter.

What to Look for When Buying Storage Boxes

Storage boxes are one of the most common organisation tools, but choosing the right ones makes a big difference. Not all storage boxes are suitable for every space or purpose.

Knowing what to look for before buying helps avoid wasted money and clutter.

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1. Size and Shape

Storage boxes should fit the space they’re going into. Measuring shelves, cupboards, or under-bed areas before buying helps ensure boxes don’t waste space or block access.

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2. Material

Storage boxes come in plastic, fabric, wood, and metal. Plastic boxes are durable and easy to clean, while fabric boxes are lighter and better for living spaces. Choosing the right material depends on where the box will be used.

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3. Stackability

Stackable boxes make better use of vertical space and help keep storage areas tidy. Boxes designed to stack securely are especially useful in wardrobes, cupboards, and storage rooms.

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4. Visibility

Clear boxes make it easier to see what’s inside without opening them. For everyday items, visibility can save time and reduce the need for labels.

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5. Ease of Access

Boxes with lids, handles, or front openings are easier to use regularly. Choosing boxes that suit how often items are accessed helps prevent frustration.

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Final Thoughts

Buying storage boxes is easier when you know what to look for. Focusing on size, material, and practicality helps ensure storage solutions actually improve organisation rather than add clutter.

Affordable Storage Ideas for Renters

Renting often comes with restrictions, especially when it comes to drilling holes or making permanent changes. That doesn’t mean storage has to be difficult or expensive.

There are plenty of renter-friendly storage ideas that help keep a home organised without risking deposits.

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1. Freestanding Storage Units

Freestanding shelves, drawer units, and cabinets provide storage without needing to be fixed to walls. They can be moved easily and work well in bedrooms, living rooms, and hallways.

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2. Over-the-Door Organisers

Over-the-door organisers are one of the easiest ways to add storage in rented homes. They’re ideal for shoes, cleaning supplies, pantry items, or bathroom essentials.

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3. Stackable Storage Boxes

Stackable boxes are affordable, flexible, and easy to store away when not needed. They work well in cupboards, wardrobes, or under beds.

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4. Use Furniture With Hidden Storage

Furniture that includes built-in storage — such as ottomans or benches with lift-up lids — adds storage without adding clutter or permanent fixtures.

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5. Make the Most of Vertical Space

Tension poles, tall shelving units, or wall-leaning ladders allow renters to use vertical space without drilling. These solutions help free up valuable floor space.

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Final Thoughts

Affordable storage for renters is all about flexibility. Choosing solutions that don’t require permanent changes makes it easier to stay organised while keeping your rental property intact.

Storage Mistakes That Make Small Homes Feel Smaller

In small homes, storage is essential — but the wrong storage choices can actually make a space feel more cramped and cluttered. Avoiding common mistakes helps keep rooms feeling open and functional.

Here are some storage mistakes that often make small homes feel smaller than they need to be.

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1. Using Too Much Open Storage

Open shelving can look attractive, but in small spaces it often leads to visual clutter. When too many items are on display, rooms can feel busy and overwhelming.

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2. Oversized Storage Furniture

Large wardrobes, bulky cabinets, or deep shelving units can dominate a small room. Choosing slim, appropriately sized storage keeps the space balanced.

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3. Storing Everything in One Place

Piling items into a single cupboard or area can make storage feel chaotic. Spreading storage logically across a home makes spaces easier to manage and reduces clutter buildup.

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4. Ignoring Vertical Space

Not using wall space is a missed opportunity. Vertical storage helps free up floor space and creates a more open feel in small homes.

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5. Buying Storage Without Decluttering

Adding storage before decluttering often leads to storing unnecessary items. Decluttering first ensures storage solutions are used effectively.

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Final Thoughts

Avoiding common storage mistakes can make a noticeable difference in small homes. Simple, well-chosen storage solutions help spaces feel larger, calmer, and easier to live in.

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.