25+ Tips for Maximising Storage in the Home [2025 Guide]

You’re running out of room at home, and as much as you try to organise and declutter, your stuff keeps piling up. Where can you possibly put it all? You don’t need to stress, though; there are solutions for those tiny spaces.

First, you can grab your craft supplies to create innovative storage solutions for tucking away your belongings in a crowded space. For extra items that can’t fit in, you can rent a storage space unit. Self storage facilities are designed to help maximise your living space by providing secure, climate-controlled units to store your extra belongings that don’t fit in storage in the home.

In this article, we’ll explore some creative storage solutions for small spaces and how a self storage unit can help you manage excess stuff in a small room. We’ll provide storage ideas for different sections of the home, such as the closet and wardrobe, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, garage, basement, and attic.

Maximising Closet and Wardrobe Space

Your closet and wardrobe are prime real estate for storage in your home.

Consider the following tips to make the most of the limited space you have:

1. Use matching or stackable storage boxes.
2. Install shelves for additional storage space.
3. Use hanging storage for smaller clothing and accessories.
4. Make the most of vertical space with organisers.

1. Use matching or stackable storage boxes.

Consider a storage or cardboard box for smaller items, like accessories, belts, and socks. Label each box so you know exactly what’s inside at a glance. Store the boxes on a shelf above the hanging rod or the floor of the closet. For some aesthetic appeal, consider matching boxes to complement your wardrobe’s style.

2. Install shelves for additional storage space.

Corner shelves are great for utilising an unused corner. You can also install open shelves above the hanging rod for things you use less often. Just be sure not to make the shelves too deep or high for easy access.

3. Use hanging storage for smaller clothing and accessories.

Belts, scarves, ties, and handbags can all be stored on sturdy hooks, keeping them off the floor and within easy reach. You can also hang shoe organisers, mesh bags, and storage bins on a rod to keep these items organised but still visible.

4. Make the most of vertical space with organisers.

Installing a second hanging rod, shelving, drawers, and other organisers on walls and doors helps maximise vertical storage space. Over-the-door shoe racks and hanging closet organisers with pockets and drawers are ideal for this.

With some simple home organisation ideas and the help of a few storage accessories tailored to your needs, you can transform your closet into a well-organised and functional space. Consider adding shelving, hanging storage, matching boxes, and any other solutions that will make the most of your available storage space. In no time, you’ll have a closet you can be proud of!

Next, let’s explore some creative kitchen storage solutions to keep your cooking space organised.

Creative Storage Solutions for the Kitchen

If your kitchen is short on storage space and just can’t accommodate all of your utensils and food items, don’t despair. There are clever ways to maximise every inch without compromising style or function.

Here are some storeroom ideas for the kitchen:

1. Use floating shelves.
2. Double up where you can.
3. Consider pull-out storage.
4. Maximise under-cabinet space.
5. Go vertical.

1. Use floating shelves.

Floating shelves are a space-efficient option that doesn’t require any floor space. Install them on a bare wall and use them to store things from spices to small appliances. For extra storage, consider stacking multiple shelves.

2. Double up where you can.

Many kitchen items can double as storage solutions. Knife blocks, paper towel holders, and pot racks provide useful storage while keeping essential tools within easy reach. Even the humble paper towel holder can store more than paper towels — try draping tea towels, oven mitts or even pans over the bar.

3. Consider pull-out storage.

If you have unused space under the cabinets or island, install pull-out drawers or shelves. Pull-out shelves are ideal for storing pots, pans, and other awkwardly shaped items. They make the most of the space while keeping everything neatly organised and easy to access.

4. Maximise under-cabinet space.

Install racks, bins, or magnetic strips under your cabinets to get pans, knives, and other metal tools up and off the counter. You can also introduce under-cabinet lighting to make the space functional and stylish. For narrow gaps, use tension rods to hang additional storage racks or bins.

5. Go vertical.

Use the vertical space along walls or the backs of cabinets and doors. Install magnetic strips, racks, and wall files to store everything from knives to mail and keys. For an inexpensive DIY solution, attach pegboards to walls and use hooks to hang tools, pans, and baskets.

With some creative thinking, you can transform unused nooks and crannies in your kitchen into highly functional storage spaces. Maximise every square inch of available storage to make the most of your kitchen’s potential. Let’s now look into suggestions for your bathroom.

Bathroom Storage Tips and Tricks

Your bathroom is one of the smallest rooms in the home, but it can easily accumulate more clutter and knickknacks than the rest of the rooms. When space is at a premium, you need to get creative with storage solutions.

Here are some storage room ideas to maximise your bathroom storage:

1. Hang a tension rod inside your cabinet for towels and spray bottles.
2. Stick-and-re-stick storage like suction cup wall hooks are handy.
3. Utilise awkward spaces and add wheels for clever bathroom storage.
4. Double up with drawer dividers and organisers.

1. Hang a tension rod inside your cabinet for towels and spray bottles.

Installing a tension rod horizontally inside your bathroom cabinet creates extra room for storing towels, washcloths, and cleaning supplies. The rod holds items up and off the cabinet floor, freeing up space underneath. This DIY storage hack works for cabinets above the toilet, under the sink, or anywhere else in the bath.

2. Stick-and-re-stick storage like suction cup wall hooks are handy.

Suction cup hooks, caddies, and shelves provide storage that sticks right to your bathroom walls, tiles, or mirrors without damaging the surfaces. Use them to store everything from hair dryers and flat irons to lotions and cotton balls. When you need to remove or reposition them, they pop right off and re-stick as needed.

3. Utilise awkward spaces and add wheels for clever bathroom storage.

Every bathroom has odd little corners and crannies that often go unused. Look for ways to utilise these spaces with freestanding shelving units, cabinets, or carts. For extra mobility, add wheels to shelving units and carts so you can roll them out of the way when needed. A wheeled cart tucked into a corner is ideal for storing extra hand towels, cleaning products, or toilet paper rolls.

4. Double up with drawer dividers and organisers.

Clear drawer dividers and organisers maximise storage space. Use them to compartmentalise items in your vanity drawers and cabinets so everything has its spot. Dividers are great for separating makeup, hair ties, bobby pins, and more. For deep drawers, consider drawer dividers with multiple compartments.

With some clever DIY solutions, you can transform your cramped bathroom into an organised oasis. Try one or more of these tips to make the most of your limited storage space. But a decluttered bathroom is prone to being disorganised if your bedroom remains a mess. Let’s see how you can manage storage space within your bedroom.

Optimising Your Bedroom for Storage

You spend much of your time in a bedroom, which can easily get crowded with dressing drawers, clothes, electronics, books, etc.

Consider the following innovative storage solutions to give yourself some breathing bedroom space:

1. Use your bedroom walls.
2. Utilise multifunctional furniture.
3. Consider under-bed storage.
4. Consider other small space solutions.

1. Use your bedroom walls.

In small bedrooms, the floor space is limited, so it’s usually helpful to explore vertical space for storage. Wall-mounted shelves, cabinets, and dressers will keep items off the floor while still keeping them accessible. For example, you can mount a row of shelves above the door for extra linen and towel storage.

2. Utilise multifunctional furniture.

When space is tight, choose furniture that serves more than one purpose. A bed with built-in storage underneath, a dresser with a fold-out desk, or a sofa bed can add both functionality and storage to your room. For example, you can place a chest or cabinet with drawers at the foot of the bed. This provides storage space as well as a surface for a lamp, books, or other items.

3. Consider under-bed storage.

The space under your bed is prime real estate for stashing out-of-season clothing, extra linens, or other items you want to keep but don’t need regular access to. Under-bed storage bins on wheels make it easy to pull items out when you need them. You can also use bed risers to lift your bed a few inches higher, creating more room for larger storage boxes underneath.

4. Consider other small space solutions.

In a small bedroom, every inch counts. Look for space-saving solutions like an over-the-door shoe organiser to store accessories, a wall-mounted coat rack, space bags to compress linens, or stackable storage drawers. Charging stations, cord organisers, and other desktop organisers will keep surfaces clear.

Maximising the storage in your bedroom may require some creativity, but with the right combination of multifunctional furniture, vertical space utilisation, under-bed storage, and small-space solutions, you can achieve an organised, clutter-free space even in a compact area. Keeping your room clean and only storing items you actually use will also help make the most of your storage. Let’s move on to the garage next.

Transforming the Garage Into Functional Storage

The garage is often an overlooked storage space, but with some DIY solutions, you can make it a highly functional storage area.

Here are some storeroom storage ideas to help you organise your garage:

1. Invest in sturdy shelving.
2. Stack your stuff on the wall.
3. Get organised with bins and drawers.
4. Use a multifunctional workbench.

1. Invest in sturdy shelving.

The walls of a garage are ideal for installing shelving. Choose shelving that can hold the weight of whatever you need to store, whether that’s tools, boxes of decorations, or canned goods. Consider steel shelving for heavy-duty storage; wood or metal shelving will work great for lighter items. Also, ensure you measure your wall space and buy shelving that will maximise the area.

2. Stack your stuff on the wall.

In a garage, the space extends up to the ceiling, so take advantage of the height with wall cabinets, racks, and overhead storage. Cabinets are ideal for tools, gardening equipment, and other gear. Install racks for ladders, bikes, and long-handled tools like rakes and shovels; for lightweight items like boxes and bins, overhead storage racks or pulley systems are a great solution.

3. Get organised with bins and drawers.

Adding drawer units, cabinets with drawers, and plastic or metal bins helps keep a garage organised. Label each drawer or bin so you know exactly where everything is at a glance. Use drawer units for tools, gardening supplies, automotive gear, and other equipment. Bins are great for sorting and containing smaller items like nails, screws, spare change, and kids’ toys.

4. Use a multifunctional workbench.

If you spend a lot of time doing hobbies or projects in the garage, you’ll likely need a workbench. Look for a sturdy bench with storage underneath, like drawers or cabinets. A workbench gives you a dedicated space to work and helps keep tools and materials organised and within easy reach.

With the right mix of shelving, vertical storage, bins, drawers, and a workbench, you can transform your garage into a highly functional and organised storage space. Get started with one area or one storage solution at a time, and soon, you’ll have a garage that’s streamlined and clutter-free. Let’s wrap up with storage suggestions for those commonly neglected areas of your home — the attic and basement.

Basement and Attic Storage Ideas

Your basement and attic offer a wealth of storage space, but they can quickly turn into messy, cluttered areas if you don’t utilise them properly. With some strategic organisation, you can transform these spaces into functional storage zones for your home.

Here are some top storage ideas for store room in the attic and basement:

1. Categorise and label.
2. Invest in shelving.
3. Use plastic storage containers.
4. Keep it clean and clutter-free.

1. Categorise and label.

The key to efficient attic or basement storage is categorising and labelling items. Group similar things together, like holiday decorations, kids’ toys, or spare linens. Then, label each category clearly using colour-coded labels or storage bins so you can find what you need quickly. This makes it easy to put things back in the proper place and prevents a jumbled mess.

2. Invest in shelving.

Sturdy shelving units are a must for attic and basement storage. They keep items up and off the floor, protecting them from potential water damage or pests in the basement. Adjustable shelving gives you flexibility to store items of various sizes. For the attic, look for shelving that can be secured to wall studs for stability on an uneven floor.

3. Use plastic storage containers.

Airtight plastic storage bins are ideal for protecting items from dust, moisture, and extreme temperatures in the basement and attic. Look for bins that can be stacked to maximise your space, and label each bin to make stored goods easy to spot. For sensitive items, you can also add silica gel packets to the bins to help prevent moisture buildup.

4. Keep it clean and clutter-free.

A clean, decluttered space is essential for efficient attic or basement storage. Get rid of anything you don’t need to open up more room for storage. Do a deep cleaning to remove cobwebs, dust, and grime. Install lighting, like LED fixtures, to brighten up the space. All of these make the area safer and more pleasant to access your stored belongings.

While all these tips and store room ideas discussed so far can go a long way in organising your home, you still need to do regular decluttering to maintain order. Similarly, for items that can’t fit into your apartments, yet you can’t discard them, consider renting a storage space unit. Continue reading for more details!

Decluttering and Storing Extra Stuff in a Self Storage Unit

Once you’ve reached the limit of your storage space at home, you should consider a storage space unit. But before then, you’ll want to get rid of clutter for maximum storage & organisation. Go room by room and purge anything you do not need or have not used in the past year. You can consider having a garage sale or making charity donations for those items you don’t need.

To ensure the best use of self storage, be strategic about your packing, have an inventory, and opt for climate-controlled storage for sensitive items.

Strategising Your Packing

Pack belongings strategically based on how often you access them. Things you use frequently should go in boxes near the front, and infrequently used items can go in the back. By the time you’re done packing, the boxes in the front are essential and should be securely stored, while the ones behind may be discarded.

Creating an Inventory

Make an inventory of everything you plan to store, including boxes, furniture, and appliances. Note the contents and dimensions of each box. This will make it easy to find what you need without having to unpack everything. It will also ensure you get an appropriately sized storage unit in case you need to send some off to a self storage facility.

Storing Precious and Valuable Items

For precious or irreplaceable items, consider a climate-controlled self storage unit with 24-hour security monitoring. This will protect against damage from humidity, heat, pests, and theft. You can also keep smaller valuables in a locked safe within your storage unit for an added layer of protection.

A good self storage facility has clean, secure units in a range of sizes to suit your needs. At Storefriendly, all our units are monitored 24/7 to ensure security. Feel free to explore our storage solutions for your essential items.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make storage in my house?

To make storage in your house, reuse empty glass jars as see-through containers for small items like nails, pushpins, and cotton swabs. Their clear glass helps you easily spot what you need, while their screw-tops keep contents secure. Utilise these versatile jars in the pantry, office, bathroom, or garage for organised and accessible storage.

What is storage in the home?

Home storage refers to built-in features like cabinets and bookshelves, which are popular for organising belongings. Beyond these common solutions, there are also creative storage methods that can be integrated into a home’s design, offering unique and innovative ways to keep items neatly stored and out of the way. Examples include a bed with built-in storage underneath or a sofa bed.

What storage do you need in a house?

Adequate storage is essential in a house. Generally, storage should constitute about 10% of the total square footage. For a 3,000-square-foot home, aim for roughly 300 square feet of storage space to ensure you have enough room to keep your belongings organised and accessible.

What to do if you have no storage?

If you have no storage at home, consider renting a storage space unit  — they’re game-changers for keeping clutter at bay. But before exploring self storage, it’s important you maximise hidden storage in your home. For example, you can opt for beds with built-in drawers and consider under-bed storage bins. It’s all about making every inch count and keeping those extras out of sight.

How important is storage in a house?

Storage is very important in a house; it provides order, functionality, and peace of mind amidst our busy lives. While statement pieces like sofas and art capture our attention, clever storage solutions maintain the harmony and flow of our daily routines, keeping our spaces serene and secure.

What are the principles of storage in the home?

Home storage principles revolve around practicality and ease. Keep heavy and often-used items at a comfortable reach, between shoulder and mid-thigh height. Tuck away less-used or lightweight items in high or low spots. Organise your spaces to minimise clutter and make everything easily accessible. Regularly reviewing and decluttering these areas ensures that your storage solutions remain effective and efficient.

Conclusion

With some strategic thinking and planning, you can totally transform your living space into an organised storage haven.

Reinvent storage in the home by first taking an inventory of what you have and getting rid of the junk you don’t need. Invest in some multi-functional furniture and storage solutions to maximise every nook and cranny. And don’t forget to think vertically — utilising walls and ceilings can add a ton of storage capacity.

When all spaces have been utilised and you still have valuables to keep, consider renting a self storage unit.