Storage is a huge issue when it comes to de-cluttering. Getting rid of unnecessary junk is only half the battle. If you want the results to be long lasting you want to be smart about how you store what you have, rather than stuffing it randomly in whatever space you have. We all have way more storage than we think we do, it’s just not organized. Drawers and cupboards can typically store twice as much as they tend to do, for instance, and there is always somewhere in your home that can be converted into storage. In my boiler room I built extra shelving to store towels and bed sheets. The challenge is seeing past gimmicky items and getting to the basics. Below I’ve detailed top examples of this.

Boxes

Boxes are the most effective storage tool out there. Unless weight and strength is a problem always get cardboard ones. They are cheaper and won’t have any awkward joints and angles that plastic boxes tend to have, which take up extra room. If you can get lids too then you can even stack them up, though avoid doing this if you are going to be getting stuff out of them on a regular basis as it will become a chore. Be sure to label them so you know what is in each of your boxes to avoid confusion.

Shelves

Shelves are simple and reliable. In fact, they are so versatile they can be used in any room. If you want an attractive glass shelf in the living room to hold your photo frames or a basic, heavy duty version for the storage cupboard to hold your tools, there are plenty of options for you. The big advantage of shelving is they turn wall space into something useful. We tend to focus so much on the horizontal that vertical space gets ignored.

Doors

Whether it be the actual doors themselves or the space behind them there are plenty of options. I have a cork board on one door for keeping notes and reminders on, and hooks in my bathroom door for hanging towels and dressing gowns.