Clever Storage Ideas

Posted: 06 October 2015

Don't have enough storage in your home? iPads and iPods may have helped to reduce films and music from DVDs and CDs to streaming sites, but items like clothes, shoes, jewellery and video games still need to be stored in the house somewhere.

Our lists of clever storage ideas will help you to creatively use the space in your house without breaking the bank.

Bedroom Storage Ideas

Some may dream of an oak four-poster bed, but the right bed can offer a lot more than somewhere to sleep at night. Storage beds are great for putting away items you may need once in a while, such as sheets and duvets.

Whereas ottoman beds are great for hiding items you may not need for long periods of time, such as childhood sentimental items.

Creative Jewellery Storage

Everyone knows that the safe can be hidden behind a picture, but have you considered hiding your jewellery behind a great work of art? This storage option requires a bit of DIY but if you've got an old painting, picture or print then this could prove to be the ultimate jewellery box for you. Here's what you need to make it:

Materials

Picture with wood frame (aim for a frame that is at least 1″ wide)
One or two 3/4″ - 1″ square dowels
1″ x 2″ x 6′ plank of wood
Small nails & screws
Screws
Piece of thin wood (should be roughly the same dimensions as your frame, minus an inch on both the height and width)
Roll of cork
Scrap fabric (the same dimensions as the piece of wood)
Glue (hot glue or Elmer's)
Small hinges and latch set
Paint
Thumb tacks
Cup hooks

Tools

Hammer
Paintbrush
Saw
Drill

Shoe Storage Solutions

Shoes, glorious shoes. You may love your shoes, but has your love overrun your storage space? If so, with a little bit of preparation, an inexpensive wooden thread rack could be the answer to your shoe prayers. The racks also come with the added bonus that that they can be hung up, freeing up floor space.

Book Storage Ideas

Kindles are great, but for many nothing can replace the joy of reading a proper paper book. The all familiar problem for readers is when this love of books turns into a small library and they don't have the space to store them. If you are unable to find the perfect book shelf that not only stores all your books but also fits and suits your home, then a pair of wooden ladders might do the trick. Simply place two decorated wooden ladders side by side with the shelves once again resting on the rungs and you're good to go.

Stairs with Drawers

What do you do when you have filled every closet? When you have hung every shelf and filled every cupboard? Though it may take a bit of work, a highly effective and subtle option is converting your stairs into draws. Once the drawers are installed and painted along with the stairs they will be hidden from sight and as well as increasing your household storage space. Just remember not to carpet them!

Hide Cables with Stylish Boxes

Most homes today are furnished with a selection of devices and tech - TV, computer, hi-fi you name it. Chances are you or someone you know has one if not all of them. As great as all these devices are, trying to hide the sprawl of cables that comes with them can be a nightmare. However, a stylish cardboard box or basket can be simple and discreet way or hiding those unsightly cables.

Kitchen storage solutions

If you have used all the storage in your kitchen and laundry room, then a surprising solution can come from shoe organisers. As they can be hung on any door or inside any cabinet, organisers are a very convenient way of maximising space. For laundry rooms they are particularly useful, as items such as fabric softener, furniture polish and cleaner spray can all be safely stored away.

Check out our other articles which will help you in the lead-up to deciding what to do when you are moving home!

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