Tips and tricks to storage, what do you do?

Spendless

You could also consider how you store things as well as where. Our bedding sets are all put inside the matching pillowcase. Towels are rolled and kids pjs I fold the top inside one of the legs and then fold the pj bottoms to form a 'parcel' all these reduce how much space stuff takes up. I got rid of several fairy story books from my DD's bookshelf in favour of 1 story book that holds the stories. I am a fan of putting things on walls if I can or going as high as I'm able so that the amount of floorspace used is minimised. Reduce the number of clothes your kids have. I went to set amounts at 1 bit due to space issues in DD's room.

dibuzz

xx_Jo_xx wrote: »

Hey vanilla,


Little ones room has a rocket ship version of THIS and it is amazing how much crapola they get off the floor.

My kids had these for socks and underwear for a while when we didn't have enough drawers, now one is used for the small cuddlies my daughter won't part with and the other holds my knitting yarn.

I'm going to follow this thread with interest, I'd love to be able to walk into a room without having to find a clear route to where I want to be

babyblooz

I had a problem with those long rolls of wrapping paper, so I made a bag that was long and thin and this holds all the different rolls of paper, a reel of sellotape and a pair of cheap scissors. Now all the bits and bobs for wrapping things are in the one place. I didnt buy any material for it, I just used the skirt part of an old valanced bed sheet that was going in the bin.

Now it hangs up in the wardrobe in the spare bedroom, but it also comes downstairs and hangs in the hall cupboard when its getting near christmas so its nice and handy.

I think these storage issues are something to be done bit by bit. Each one on its own doesnt make much of a difference, but tackle one each week and you should see a difference by christmas time.

I really struggle with this as well so I sympathise. Good luck!

lucy*locket

I have the same problem living in a small 3 bedroom house with 5 adults (DD's boyfriend lives with us). I second all of the above ideas and tips, for me it was a case of looking around the house to see where I could create extra storage.

Backs of doors are brilliant for storage, I bought one of these over-door storage units from Argos

which are currently reduced to £6.99 (but out of stock in some stores so you may have to wait a while).

Shoe holders are great too, we have them on the back of doors in several cupboards. Also we put hooks on the back of my wardrobe doors for extra hanging space. Tops of kitchen cupboards and wardrobes offer great storage space (I use old suitcases I bought from boot sales so they look quite cool stacked on top)

See if there's any wasted space you could use...for example there was always a narrow space next to my fridge which I've never made use of, just piled stuff in there....after 16 years of living here I worked out last month that I could fit a metal shelf unit in there, sideways on, and it's given me loads of extra storage for washing powder, kitchen appliances, cat food etc. It was only around £20 from Wicks.
I have an assortment of suitcases and storage boxes under two of our beds where I store Christmas presents, clothes etc. I don't have a loft so it's a nightmare finding somewhere to put stuff you only need once a year!

If you can bear it make use of your landing. I always think it's a wasted space, and much as I'd like a stylish area up there I've got to be practical. So I've got a wardrobe and chest of drawers in mine to give DD extra storage, plus my iron and ironing board hanging on the wall, plus washing basket and ironing basket. We do have to shuffle around everything but hey ho, one day my kids might move out and I'll have more space than I need!

chanie

Don't forget to declutter as well.

Recently, OH I and I cleaned out the cupboard under the stairs and we got rid of 7 half empty tins of paint. Storage is important, so so is getting rid of stuff as well. Have you made your children clear up their toys -eg. getting rid of broken stuff, selling or donating stuff they don't use anymore?

vanilla

Thanks everyone for the fantasic ideas. :T
Spendless i like the idea of using wall space too. Our porch/front hall is tidy and it's the only place for the phone line. I had planned on turning it into a bit of a study room. At the minute there is a treadmill, filing cabinet, and shoe rack in there. By christmas i'd love to have a proper desk and get some good shelves, i'm thinking i could put all paperwork into coloured files and then i can get rid of the filing cabinet. I'd need a coat stand in there too as at the minute all the kids clothes hang on the treadmil. :rotfl:

dibuzz i'd love that too..:D

babyblooz all my wrapping paper is in a box at the door of the attic and i never know whats in it. Your idea is great and i think i'll try and make one this week and store it in the hotpress.

lucy*locket i like the idea of a metal shelf, if i could find one small enough it would be great for the utility room. I think thats one of my main problems, it's tidy and does tend to be the dumping ground for everything.

chanie we had a good decluttering session in the boys room a few months back so all the toys there now work and are things they wanted to keep(not many). I do have loads to ebay but it's getting the time and space to do it.

One of the canva type wardrobes that we have in the boys room collapsed this morning so i think i'll just take out and box up the boys clothes. I'll only keep out wwhat they need this week plus it will be one less job to do thursday.

Thanks again everyone you have come up with great ideas and i plan to use them all.

pineapple

I have the teeniest cottage and a small kitchen area. We rigged up one of those shelves on brackets affairs on some spare (but limited depth) wall space - floor to ceiling.
Upstairs I had a cupboard made stretching across a bedroom door recess. It's above head height (so you walk under it) and goes to the ceiling. Handy for stuff you don't use every day. In fact the entire length of the upstairs hallway is lined with similar 'ceiling' storage. That's where out of season clothes, Xmas decs, cases etc go.
When I got a new bed I got a small double (there's just me ) and got one with 4 deep drawers. Oh and I also invested in some of those vacuum seal bags - it's amazing what you can get a large quilt down to!

vanilla

Pineapple i must own 3 or 4 quilts, i only tend to take them down from the attic at this time of year. They always sit in bin bags taking up a good bit of room so i think i will invest in the seal bags and hopefully store them on top of the boys wardrobes.

Right i think i best make a start in the utility room and see what room i have and what storage would be good (it's the worst room). I'd like to go to Ikea next week with all my meassurements and get all that i need. So this week will be reorganising space and things. I will have a nice home for Christmas.