How to Create More Storage Space in Your New Home
5 min readMoving to a new home is an exciting time, for the most part. Hopefully, you’ll get to upgrade to a better living arrangement and fulfill some decoration-related dreams you’ve had for a while. However, this transition comes with its own set of challenges, just like anything else. One of the more challenging parts of renovating before moving is finding a way to create more storage space in your new home. Nevertheless, you can borrow many ideas and tips that have proven to work for other people. We’re here to dive in a bit deeper into that subject.
Decluttering is the first step
Before you start finding storage solutions for your new home, you need to know what you’re working with. It is the only way to know how much space you’ll need to create. It’s imperative to consider this before moving to avoid having additional chores to deal with once the relocation days begin. Here are some steps to help you divide and conquer the decluttering process:
- Make an inventory list
Try to be concise and practical but thorough while making an inventory of everything you’ll be moving to your new house.
- Separate your items into categories
Once you know what you’re dealing with, it’s time to bring out the boxes. Make sure to label everything and remember what is where. This way, you’ll have a much easier time unpacking later.
- Pack
Finally, pack and store all the items that you’ll later transport.
Good organization is key
While decluttering to create more storage space in the new home, make sure you’re organized and practical. It’s very easy to make a mess of all your items since there are so many of them. If you’re in over your head with this task, get some help from family, friends, or even professional organizers.
Create more storage space in your new home by adding a unit
If your new home is still very much in the works, you can always solve the problem of not having enough storage space by adding some. Adding a unit to a new home is a pretty common practice. Make sure to get familiar with the original house plans and see whether adding a unit is possible. If you get the green light, contact the contractors and get to work.
Get furniture with storage space
Of course, if you don’t need a whole unit for your items and just wish to have a bit more space, multifunctional furniture is a fantastic thing. It’s been around for a while and comes in many different types. The furniture pieces that usually have some extra storage space are beds, tables, and ottomans.
Hanging is a great space-saving technique
When in doubt, hang your items on the walls, doors, inside of closets and cabinets, etc. Hanging smaller objects is a great way to save a lot of space and do so in a tidy manner. Additionally, not having to purchase cabinets and furniture just for the sake of storage will inevitably save you some money and time.
Is a minimalistic lifestyle an option for you?
Depending on your preferences, you might want to look into what a minimalistic lifestyle would entail. If it’s something that you think might work for you, why not try it out? Instead of creating more space for your items, you can hold only onto the possessions you really need, use, and which give you joy. If you aren’t familiar with Marie Condo and her work, it’s time to check it out.
Think about storage space while purchasing your new home
Of course, if this is possible for you, think about your storage space need in advance. This way, you’ll be able to purchase your new home with that in mind. Don’t settle for anything less than what you need. It might be helpful to create a list of priorities and take it with you while house hunting. This will help you make the right choice that you’ll be happy with even when your needs begin to change.
Leave no corners unused
Make sure to utilize every inch of space to your benefit. Aside from trying to create more storage space in your new home, make sure that you’ve worked with what you already have first. If you need to store something you’re proud of, why not attach open shelving in your living room corner and display it there?
Utilize rooms you don’t plan on using frequently
While we’re on the subject of working with what you already have, make sure to utilize all the rooms that you own. People sometimes set a room aside because they plan to use it as office space or a playroom, but it ends up not happening. Instead of adding more space, empty these rooms and make storage space that’ll benefit you more.
Donate anything you don’t need
If you’ve followed this guide and decluttered your belongings before jumping into the storage space talk, chances are you’ve stumbled upon a few items that have no business being in your home. It’s only natural. Instead of glancing over them and eventually packing them along with the rest of your belongings, make sure to figure out what to do with them. Set aside these items and donate them later. Who knows, something that you deem useless might be of help to someone else.
Out of options? – Rent out a storage unit
If you’ve followed all the advice on how to create more storage space in your new home and cannot apply it to your case, that’s okay. There’s always plan B. Renting out a storage unit somewhere in the close vicinity is a great idea. You can use it to store anything that you don’t use daily and make your home a clutter-free zone. This way, you get to hang onto all your memorabilia and items you aren’t ready to let go of.