Ready to organize that messy home of yours?
Every homeowner has probably fantasized at some point about living in a perfectly organized home where everything has its place. But there’s a problem…
Most homes have way too much stuff. The average American home has around 300,000 items and 54% of Americans say they have too much clutter in their homes.
The great news is that you can easily upgrade your home’s storage and functionality with these budget-friendly storage hacks.
Things you’ll learn:
- Why Most Storage Hacks Fail Homeowners
- Space Saving Hacks That Actually Work
- Budget Organization Hacks to Improve Storage
- Signs You Need an External Storage Unit
Why Most Storage Hacks Fail Homeowners
Here’s a little secret most people don’t know about storage…
Storage isn’t about just having more containers and bins for your stuff. Smart storage is actually about creating systems that actually work for your unique lifestyle. Too many homeowners think they need more space when they really just need a better system.
If you can’t find the item you need at the time you need it, all the storage in the world won’t help. No wonder Americans lose 2.5 days a year looking for lost items.
There are times when home storage simply runs out. This is when a lot of homeowners start to consider storage units in Colorado Springs, CO to offload some of their belongings, seasonal items or furniture during moves or transitions.
Self-storage is a great option for homeowners who just need some short-term space while working on their organization systems or if their storage needs far exceed their available space.
But before you rent that storage unit near your home, check out these easy hacks for making the most of your space.
The Vertical Storage Revolution: Go Up, Don’t Out
Vertical space is the number one underutilized asset in most homes.
Wall space is your best friend when it comes to storage. Here’s how to use it:
You can significantly upgrade your storage space in any room by simply getting vertical. Every room has unused vertical space waiting to be utilized. Start by simply looking up.
Wall-mounted storage systems are game-changers. Pegboards aren’t just for garages anymore. Install them in kitchens for utensils, bedrooms for jewelry/accessories, or home offices for supplies.
Don’t forget the back of doors either. Over-the-door storage racks can turn any door into prime storage real estate. Perfect for cleaning supplies, shoes, pantry items.
The Hidden Treasure of Under-Used Spaces
Guess where you can find the most missed storage opportunities?
In plain sight. Literally.
Under-bed storage is an obvious one, but most people do it wrong. Stop throwing random boxes under the bed. Get proper under-bed drawers or vacuum-sealed bags for seasonal clothes instead.
Stair storage is genius. If you have stairs, you’re sitting on a storage goldmine. Each step can double as a drawer in itself. It’s like having a built-in dresser with zero extra floor space required.
Don’t miss these sneaky storage spots either:
- Inside ottomans and storage benches
- Space above your refrigerator
- Inside cabinet doors (perfect for spice racks/cleaning supplies)
- Weird triangle space under staircases
- Behind furniture (try slim rolling carts)
The 15 Minute Daily System
There’s one big truth about organization…
It has to be maintainable. The most elegant storage system in the world is useless if you can’t keep it up.
The 15 minute daily system revolutionizes how you tackle clutter. Set a timer for 15 minutes a day, then focus on one small area. Don’t try to organize your whole home in a weekend. Baby steps.
- Monday: Kitchen counters and sink area
- Tuesday: Living room surfaces
- Wednesday: One bedroom (rotate weekly)
- Thursday: Bathroom and medicine cabinet
- Friday: Entryway and coat closet
- Weekend: Catch up or deep dive into one problem area
This approach keeps clutter from building up and makes your storage systems actually work long-term.
Multi-Purpose Furniture: Your Secret Weapon
Smart homeowners invest in furniture that does double duty.
Storage ottomans are perfect for seating while hiding blankets, games, or seasonal stuff underneath. Coffee tables with built-in drawers keep living rooms tidy and provide a place to hide remotes, magazines, and junk.
Bed frames with built-in storage completely eliminate the need for bulky dressers. Platform beds with drawers underneath can store tons of clothes and linens.
Dining benches with storage compartments instead of chairs in many homes. These provide flexible seating and hide table linens, serving pieces, or kids art supplies.
Kitchen Storage Mastery
Kitchens are the ultimate storage battleground. Here’s how to win.
Cabinet organization starts with zoning. Group similar items together in one place – all baking stuff, all cleaning products. It makes things way easier to find and put away.
Lazy Susans are life-changers for corner cabinets. They make those hard to reach spaces actually functional. Great for spices, condiments or cleaning supplies.
Drawer dividers are non-negotiable for me. Without them, drawers become black holes where you lose things. Get adjustable ones that can change and grow as your needs change.
Don’t forget pantries. Clear containers for pantry items make everything visible and stackable. Label EVERYTHING even if you think you’ll remember what it is.
Closet Transformation Tricks
Most closets start organized all wrong.
Double hanging rods instantly double your hanging space. Install a second rod below the first one for shorter items like shirts/pants. Use top rod for longer items like dresses/coats.
Shelf dividers in closets keep folded clothes from becoming leaning towers of doom. Especially helpful for t-shirts, sweaters, jeans.
Vacuum-sealed bags are magic for bulky items like comforters, winter coats, or out of season clothes. Can reduce volume by up to 80%.
Don’t forget accessory organization. Small stuff like belts, ties, jewelry need their own systems or they become chaos in no time.
The Bathroom Storage Conundrum
Bathrooms are storage black holes because they’re usually small with limited options.
Over-the-toilet storage racks add valuable space with minimal effort or renovation. Install floating shelves or a cabinet over the toilet for towels, toiletries, supplies.
Medicine cabinets need regular purging and decluttering. Check expiration dates monthly and throw anything outdated away. Use small containers to corral similar things together.
Shower caddies help prevent the shower shelf from becoming a shower of bottles. Hang ones that can attach to the showerhead or suction to walls. Keep only what you use regularly.
When External Storage Makes Perfect Sense
Sometimes, home storage just isn’t enough and that’s perfectly normal.
External storage units are great for seasonal items used once or twice a year, furniture between moves, or sentimental items not ready to let go of.
The key is being strategic about what you put into external storage. Don’t use it as a dumping ground for things you could donate or sell.
Before committing to an external storage rental, try the “one year rule”. If you haven’t used it in a year, you likely don’t need it.
Making It All Work Together
Storage systems only work when they fit your actual lifestyle.
Start small and build momentum. Pick one small area and get it completely organized then move to the next area. This prevents overwhelm and builds confidence.
Remember organization is ongoing, not a one-time event. Storage needs change as life changes and that’s completely normal.
Wrapping it All Up
Smart storage is less about buying more storage containers and more about using the space you already have more efficiently.
The secret to smart storage is creating systems that work for your lifestyle and maintaining them consistently.
Focus on these core principles:
- Be aggressive with your vertical space
- Find those hidden underused storage spaces
- Invest in multi-purpose furniture
- Make small daily maintenance habits
- Be strategic about using external storage
The average home has far more storage potential lying dormant than you realize. With these hacks, you can turn your cluttered chaos into organized functional spaces that actually work for your daily life.
The goal isn’t a perfectly styled Pinterest home but one that functions better for you and your family. Pick one small area today and get started.