Many people choose to downsize and move to spaces that are far less roomy than where they lived previously. You may be a young person moving into your own place from your childhood home, a senior citizen moving from a beloved home downsizing to a retirement community or someone moving into a place that’s more affordable because it’s smaller. While this allows you to cut back on living expenses, this could also drastically cut back on the amount of storage you have. In these cases, where to store needful items becomes a challenge. Here are four storage solutions to try.
Multipurpose Seating
Benches and ottomans make excellent storage spaces, and no one needs to know except you. Multipurpose seating units have lids that can either be taken off or lifted up and have interiors roomy enough for plenty of things. Seasonal towels and bedclothes, sports equipment, clothes, toys, tools or anything else that the family needs are great candidates for these storage spots.
Suitcases
There’s no reason why a set of suitcases should stand empty when they are not about to be used. They are excellent places to store out-of-season clothes. There are several things to keep in mind before storing clothes. First, they need to be washed first. Even clothes that look clean can have oils and dirt that can stain or attract pests. Being in a suitcase for several months can cause stains to set. Another tip is to wrap the clothes in acid free paper. Avoid mothballs, but tuck in sprigs of lavender or cedar balls to discourage pests.
Under the Bed
There are several ways to use that space under the bed for storage. They include bins—some with casters that make rolling them in and out a cinch, containers, baskets, and the previously mentioned suitcases. If the space under the bed isn’t quite high enough, you can invest in a set of inexpensive bed risers or buy a higher bed frame. This will allow you to take full advantage of the vertical space in your rooms.
Floating Cabinets
“Floating” cabinets are cabinets that don’t have brackets or any other visible means of support, so they seem like they’re floating in space against the wall. This is not only an elegant look but an excellent storage solution. If the cabinets are not flush with the ceiling, items can even be stored on top of them as well as inside them.
As many find out, living in a small place or a place without much storage can be a hindrance to comfortable living. When space is at a premium, finding storage can be a sort of art form. If you have exhausted all of your options—including those found above, storage units, decluttering, and donating items to charity are all great options to relieve any further storage woes.
