I’m not a fan of big storage rooms with endless shelves and bins. But we all have storage needs and it’s important to keep it organized.
Storage rooms, attics, and garages are where clutter goes to die. And more space simply means more stuff. Most storage rooms I visit are jam-packed with no organization and the floor can’t be found.
Worse yet, useful items are buried under stuff you do not need. But with intentional planning, you can create an organized storage space.
Our storage closet is small. But it holds the following: holiday decorations, extra paint, banker boxes of files, ski equipment, extra flooring and tile, and sentimental items. It is a 4×8 unfinished space that extends under our stairs.
So, anything at the back of the closet is small and rarely used like the flooring and tile. Likewise, the more frequently used items are upfront. I resist the urge to fill the entire space and keep the floor clear. Having room to move around and open bins makes the space more functional. And less likely to get disorganized.
A storage room should function like this, store, remove, and return.
- Store – Limit the amount of stuff you keep so you can see everything you have
- Remove – You should be able to remove the items you want to use without climbing over stuff
- Return – When you’re done, you should be able to return them to their designated home with ease
How to Organize Your Storage Room.
1. Define the Space
Choose one storage area and consider how you’d like it to function. Don’t limit yourself to the way it is currently used. Define the space. Identify the ideal purpose of this space. What items should live here? Are there items that need to be relocated? What can be donated or thrown away?
2. Set Boundaries
If you only have space for 3 bins of Christmas decorations then keep 3. Downsize and donate until your inventory fits the space. I have a specific number of bins for each holiday and one for my son’s sentimental items. Using the same bins allows them to stack neatly. Declutter before you buy new bins and be sure to measure the space and choose the appropriate size for your space and the contents.
I really like these Rubbermaid Roughneck Totes. They saved my holiday decorations from water damage. A burst pipe rained on the bins for over two hours and the contents were completely dry. When I work with clients, I prefer to repurpose existing bins. But if you upgrade your storage, use bins that are a manageable size. I recommend 18 gallons or less. Large containers are heavy and difficult to move around.
3. Label the Bins and Create an Inventory List
Write down all the items in storage. Starting at the back of the room or space. Hang the list inside the closet with a pen so you can update it as needed. Now, when I’m looking for something, I know which box to move. Be sure to label the boxes and bins.
What storage space will you tackle this week?
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