In the fast-paced modern-day lifestyle, keeping your space organised can feel like a task at times. The situation can escalate to one of inconvenience especially if you are in a hurry and are having a hard time retrieving something you need. So while it might not be possible to take out time to organise your space on a daily basis, there are surely some things you can do to make your life easier. In this article, we will explore some storage and space management tools you can use to keep your space more organised.
See also: 5 space-saving storage ideas for cramped homes
Shelving units
Adjustable shelves
Unlike regular shelves that have fixed dimensions, these allow for flexibility in height as per your requirements so you can accommodate items of various sizes. Consider incorporating these in living rooms, offices or kitchens where the stored items might range from books to large boxes.
Wall-mounted shelves
Being fixed to the wall, these shelves free up a considerable amount of floor space, making them ideal for compact apartments. You can use them for displaying items or keeping items of daily use within easy reach. They generally work well in kitchens, bathrooms and entryways.
Bins and baskets
Clear plastic bins
Being able to see what’s inside a container without having to open it makes retrieval of items a whole lot easier and time efficient. These bins do exactly that and are also available in various sizes, making them a versatile choice for storing items running from clothing to toys. Moreover, some variants are also available in a space-saving stackable design.
Labelled baskets
Baskets can be a great storage option (example: wicker, fabric or metal) and labelling them can further aid your organisation goals. Doing so helps keep their contents easily identifiable, a particularly useful factor in closets and storage rooms.
Drawer organisers
Dividers
Insertable panels that separate drawers into compartments can be a lifesaver when it comes to storing small to medium sized items. They can be used for organising kitchen utensils, office supplies or vanity items, ensuring everything has its place within the drawer.
Trays
Trays function in similar ways as dividers, but are more useful in the case of small items and trinkets, such as cosmetics, jewellery or craft supplies. By keeping things from shifting around within the space they aid easy retrieval of smaller items.
Closet organisers
Hanging shelves
Fabric or mesh units hanging from a closet rod can help make additional storage space for clothes, shoes and accessories. Additionally, they are super easy to install and can be removed as needed.
Over-the-door racks
By fitting in the space over the top of a door, these organisers can hold anything, ranging from shoes to cleaning supplies. These are ideal for use in spaces with limited floor or closet space.
Hooks and racks
Command hooks
These hooks come with an adhesive backing that can be removed without causing any damage or stains on the wall. You can easily use them to hang lightweight items that need to be retrieved on the go like keys, hats or bags.
Pegboards
Pegboards come with grid holes that allow for customisable storage. You can use them with hooks, baskets and shelves to organise tools, craft supplies or kitchen gadgets as per your convenience.
Storage ottomans
Multi-purpose pieces of furniture that provide both seating and storage is a smart option for space optimisation. Featuring a hinged top that opens to reveal a storage compartment, they are ideal for living spaces like lounges, bedrooms or playrooms.
Under-bed storage
Rolling bins
These bins have the ability to slide and fit into compact spaces, such as under the bed, making them perfect for storing seasonal clothing or extra bedding. They are available with built-in wheels for easy access.
Vacuum-sealed bags
Compressing items by removing air makes storage easier and more space-efficient. This trick is especially useful while storing bulky items like comforters or winter clothes. Not only does this save space, but it also protects items from dust and moisture.
Modular storage systems
Cube storage
These cubes that are typically open or enclosed can be stacked or arranged in different configurations as per your convenience. Use them to store items like books, toys or decor pieces and create a great custom storage solution.
Stackable units
Stacking the individual units of this storage solution helps save a lot of space when not in use. They are versatile and can be arranged in various ways to fit your needs, be it for office supplies, kitchen items or crafts.
Cable management solutions
Cable clips
By adhering to surfaces securely, these small clips keep cables from tangling or falling behind furniture. These are a must-have to keep cords on desks or entertainment centres in place.
Cable sleeves
These flexible tubes help in grouping multiple cables together, thereby protecting them from wear and tear caused by frequent use and keeping the space organised and less cluttered.
Vertical storage
Tall cabinets
By extending upward rather than outward, these storage solutions are perfect for tight and compact spaces as they use up the wall space instead of floor space. They come with multiple shelves or drawers and are suitable for storing a variety of items.
Rolling carts
The wheels on these carts allow for easy mobility from one place to another, making them a versatile storage solution. They can be used for holding kitchen supplies, craft materials or cleaning products while being easily tucked away when not in use.
File cabinets
Drawer units
Typically used in offices and workspaces, file cabinets feature multiple drawers to aid organisation of documents, files and office supplies. Additionally, they can be locked for added safety, making them suitable for storing important documents and valuables.
Wall-mounted file holder
A must-have for saving desk space, they can be used to keep important paperwork, mail or documents easily accessible and neatly organised. By freeing up desk space, they also allow for a more efficient workspace.
Labelling systems
Label makers
Print labels on adhesive tape using these devices and create clear, customisable labels for bins, shelves and drawers. From pantry items to office supplies, labelling is something that can benefit all types of organisation practices.
Pre-printed labels
Available in various formats, these can be used for a variety of common storage needs. They are super handy when it comes to quickly labelling storage solutions and ensuring consistency.
Furniture with built-in storage
Beds with drawers
Beds with storage drawers built into the frame are ideal for storing bedding, clothing or seasonal items without the requirement of additional storage space. You can minimise the need of incorporating additional furniture to store such items by using these.
Benches with storage
By offering both seating and hidden storage compartments, these are useful additions in spaces like entryways, mudrooms or at the foot of the bed. You can use them for storing shoes, bags or linens.
Utility carts
Adopt a mobile storage option with carts that have multiple shelves and wheels that facilitate easy movement. These versatile options can be used to store various items such as kitchen supplies, craft materials or office items.
FAQs
What are the benefits of using clear plastic bins for storage?
Easy visibility, protection against dust, stackability and optimisation of vertical space and durability are the benefits of using clear plastic bins.
How can I effectively use drawer organisers to declutter my drawers?
Measure your drawer to get the right size, group similar items together, use customisable options and label the sections for effective storage.
What are the advantages of using modular storage systems?
Flexibility, ease of customisation, scalability and versatility in uses and configurations are some advantages of modular storage systems.
How do I choose the right type of closet organiser for my space?
Assess your storage needs, measure the space to check if your chosen organiser fits, consider the durability and aesthetics of the material and prioritise ease of setup.
What should I look for in a good cable management solution?
Ability to accommodate all your cables, ease of use, minimisation of visible clutter and durability should be considered in a cable management solution.
How can under-bed storage be utilised effectively?
Use fitting bins or vacuum-sealed bags depending on the space available, prioritise storage based on frequency of use, go for easily accessible options and maximise the space by considering the height of the containers.
What are the key considerations when choosing furniture with built-in storage?
Consider functionality, space efficiency, style and aesthetics and the quality of the material while choosing built-in storage.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
