Storage Solutions: Stylish Ways To Declutter

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In today's fast-paced world, maintaining a clutter-free home can be a daunting task. However, with the right storage solutions and a bit of creativity, you can transform your living space into a serene and stylish haven. In this article, we will explore various stylish ways to declutter your home, focusing on practical yet aesthetically pleasing storage solutions that can be easily implemented.

Understanding Your Storage Needs

Before diving into the mission of organizing your living space, it’s crucial to take a step back and evaluate your storage needs. Pinpoint the areas in your home that are most cluttered and in need of attention. Focusing your efforts on these specific trouble spots is key because attempting to tackle multiple rooms at a time can hinder your ability to gauge progress and create unwanted stress. By taking it one room at a time, you’ll not only streamline your efforts but also witness the transformation of each space into a haven of tranquility and style.

Assessing Your Space

Start by walking through each room in your home and identifying the areas that are most cluttered. This could be anything from kitchen countertops to bathroom shelves or even the floor space in your entryway. Once you have a clear picture of where the clutter is, you can begin to think about how you want to address it.

Implementing Stylish Storage Solutions

One way to add both functionality and charm to your home is by using baskets. These versatile storage options come in all shapes, sizes, and materials, allowing you to find the perfect fit for any room. Whether you use them to store blankets, toys, shoes, or even just as decorative accents, baskets are a great way to keep things organized while adding a touch of visual appeal.

Baskets as Storage Solutions

If your hallways and entryways are always scattered with shoes and toys, try adding a basket under a console table like Living Spaces for a quiet, yet flattering way to store your items. Baskets can also be used in the kitchen for storing fruits and vegetables or in the bathroom for towels and toiletries. They come in various materials such as wicker, rattan, or even fabric-covered options that blend seamlessly with any décor.

Open Shelving

If you’re looking to showcase your favorite items while reducing visual clutter, open shelving is the way to go. By removing the doors from your cabinets or investing in floating shelves, you can create a stylish display for your books, décor, and other belongings. Not only does this make your space feel more open, but it also encourages you to keep things tidy and organized.

Open shelving is particularly effective in kitchens where it can be used to display cookbooks, kitchen gadgets, and even fresh herbs. In living rooms, it can be used for showcasing decorative items like vases, sculptures, or framed photographs. The key is to curate your items thoughtfully so that they add to the aesthetic of the room rather than detracting from it.

Narrow Shelves

Bathrooms are high traffic areas where organization is key, and clutter can accumulate quickly. One effective solution we love is incorporating narrow shelves like those featured on Good Housekeeping. These space-saving shelves provide a practical yet stylish way to keep everyday items neatly stored.

Narrow shelves are ideal for bathrooms because they can be installed in tight spaces without overwhelming the area. They can be used for storing toiletries like toothbrushes, toothpaste, and shampoo bottles. Additionally, they can hold towels, washcloths, and even decorative items like candles or soap dispensers.

Functional Furniture

Why settle for ordinary furniture when you can have pieces that offer both style and storage? Functional furniture with built-in storage is a game-changer when it comes to removing visual clutter from your home. From ottomans with hidden compartments to coffee tables with drawers, these pieces allow you to keep your space tidy while adding a touch of sophistication to your décor.

For example, an ottoman with a storage compartment can serve as both a footrest and a storage unit for throw blankets, pillows, or even board games. A coffee table with drawers can keep items like remotes, magazines, and snacks organized and out of sight.

Maximizing Existing Architectural Features

Take advantage of the existing architectural features in your home to maximize storage space. Nooks and alcoves are perfect opportunities to create functional storage solutions that seamlessly blend with your home’s design. Whether it’s a built-in bookshelf, a cozy reading nook with hidden storage, or an alcove transformed into a mini home office, these features can be both practical and aesthetically pleasing.

Built-In Bookshelves

Built-in bookshelves are an excellent way to utilize dead space in your home while adding a touch of elegance. They can be designed to fit perfectly into any corner or alcove, providing ample storage for books, decorative items, and even personal mementos.

Cozy Reading Nooks

Creating a cozy reading nook with hidden storage is another great way to maximize space. This can be achieved by installing shelves or cabinets behind a sliding panel or within the walls of the nook itself. This not only keeps your belongings organized but also creates a peaceful retreat where you can relax and enjoy a good book.

Mini Home Offices

Transforming an alcove into a mini home office is another fantastic idea for maximizing storage space. You can install shelves for books and office supplies, a desk for working, and even cabinets for storing important documents or office equipment.

DIY Storage Solutions

If you're on a budget or prefer to get creative with your storage solutions, there are plenty of DIY projects you can undertake. From repurposing old furniture to creating custom storage bins, DIY solutions offer endless possibilities for organizing your home.

DIY Hat Display

Instead of stacking hats on the tallest shelf in your closet or folding them to fit inside a plastic storage box, hang them. This easy tutorial from A Beautiful Mess uses clothespins and removable adhesive strips to hold the hats, but you could also use towel hooks or spray-painted nails to get the job done.

The best part? Your hat display doubles as chic wall decor. This not only keeps your hats organized but also adds a touch of style to your closet.

DIY Clutch/Purse Holder

Say goodbye to misshapen clutches and handbags cluttering your closet shelves. This no-brainer DIY solution from Fabulous Fashions 4 Sensible Style repurposes a sturdy lid rack to neatly organize your prettiest purses.

DIY Pegboard Organizer

Accessories like belts, ties, scarves, and hats can be tricky to store in a small closet. So instead of shoving them wherever you have precious shelf space, take them out of the closet completely. This clever project from Lookie What I Did combines function and style by corralling typical outfit accessories and displaying them in a giant framed pegboard.

The framed pegboard is genius because it’s basically a blank storage canvas you can decorate exactly how you like. Use it to display everything from hats and ties to belts, scarves, jewelry, or even cologne and perfume in small baskets.

DIY Cabinet Pocket Organizer

Cabinets below the sink are usually home to piles of half-used hair gel, mini shampoo bottles, cleaning products, extra toilet paper, and everything that can’t fit inside your medicine cabinet. That two feet of cramped cabinet space — made even more maddening by the giant pipe in the center — doesn’t quite cut it to store all your favorite products.

Enter: the DIY cabinet door pocket organizer. The Complete Guide to Imperfect Homemaking has a simple tutorial requiring a scrap of fabric and basic sewing skills, but if you struggle with a needle and thread, here’s the cheater version: Buy an over-the-door pocket organizer, cut it down to size, and use screws or adhesive strips to hang it on your cabinet door.

DIY Hanging Storage Bins

Make It & Love It used recycled containers and coat racks to create these simple storage bins that hang on the wall. You can use them to store spatulas, wooden spoons, spices, or even rolled dish towels. Already have plenty of kitchen space? No problem — these recycled bins are insanely versatile. Use them to hold scissors and masking tape in your craft room or makeup brushes and beauty products in your bathroom.

Decluttering Your Storage Room

Decluttering your storage room is a significant step towards achieving a clutter-free home. Here are some tips from The DIY Playbook on how to declutter your storage room effectively:

Set Aside The Time

First and foremost, set aside time to tackle this big project. I blocked out four hours in my workday to focus on our storage room (Spoiler alert: I ended up needing a few more hours to finish it!). Put the time in your calendar, wear comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting a little yucky, and put some headphones on to liven things up. I listened to music and podcasts throughout my afternoon of decluttering and tried to make the most of this task.

Clear Out The Big Stuff

It was hard to even move around our storage room because of all the stuff in here. I chose a day with nice weather so I could move lots of items to our side yard while I worked on the space. Removing some of the big items that were in the way gave me some breathing room.

Make Donate/Trash/Sell/Keep Piles

In the side yard, I started “Donate”, “Trash”, “Sell”, and “Keep” piles so I would know exactly where to place items as I was bringing them out of our storage room. We have a side door from our storage room that leads outside so this was very helpful. I found myself going up and down those little stairs many times during this day!

I recommend loading up on some contractor bags for any items that you’ll be trashing. They’re a bit thicker and heftier than normal garbage bags and they can contain all of the trash you’ll be getting rid of during your big decluttering day.

Sort Into Categories

I’m not gonna lie; I was pretty overwhelmed at first. Where should I even begin? I decided to start with my tools and project supplies since they were scattered throughout the entire space. I walked around and brought them all to one area where I could go through everything bin by bin.

I tossed old supplies, added extra tools to my donate piles, and did my best to sort each item into categories because I do so many DIY projects I accumulate a lot of random supplies during my most recent bathroom renovation I was having so much trouble finding certain tools that I knew I owned It felt good to get everything in working order so that I won’t run into that same problem for my next project.

Take It All Out

I’m a big fan of the “Take everything out and only put back what you truly need” method for every box and drawer This forces you to make a decision on every single item Plus you can then put things back with intention and in an organized manner As for figuring out what to keep and what to throw away I’m pretty ruthless when it comes to stuff Just because you have the space doesn’t mean you should hold onto it As I mentioned clutter can weigh on you and it certainly does for me Just knowing that our storage unit was a big ol’ mess gave me anxiety every time I walked into the basement even with the door closed to that space

Waiting to Buy Storage Bins

These storage shelves were actually left by the previous owners and we’ve used them since Day One of living here When you have shelves like these it’s important to measure them and find containers that will maximize the space We like these clear bins because we can get a peek at the contents inside and they fill the space perfectly However I always recommend waiting until you’re finished decluttering your storage room before you go out and buy buy buy Declutter first and organize second

Making Donation Trips Immediately

I had some pretty sizable donation piles at the end of my decluttering day Instead of calling it a day I loaded up all of the stuff into my trunk and went and donated it immediately Why Because oftentimes you declutter make a donation pile and then that pile just sits there taking up space in your home for the next month or longer I didn’t want that to happen so I made a point to get it out of the house right away Build that into your time

Conclusion

Transforming your living space into a clutter-free haven requires patience dedication creativity and practicality By implementing stylish storage solutions like baskets open shelving functional furniture maximizing existing architectural features and DIY projects you can achieve an organized home that is both aesthetically pleasing functional and peaceful Remember decluttering comes first before organizing so take your time go through each item carefully sort them into categories take everything out only put back what you truly need And always remember owning less is often the best storage solution Happy organizing