It seems like there is never enough space for all our stuff. Every time we create more space to store belongings, we immediately fill it up. Before long, we feel like we're on a never-ending quest to find a few more square feet to store something else. Is there any way to break this cycle and get a system in place to control our use of space? The good news is that it can be done, and it doesn't require renting a storage unit or selling everything you own. With some simple adjustments, you can take control of your storage needs. Here are some ideas to make the most of the space in your house.
Make Space For Your Stuff
Managing the storage space in your home is like finding a balance between having too many belongings and having enough space to store them. To overcome this, you need to assess the available space in your home and find ways to optimize it. This can involve improving organization, reducing clutter, and making the most of the limited space you have. If you're struggling to fit everything into your home, these tips can help you get on track.
Find a Clever Way to Store More
To maximize storage, consider two creative approaches. The first is to utilize unused spaces, such as an attic behind a knee wall, by creating access and adding features like flooring, lighting, and walls to create an organized storage area for items in adjacent rooms. The second approach is to better utilize existing spaces. To do this, fill containers to capacity, store clothing efficiently by using multiple rods or adding a shoe organizer, and utilize overhead racks in the garage for seasonal items. Avoid wasting space by making the most of what you have. Use overhead racks in the garage for seasonal items like bicycles and holiday decorations.
What Should You Get Rid of When Decluttering?
Making decisions during decluttering about what to keep and what to toss is difficult. Our belongings often hold a lot of meaning, even if it's just because they've been a familiar part of our surroundings for a long time. How do you choose to get rid of things like that? It's definitely hard to do, but it's manageable if you create a system that allows you to think logically about each item you're thinking about letting go.
The criteria for keeping something versus getting rid of it are pretty simple. Everything we own should have value--either because we use or because it has intrinsic value. Things we use include clothing, tools, cookware, and so on. Things with intrinsic value would be heirloom items, souvenirs, things from when the kids were little, and so forth. If something fails to meet one of those standards, it can probably go. Here's how to do that.
Downsize Your Belongings!
The easiest thing to do is to create two categories. One is for things that you can part with right now, and the other is for things that get a little more time. If you haven't used it, worn it, or even thought about it for a year or more, it's pretty easy to decide to let it go. If you have, put it away and give it a few months. If you miss it and want to use it or wear it, keep it. If the extra time helps you realize it's not that special to you, let it go. Circle a date on your calendar and re-evaluate all of those items at that time.
Remember that this isn't about placing items in the garbage or even giving them away. It's true that your trash might be someone else's treasure. Have a yard sale, or list the items in an online auction. You've probably seen friends and relatives unloading unwanted items with social media posts. The great thing about selling these items is that you can recover some cash to invest in upgraded storage items like racks, organizers, and containers.
Conclusion
Getting the most out of the space you have for storing items takes a combination of all the things we've discussed today. The process of decluttering can come in many different forms, from reorganizing your home office to the selection technique outlined above.
Removing clutter alone won't fix everything. It's important to eliminate wasted space so that you can utilize it for storing items. Making good use of every space will make it much easier to have room for the things you need to store. You also need to get rid of the things you can't, don't, or won't use. Every unneeded item that you store is a waste of scarce space. Finally, liquidating those items can generate some money to help you cover the costs associated with storing your belongings more effectively. That captures some of the money you've tied up in items that don't benefit you and helps you store the things that do.
With a good plan and some time, you can maximize the use of your available space to keep all your belongings safe, organized, and in good condition.