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The self-storage industry in the US has become a $36 Billion a year industry. Here are some other facts to consider:
- There are more than 82.5 square miles of storage space in the US. That amounts to an area roughly the size of Las Vegas, which is 83.3 square miles.
- There are more self-storage units in the US there are McDonalds and Starbucks combined.
- Only 27% of storage renters live in apartments, while 67% live in single family homes. Out of those that live in single family homes, the majority of them have a garage and more than a third of them have a basement.
- The national average price of a 10×10 storage unit is around $100 per month.
Before you go shelling out upwards of $100 every month on a unit to store all your extra stuff, take a look around your home. There are actually a number of ways in which you can increase your storage capacity right where you are. While shuttling anything not currently in use in your home off to a storage facility is quick, easy and convenient, it also makes it easy to forget. You can end up spending hundreds of dollars every month to warehouse things you have not even used in years.
Keeping everything in your home can also lead to clutter, however, if you are not careful. There are a number of studies that show a direct link between clutter and depression, so creating more storage in your home also helps better manage your stuff. Here are some ways to add extra storage to every room in your home.
Kitchen
1. Organize
There is probably no greater space-waster than disorganization. Not only does disorganization waste space, it also wastes time every time you go to find something. There are literally thousands of helpful hints online on how to organize a kitchen, so before you try to create more space, make sure you are using the space you already have well.
2. Go high
From overhead racks for pots and pans to high cupboards, there are a number of ways to use your overhead space for storage. Most people don’t like storing things in high cupboards or shelves because they are hard to get to. You can solve this problem by storing things there you don’t use often and tuck a folding step stool away somewhere close by.
3. Use the walls
From magnetic knife racks to racks that hold pots, pans and large utensils, there are a number of ways to use your walls as a great storage area.
4. Create an island
You don’t have to custom build an island to create storage in your kitchen. Something as simple as a rolling cart can quickly and easily become extra workspace when you need it and be rolled away into a corner for extra storage when you don’t.
Living Room
1. Use the furniture
From storage ottomans to coffee tables to armoires, there are a number of different furniture pieces that also double as convenient ways to store things.
2. Use baskets
Baskets are not only decorative and make nice accent pieces, they are also useful for storage. Instead of placing a console table behind your couch or sofa, consider a row of tall baskets or a cube organizer with baskets.
3. Use dressers
A bedroom is no longer the only place to use a dresser. You can also use a long, low dresser behind your couch or sofa as a console table or even as a TV stand.
4. Create a storage wall
Where once we had large entertainment centers, you can now create an entire wall of storage right in your living room. Best of all, you can have the best of both worlds by creating a custom-built wall with pre-fabricated pieces that come in a variety of lengths, widths and depths.
Bathroom
1. Downsize
The key to creating more storage in almost every room in your house is to first get rid of everything you don’t need or use. This is probably most important, however, in the bathroom. If you have a built-in linen closet in the bathroom, then you already have plenty of storage. If you don’t, your best bet is to move everything you don’t use every day out of the the bathroom and store it somewhere close by instead.
2. Go portable
If you have multiple people using one small bathroom, put everyone’s bath items into portable shower caddies they can take into the bathroom every day and store elsewhere.
3. Over the toilet
If you must create storage in the bathroom, then an over-the-toilet organizer is great for even the smallest of spaces.
Bedroom
1. Remodel
Older homes tend to have a greater number of smaller bedrooms than newer homes and may even have rooms that are often no longer used such as an enclosed dining room or den. Remodeling helps you not only increase your storage area, but also your useable living space as well. Rather than 3 small bedrooms and 1.5 baths, you can turn your bedroom into a master suite complete with a walk-in closet and laundry area. Remember, when it comes time to sell your home, buyers are looking for many of the same things you are. You can significantly increase the value of your home by doing the remodeling before you place it on the market again.
2. Use furniture
Just like in the living room, you can increase storage space in the bedroom by using storage furniture such as an armoire, storage wall or placing a storage bench at the foot of your bed. Underbed storage is, of course, one of the oldest and best ways to hide away a number of items. You can keep the underside of your bed from getting cluttered, however, by using a platform bed with storage.
3. Downsize and organize
Just like in the bathroom and kitchen, one of the best things you can do is downsize and organize your closet. Closets are often awash with unused space thanks simply to a lack of proper organization. One way to best take advantage of this space is by installing a custom-made closet organizer.
Final Word
Creating extra storage space in your home can be as complicated as doing an entire remodel or as simple as hanging some extra shelves or buying some different furniture. When you keep all your stuff under your roof, however, you are more likely to manage it better. Adding extra storage and utilizing every space in your home well can help you save money on storage and live an uncluttered, carefree life all at the same time.
