Picture this: you’re walking through what could be your forever home, but there’s nowhere to stash your winter clothes, sports gear, or the trail of toys your kids leave behind. Annoying, right? That moment when a buyer starts mentally noting where they’ll hide the clutter can be the breaking point between sealing the deal and walking away. Storage isn’t just about tidiness—it actually plays a starring role in a home’s value. Whether you’re aiming to impress potential buyers or just sick of scrambling to hide stuff before guests arrive, the right storage can seriously pay off. But how much does it really matter? Spoiler: it matters a lot.
The Real Impact of Storage on Home Value
Let’s get real about numbers, because property markets run on them. Here in Australia, a 2024 analysis by CoreLogic showed that homes with built-in storage—think walk-in robes, custom closets, large pantries—sold on average for 8% more than similar homes without them. Buyers want space, but they want smart space. They don’t just dream of an extra room, they crave a place where “stuff” belongs. When a house has clear solutions for all the life admin—shoes, coats, gadgets—it feels larger, sleeker, and more luxurious. More than half of buyers (53%) polled by Domain in late 2023 said ample storage was a non-negotiable on their wishlists, outperforming even things like new paint jobs or fancy appliances.
And storage isn’t just about wardrobe size. Mudrooms, fitted laundry cupboards, even thoughtful shelving in garages or garden sheds add perceived value. Home stagers often use baskets under benches or hideaway drawers in living rooms to trick the eye into seeing a home as user-friendly and organised. The real estate industry’s joke is that your house “should look like no one really lives there”—translation: make it look clutter-free and the space sells itself. The logic is simple: clutter shrinks a room, while built-in storage opens it up.
You can’t ignore apartments either. In Perth’s surging city market, units with a decent-sized linen closet or kitchen pantry sold 13 days faster than those without, according to a 2025 REIWA report. And yes, price tags were about 5% higher on average. Across Australia, kitchen pantry size has quietly become an influencer trend—put “butler’s pantry” in a listing and watch viewings surge. But what about the cost versus the benefit? A 2024 Houzz survey showed the median spend on walk-in robes was $2,800, but the increase in home value often doubled that investment—especially in newer suburbs where expectations run high. Storage isn’t a splurge, it’s an upgrade buyers are itching for.
What Kind of Storage Adds the Most Value?
It’s tempting to think any storage is good storage, but buyers can spot the difference between clever design and a half-hearted fix. Think custom rather than DIY, permanent over portable. Integrated solutions like built-in wardrobes, wall shelving, under-stair drawers, or garage organisation systems stand out. A stunning linen cupboard isn’t just a bonus for your towels, it quietly signals thoughtfulness and quality to everyone who visits. Even smaller details matter—the right hooks and cubbies in an entryway make everyday life simpler and can sway families sizing up a home for their kids.
Let’s look at specific examples with real impact:
- Walk-in wardrobes: In newer Perth builds, these are more or less expected, and listings highlight them as a main selling feature.
- Built-in shelving: Custom bookshelves in living areas or studies add personality and practical value. Forget cheap bookcases—these look polished, intentional, and often provide hidden storage at the base for games or electronics you’d rather not see.
- Kitchen pantries: A spacious butler’s pantry is a big deal in modern Aussie homes. Even a pull-out pantry or deep cabinetry makes meal prep a breeze and keeps countertops pristine.
- Laundry cupboards: European-styled hidden laundries paired with clever shelving glide doors help small homes punch above their weight.
- Garage organisers: Overhead racks or modular wall systems mean messy sports gear doesn’t eat into living areas, pleasing families and neat freaks alike.
- Bathroom storage: Custom vanities, mirrored cabinets, or recessed shelving in showers turn bland spaces into luxe retreats.
People love bonus features too. Spaces that double up—like window seats with hidden storage, beds with drawers, or ottomans that swallow spare blankets—show off smarts and make the most of every metre. Built-in solutions almost always attract a premium in urban homes, where every square centimetre counts. But here’s the thing: size isn’t everything. The layout matters. Poorly placed cupboards that eat up room flow or block natural light can actually hurt value, so planning is key.
| Feature | Average Value Added | Percent of Buyers Seeking |
|---|---|---|
| Walk-In Robe | 5%-9% | 74% |
| Butler’s Pantry | 4%-7% | 68% |
| Built-In Garage Storage | 3%-5% | 45% |
| Hidden Laundry Storage | 2%-4% | 60% |
| Bathroom Cabinetry | 2%-3% | 51% |
Let’s not forget: a strong first impression is everything in real estate, and smooth, clutter-free storage says “move in ready” like nothing else.
Making Storage Work for You: Practical Tips and Real-Life Ideas
Obsessing about storage doesn’t mean you need to knock out walls or spend fortunes. Smart tweaks can deliver big impact. First, work out where your pain points are. Is your hallway a collapsing shoe mountain? Is the kitchen forever one Tupperware avalanche away from disaster? Targeted fixes prove the most cost-effective—and they make life genuinely better while you’re still living there.
Here’s what works right now:
- Use wasted space: Under stairs, awkward corners, even the tops of wardrobes can hold pull-out bins or baskets. Get creative and look up for shelf ideas—they don’t all need to be at eye level.
- Choose flexible systems: Adjustable closet organisers, modular shelving, and wire baskets can adapt as your needs change (or when the next buyer brings in their stuff).
- Focus on multi-function: Ottomans, beds, and benches with hidden storage mean you’re not sacrificing style for function.
- Keep storage attractive: Open shelves are trending, but only if you can keep things neat. For high-traffic areas, closed doors and drawers give a streamlined look.
- Look for integrated upgrades: Builders have wised up, and there are more affordable flat-pack and semi-custom options than ever. IKEA hacks, anyone?
- Replace doors with sliding panels: This is huge in narrow hallways, laundries, or bathrooms where every centimetre matters. Sliding storages make tight spots user-friendly.
- Upgrade hardware: Sometimes just swapping old handles or adding soft-close hinges to cupboards makes everything feel fresher and more expensive—not a big deal to you, but buyers notice the details.
On a shoestring budget? Even adding simple hooks behind doors or a cool pegboard in the kitchen can bring order to chaos. Don’t forget lighting—LED strips inside cupboards mean you won’t have to fumble in the dark for that missing shoe. If you’re prepping for sale, go through your home through a buyer’s eyes: is there a spot for everything, or are you seeing “stuff” everywhere you look? Creating obvious homes for things (think shoe racks at entry, baskets in bathrooms, clear pantry bins) helps people imagine an organised life in your space.
This isn’t just about resale, either. Aussie homes are getting more compact, and clever storage means more freedom. You buy less, keep what matters, and lose the stress of clutter. If you ever do list your place, buyers will see possibility, not problems—and that’s where the dollars (or the quick sale) come in.
So when you’re wondering if storage adds value, the answer is a loud yes. Whether you’re future-proofing your sale, chasing more organised mornings, or just want guests to marvel at how put-together your place feels, investing in storage solutions is always a smart move. Think of it as giving your home a hidden upgrade that pays you back in comfort, style, and (if you sell) a little extra in your bank account.