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Most people feel like they don’t have enough storage-until they start using what they already have more wisely. It’s not about buying more bins or shelves. It’s about thinking differently about the space you’ve got. In Perth, where homes range from compact city apartments to sprawling suburban houses, the same problem shows up everywhere: cluttered drawers, jammed cupboards, and garages that look like storage unit auctions. The fix isn’t expensive. It’s simple. And it starts with knowing where your space is being wasted.
Start by auditing what you actually use
- Go through every storage area: closets, cabinets, under the bed, the garage, even the attic.
- Take everything out. Yes, everything.
- Sort items into three piles: use regularly, use once in a while, and don’t remember why you kept this.
Use vertical space like a pro
Floor space is limited. Ceiling space? Almost always unused. Wall-mounted shelves, tall cabinets, and pegboards turn dead space into functional zones. In a small kitchen, a set of open shelves above the counter can hold mugs, spices, and frequently used tools-keeping them within reach and off the countertops. In a bedroom, a tall wardrobe that reaches the ceiling gives you more hanging space without widening the footprint.Look at your walls like blank canvases. Install slatwall panels in the garage for tools. Use over-the-door organizers for shoes, cleaning supplies, or craft materials. Even the inside of cabinet doors can hold spice racks or small baskets. Vertical storage doesn’t just save space-it makes things easier to find.
Think inside the box-literally
Not all storage containers are created equal. Flat, stackable bins with clear fronts and labels work better than bulky, opaque tubs. Why? Because you can see what’s inside without pulling everything out. In a pantry, use stackable acrylic bins for snacks, pasta, and cereal. In a linen closet, fold towels and sheets the same way so they stack neatly and don’t topple over.Invest in vacuum-seal bags for seasonal clothing. Winter coats and bulky blankets can shrink to a quarter of their size. Store them under the bed or on high shelves. You’ll free up closet space for things you wear daily. In Perth’s climate, where summer heat can damage fabrics, this also helps keep items dry and moth-free.
Repurpose furniture for hidden storage
Your couch doesn’t have to just sit there. A bench with a lift-top lid becomes a perfect spot for blankets, board games, or kids’ toys. Ottomans with storage inside are great for living rooms. Beds with built-in drawers? Game-changers for small bedrooms. Even a coffee table with a hidden compartment can stash remotes, chargers, or extra coasters.Look for furniture with dual purposes. A dining table that folds down to half its size when not in use? Perfect for apartments. A bookshelf that doubles as a room divider? Saves space and adds structure. You’re not just buying storage-you’re buying smarter living.
Group like items together-then label them
One of the biggest mistakes people make is scattering similar things across different spots. Batteries? One drawer. Cables? Another. Chargers? In the kitchen cupboard. That’s chaos.Group everything by function. Create a tech zone with all chargers, cables, and power strips in one basket. Make a craft corner with glue, scissors, paper, and markers in a single rolling cart. Keep all cleaning supplies in a caddy you can carry from room to room. Label each bin, drawer, or shelf. Use a label maker or even masking tape and a marker. If you can’t read it, you won’t remember what’s inside.
Labeling isn’t just for kids’ rooms. It’s for everyone who’s ever opened a drawer and groaned, “Where did I put that?”
Keep high-traffic areas clear
The entrance, kitchen counter, and bathroom sink are the most used spots in your home-and the most likely to turn into junk piles. The solution? Limit what stays out.At the front door, install a narrow console table with hooks and a basket for keys, mail, and sunglasses. No more digging through bags when you’re rushing out. In the kitchen, keep only daily-use items on the counter: the coffee maker, a fruit bowl, maybe one spice. Everything else? Back in the cabinets. In the bathroom, use a medicine cabinet with mirrored doors to hide toothpaste, pills, and hair tools. Keep only your daily essentials visible.
Clear surfaces mean less cleaning, less stress, and more space to actually live.
Use the back of doors and under-stair spaces
Under-stair storage is one of the most overlooked areas in any home. In Perth, where many houses have split-level designs, that space often becomes a dust trap. Turn it into a utility closet. Install pull-out drawers or shallow cabinets for brooms, vacuum bags, or pet supplies.Don’t forget the back of interior doors. In a child’s room, a hanging shoe organizer can hold art supplies, small toys, or socks. In the laundry room, hang one for detergents and fabric softeners. In the bathroom, use a narrow over-the-toilet shelf for extra towels or toiletries.
These are tiny spaces-but add them all up, and you’ve reclaimed a whole extra closet’s worth of room.
Seasonal rotation is your secret weapon
You don’t need to store your winter boots, heavy quilts, or holiday decorations all year. Rotate them.At the start of each season, swap out what you’re not using. Store off-season items in labeled bins under the bed, in the garage, or on the highest shelf of a closet. Use clear plastic bins with tight lids to keep out dust and moisture. In Perth’s humid summers, moisture-proof containers are a must.
Set a reminder on your phone for March and September. Two 15-minute sessions a year can keep your home from turning into a storage graveyard.
Stop buying storage-you already have enough
The biggest trap? Thinking you need more bins, more shelves, more organizers. You don’t. You need to use what you have better. Before you buy anything new, ask: “What am I trying to fix?” If the answer is “I don’t have enough room,” the real fix is decluttering, not buying.Once you’ve cleared out the junk and arranged what’s left smartly, you’ll be surprised how much space you’ve created. Storage isn’t about quantity. It’s about intention.
What’s the first thing I should do to make the most of my storage?
Start by emptying one storage area completely-like a closet or cabinet. Sort everything into three piles: use regularly, use occasionally, and don’t remember why I kept it. Get rid of anything in the third pile. That single step frees up more space than buying new bins ever could.
Are clear storage bins better than opaque ones?
Yes, for most uses. Clear bins let you see what’s inside without opening them, which saves time and reduces clutter buildup. Opaque bins are fine for things you never need to check, like seasonal decorations. But for everyday items like toys, tools, or pantry goods, visibility is key.
How do I store bulky items like winter coats or quilts?
Use vacuum-seal bags. They compress bulky fabrics to less than a third of their size. Store them under the bed, on high shelves, or in the back of a closet. In Perth’s humid climate, make sure the bags are sealed tightly to prevent moisture damage.
Should I buy storage furniture or use what I already have?
Use what you have first. Many pieces of furniture-like benches, ottomans, and beds-already have hidden storage. Repurpose them before buying new. Only invest in new storage furniture if you’ve decluttered and still need more space.
What’s the best way to organize a messy pantry?
Use stackable, clear acrylic bins grouped by category: snacks, baking supplies, canned goods. Put older items in front and newer ones behind. Label each bin. Keep frequently used items at eye level. This cuts down on food waste and makes meal prep faster.