X

Store more

Although downsizing is a growing trend, the reality is that, because of financial pressure, many people will now move to a smaller home or even back in with family, making innovative and creative storage solutions a necessity

Many people will be forced to cut costs in the coming months and while downsizing does have advantages, moving to a smaller home goes with enough storage being one of the biggest headaches, says Chris Cilliers, CEO and co-principal, Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty in the Winelands.

"Downsizing a home can cause much stress and anxiety, especially for people who are attached to their belongings but hate living with clutter. However, with a little planning, it's possible to create a comfortable home and keep your most prized - and essential - items handy without tripping over them."

She offers the following innovative and functional storage solutions:

Maximise closets

  • Add drawer space: If you have a high hanging rail, place a small chest of drawers underneath the hanging clothes.
  • Double up: Add a second hanging rail to double up on hanging space.
  • Accessible accessories: Door racks and hooks on the inside of closet doors are great for accessories like scarves, belts and even shoes.
  • Hidden hooks: A few adhesive hooks behind the hanging space are perfect for belts, scarves and bags that are used less often
  • Optimise wall space

  • Perimeter shelving: Install shelves along the perimeter of your bedroom walls above head height. It's usually the least-used space in a room and will add a good couple of metres of storage space.
  • Install a square floating shelf nightstand: You'll have two surfaces on which to place things and you can store other goods in attractive baskets or boxes with lids on the floor underneath.
  • Mount colourful hat boxes: Great in bathrooms for loo rolls and rolled-up fresh towels, and in bedrooms for extra jerseys and colourful T-shirts or for kids' soft toys.
  • Floating shelves: These work especially well in corners in living areas where they won't be in the way or in small rooms like the bathroom above the toilet cistern.
  • Think vertical

  • Hang a pot rack on the kitchen wall: Use this for frequently used items like pans and sieves and also mount hooks to the backsplash to keep cooking utensils handy.
  • Think thin and tall: Buy shelving that's tall and narrow rather than short and wide, which will also add visual variation and interest.
  • Create a vertical herb garden: Enhance your spice collection with a stunning vertical herb garden, which also serves to spruce up a dull space.
  • Slim rolling shelves on wheels: These are perfect for that space on the side of your refrigerator, or between your dishwasher and the wall.
  • Decorative storage

  • Bookshelves aren't just for books: They are also perfect for storing attractive baskets filled with things like office supplies, spare toiletries, stationery etc.
  • Bins and baskets: Storing belongings in decorative bins and baskets is one of the most affordable and aesthetically pleasing ways to save space.
  • Put your doors to work

  • Behind the door: Fill a plastic multi-pocket shoe organiser with cleaning supplies and hang it behind the kitchen door.
  • Install a floating box shelf above a bedroom or bathroom door: This is handy to store rolled up fresh towels and bathroom toiletries or extra jerseys and books.
  • Build deep shelves in the wasted space around a doorway: If the door position allows for it, it's a great way to add ample shelf space for books, nick knacks and even small plants.
  • Hanging hamper: Your dirty laundry basket doesn't need to take up a square metre of floor space if you hang a fabric hamper on the back of your bedroom door.
  • Other nifty tricks

  • Maximise your drawer storage with modular drawer organisers: You already know they work well in the kitchen, so utilise them in the bedroom for small items like hair ties and make-up.
  • Limit your appliances: Do you really need an electric can opener, a bread maker or a toaster oven? Scaling down on appliances can free up loads of space.
  • Suspend the bike: Bicycles take up a lot of room, especially if they have to be kept in your home. So use a hanging or wall-mounted rack.
  • If you can't part with all your belongings, consider renting storage space where you know they'll be safe and protected from damage, says Cilliers.


21 Jul 2020
Author Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty
194 of 714