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[Mominohio]

Not sure if we have discussed this here recently or at all, but with many moving to smaller spaces, and at a time when we (as a society) seem to have more and more stuff, I thought we might share some storage tips or ideas we use, that may seem outside the norm.

I'll start with something I posted here on a thread before. 

I have a lot of blankets and throws, and honestly don't want to part with them. Since we now have two guest rooms where the beds don't get used hardly ever, I've taken to storing several of the blankets on each bed. 

Simply make the bed like normal, with a couple of blankets on it, put the quilt/comforter/bedspread on top and no one is the wiser.

I also like the foot stools and ottomans that double as storage.

Share any ideas you have for maximizing storage space in the home.

[dex]

Other than clothing I just don’t buy extras.I have 3sets of towels,one set of sheets and one comforter for each bed.I discovered that I forget about the stuff I store so now I just keep what’s necessary.I have Christmas and seasonal items in my linen and storage closet.I display my towels in the bathroom so they are handy to change out and bedding is washed and stored right where it belongs on the beds.

[wagirl]

I have a rolling storage shelves  in my pantry. And got baskets that fit each of the 4 shelves; some are bigger and others are smaller for the different sized things I have in there.. I just roll out the shelves to get something and roll them back in. I still need to organize it  better tho--but I do have my Instant Pot on it as well as a basket for the accessories. Works so well and I doubled my storage space.

[Sooner]

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@dex wrote:

Other than clothing I just don’t buy extras.I have 3sets of towels,one set of sheets and one comforter for each bed.I discovered that I forget about the stuff I store so now I just keep what’s necessary.I have Christmas and seasonal items in my linen and storage closet.I display my towels in the bathroom so they are handy to change out and bedding is washed and stored right where it belongs on the beds.

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@dex  You have the real answer.  Also, think about how easy it would be to replace something.  There's always TJ Maxx and Tuesday Morning if unexpected guests pop up once in 5 years.

The only secret I have is upsize your house and get rid of half of what you own.  Works out pretty well!  

[chrystaltree]

You have to learn the diference between "want" and "need".   We downsized to a 2 bedroom condo years ago and we learned to differentiate between the two.  We learned to let go of things we might want but don't need and won't need in the future.  

[jlkz]

One of the least used spaces: the back of sliding doors on closets.  Mount single or double rod towel racks on the door with no obstructions....measure your stuff to hang to determine if 2 or 3 racks work.

In the long coat closets: I use racks with coat hooks on the short inside walls where there is room from the shoulders of regular rod hanging coats and jackets.  These racks are hung higher than the closet rod.  Good for hats, scarves, umbrellas.

Below these racks I use 3-M hooks for miscellaneous stuff like tote bags, briefcases, etc.

When you use the 3-M hooks, use a higher weight bearing hook just in case.  

 Caution:  I have had one of these hooks for a wall clock and came home to find that the hook gave way, the clock fell and there was a small chunk of the wall on the floor.  Granted, the set up was a few years old....but still !

 In the kitchen, I use smaller hooks on the inside of the lower cabinets near the sink to hang those things you need in a hurry: cutting boards, flat strainer, vegetable brush, flat grater, etc.

[Sooner]

Also, I think that in reality some people have a much higher tolerance for "stuff" that others do.  I think that's your real answer.

It's like the angle of repose--the angle at which a pile of rocks will stack up without falling.  I think there is different "angle of repose" that each of us has for stuff in our lives. 

How much time are you willing to spend on stuff?  Cleaning it, sorting it, dragging it around, boxing it up, paying to store it, looking at it. . .  Does it cause you stress, does it interfere with your life?  All part of the equation. 

[Mom2Dogs]

I am similar to @dex...I do not buy extras....I have just enough bedding for two beds including 1 extra set of sheets for each.  Same with towels, it is just my dh and me living in the house and guests are few and far between.  If I really need something for a guest, I will just go purchase what I need.  I am a 'less is more' kind of girl.

[ScrapHappy]

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@Mominohio wrote:

Not sure if we have discussed this here recently or at all, but with many moving to smaller spaces, and at a time when we (as a society) seem to have more and more stuff, I thought we might share some storage tips or ideas we use, that may seem outside the norm.

I'll start with something I posted here on a thread before. 

I have a lot of blankets and throws, and honestly don't want to part with them. Since we now have two guest rooms where the beds don't get used hardly ever, I've taken to storing several of the blankets on each bed. 

Simply make the bed like normal, with a couple of blankets on it, put the quilt/comforter/bedspread on top and no one is the wiser.

I also like the foot stools and ottomans that double as storage.

Share any ideas you have for maximizing storage space in the home.

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I went from a 1500 square foot home with no basement and no attic to a 7500 square foot home with a finished basement and attic.  Plenty of room now.

[gidgetgh]

I don’t know that I have storage secrets, though I’m a really, really organized person.  I just want to have enough stuff so that it all goes where it’s supposed to go.  Linens go in the linen closet, kitchen stuff stays in the kitchen, etc. 

If I have to get creative on where to put things or buy all sorts of storage bins and other things to cram stuff in and then put them in a basement or attic to languish In obscurity or horrors, renting a storage unit, then I have too much stuff. I don’t get more complicated than that. 

Everyone has to find their “click point” on how much is enough so that you feel comfortable with the amount of belongings you have.