Have you finally moved from an apartment to a house, or from a house to another one that’s laid out entirely different? Moving is a perfect time to start your new residence off completely organized with everything in its proper place, but only if you commit to the big job of setting it up. If you’re looking at your boxes in exasperation trying to decide where to put it all, these easy storage hacks will make your day!

Purchase Multi-Purpose Furniture

Organization masterminds (surely there are some!) know the value of using pieces of furniture that offer more than one use. Ottomans with inside storage, benches with storage space, decorative trunks, and drawers built under the beds give you more storage space in addition to adding function to the area. Use these types of furniture to store keepsakes, extra quilts, old pictures, out-of-season clothing, Christmas ornaments, and other items you don’t want to display around your home.

Add Shelving

Shelving is the life blood of being able to fit all your stuff into your home in an organized way. Sure, you could throw it all in closets, but could you ever dig it out again? Who needs that stress! Start by adding shelving to your closets so there are places for your different items. Hanging areas for dresses and pants, a shelf for folded sweaters, a small area for shoes, and smaller shelving for ties, belts, and jewelry keep everything neat and easy to find. Do the same in your kitchen. Shelves can keep pots and pans, bowls, cups, spices, and various cooking utensils organized to maximize your kitchen’s functionality. Finally, create extra storage in your bathroom by hanging a shelf with doors over the toilet so you’ll have all the things you need to get ready right at your fingertips.

Related Read: Home Organization Tips: Closet

Take Advantage of Vertical Space

Vertical space is our friend when it comes to plucking extra storage out of thin air. Invest in stackable racks for your kitchen cabinets to effectively double your storage space. Store bulky cookie sheets and large pans vertically on their sides. Add a hanging wood jewelry rack in the bathroom to keep your jewelry organized and accessible. Use tiered shelves in your closets to get the most mileage out of every square inch. And don’t be afraid to hang your boots, handbags, and any other item that frees up your drawer space.

Turn Doors Into Extra Storage

If you have more stuff than space, start creating places for storage. You need to look no further than your doors. For example, buy and hang a shelving unit for your linen closet to store extra toothpaste, shampoo, soap, and other small items. Install hooks inside your closet doors for handbags, ties, and hats. Add hooks to your bathroom door for your bathrobes. Hang shelves on your pantry door to hold pot lids, food items, or cleaning supplies. The possibilities are endless!

Use Your Outside Storage Wisely

Garages, utility rooms, and sheds are helpful places to tuck large items, and things we don’t use every day, out of sight. Be strategic in using outdoor storage space and it will provide you tons of room! Hang pegboards on the walls to get tools and other items off the floor. Add ceiling storage to hang bicycles, camping equipment, snowboards, and anything else you only use a few times a year. Invest in clear totes to store your Christmas decorations, out-of-season clothing, and all of your keepsakes.

Related Read: Unique Ways to Clean up Your Garage

Section Off Large Spaces

Giant garages, spare rooms, and enormous closets can give you a false sense of “I have more room than I need,” which can make you toss things in without thinking. Instead, break up large spaces into sections, where everything has its place. A large storage building will need specific areas for yard work tools, the lawn mower, trimmer, and weed eater. The other side could be used for storing holiday items, or clothing. If there is room for elevated shelving, those could hold items that you don’t use very often.

Make the Most of Tiny Spaces

Turn those few inches of wasted space into storage in minutes. Spaces between appliances and the cabinets can house a slide-out spice rack. Add hooks beside your washer and dryer to hang your broom and mop. Add a holder for your paper towels above your sink and slide a small storage bin in the back of the cabinet under your sink. Hang shelving above a doorway for books and other keepsakes.

It will take a bit of planning to make all of your stuff fit comfortably into your new place. After all, every home has its own character and unique mix of corners, nooks, and crannies. Make the best use of the existing storage space and plan ways to add to what the house already offers, and you will be able to keep every item in its place while keeping your space clutter-free.

Easy Storage Hacks for Homeowners