September 23 2024
Living in a small home shouldn’t mean living in clutter. At Ready Steady Store, we understand that every square foot counts. With the right storage solutions and a smart approach to organisation, you can transform even the cosiest flat or cottage into a tidy, spacious feeling home.
Whether you’re in a city centre apartment or a suburban townhouse, these space-saving tips paired with our flexible self storage options can help you reclaim your space and keep it that way.
Why Do Small Homes Feel Cluttered?
Small spaces can quickly feel cramped when everyday items like clothes, paperwork, toys, or seasonal items don’t have a designated home. Overflowing cupboards and cluttered surfaces can make your home feel chaotic.
The solution isn’t just about fancy furniture it’s about rethinking how you use your space, and utilising tools like secure self storage to hold the items you don’t need every day.
Step One: Declutter Room by Room
Start with a simple, honest declutter. Tackle one room at a time, kitchen, bedroom, living room, hallway, loft and assess what you use. The first step is always decluttering. Go through your home room by room: kitchen, bedroom, living room, hallway, and loft if you have one. Be honest about what you use regularly and what you could live without for now.
Top Tip: Try the Four-Box Method:
- One box for items to keep
- One for donate
- One to sell
- One for storage
If you haven’t used something in the past year, consider placing it in a self storage unit near you.
Clever Storage Ideas for Small Homes
Once you’ve trimmed down what you own, it’s time to maximise every inch of your space.
1. Make the Most of Vertical Space
Use your walls. Add shelves above doors, cupboards, or empty walls. Tall bookcases and ladder shelves create the illusion of height while giving you extra room for storage.
2. Choose Multi-Functional Furniture
Opt for items that double as storage including ottoman beds, storage footstools, coffee tables with hidden compartments. These are perfect for flats and compact homes.
3. Utilise Under Bed Storage
Store out-of-season clothing in vacuum sealed bags or invest in rolling drawers or clear boxes for easy access.
4. Add Hooks Wherever Possible
Hooks on doors, walls, or inside cupboards can hold coats, bags, keys, or utensils. Magnetic strips work great for knives or tools.
5. Zone Open Plan Space
Use rugs, open shelving, or folding screens to define areas such as separating your workspace from your living area. This helps reduce visual clutter.
Storage Solutions for Seasonal Items
Winter coats, christmas decorations, garden furniture and more take up valuable space. The answer? Self storage for seasonal items.
With Ready Steady Store, you can rent the right size unit for as long as you need. Free up your cupboards at home by storing:
- Bulky winter clothing
- Summer sports gear
- Camping equipment
- Holiday decorations
Find your nearest storage facility in cities like Manchester, Leeds, Lincoln, and Great Yarmouth.
Why Use Self Storage?
Self storage isn’t just for moving house. More UK renters and homeowners are now using storage as an extension of their home. It’s ideal if:
- You’ve downsized but want to keep sentimental items
- You’re storing baby items for future use
- Your hobby gear (like bikes or skis) takes up too much space
- You work from home and need room for supplies or stock
- With extended access and top level security, self storage offers peace of mind and space
Self Storage: Organising Your Self Storage Unit
To make the most of your storage unit:
- Use sturdy, clearly labelled boxes
- Keep an inventory of stored items
- Store frequently used items near the front
- Install shelves to use vertical space inside the unit
Easy Habits That Help Keep Your Home Organised
Long-term tidiness is all about small, consistent habits:
- One In, One Out Rule: Buy something new? Donate or store something old
- Monthly Mini Declutter: Choose one drawer or shelf to tidy each month
- Seasonal Swap: Rotate clothes and gear into storage as the seasons change
Room by Room Storage Checklist
Tackle clutter room by room with these smart ideas:
Kitchen
- Use stackable shelves inside cupboards
- Hang pans on wall-mounted racks
- Store rarely used appliances offsite
Bedroom
- Under-bed drawers or vacuum storage bags
- Hanging organisers for shoes and accessories
- Store off-season clothes in self storage
Bathroom
- Over-the-door organisers for toiletries
- Corner shelves for awkward spaces
- Labelled baskets for bulk buys
Living Room
- Furniture with built-in storage
- Store less-used items like DVDs or board games offsite
- Keep surfaces clear for a tidy appearance
Hallway
- Install hooks for coats, keys, and bags
- Use slimline shoe cabinets
- Store seasonal footwear or umbrellas offsite
Why Choose Ready Steady Store?
With over 20 years in the self storage industry, Ready Steady Store has helped thousands across the UK maximise their living space. Our secure conveniently located facilities are:
- Clean and dry
- Flexible terms for unit size and duration stay
- Affordable and accessible
- Customer Service Team open 7 days a week
Don’t just take our word for it – see our customer reviews.
Find Your Perfect Storage Solution Today
Maximising space in a small home is easier than you think. With a few clever tricks and the support of a reliable self storage solution, you can enjoy a clutter-free, calming environment.
Ready to reclaim your home?
Visit Ready Steady Store and try our storage size guide, or call our friendly team on 0800 321 3211 to discuss your requirements.
