De-cluttering is such a popular idea that there is even a “De-Cluttering Week” every year. But often it is just that – an idea – and the thought of getting round to sorting out our possessions and clearing out anything that we don’t need or want any longer is often too daunting a task for us to know where to begin.

But why do we all have so much clutter in the first place? Well, part of the reason is that we are a nation of shoppers. Shopping, which used to be a necessity for items we needed, is now one of the nation’s favourite pastimes. And stores are so good at tempting us to buy that we often return home with things we haven’t really got room for. Add to that the instinctive human desire to hoard and very soon our houses start to fill up. Lofts and garages become extended storage space that we fill with items we often forget we even own.

What is de-cluttering?

It is simply getting rid of anything that we no longer need. Apart from seasonal clothes and seasonal items such as Christmas decorations or gardening equipment, anything that is not regularly used or on display is potential clutter. Other exceptions are photographs, CDs/DVDs and books, all of which may not be used or viewed frequently but which form a collection of memories and cultural enjoyments. De-cluttering is not about throwing out our memories but about throwing out everyday items that are no longer useful. So if we know what our clutter is, why is it so hard to de-clutter?

The benefits of de-cluttering

It is often only when people are moving house that they are forced into sorting out everything they own. But why wait until you are moving? Clearing space in your home can help create a peaceful environment that will calm your mind after a busy day. And if your home is organised and clutter-free then that will lead to an organised, clutter-free mind that will view daily troubles in a clearer, more serene way.

Your home is after all a place of sanctuary from the world outside and having control over your private space can be the first step to having control over your life. But in order to embark on the arduous task of de-cluttering we need to feel motivated that a clutter-free home will be worth all the effort. If you cannot appreciate the advantages of de-cluttering then you will never do it. We also need to understand that de-cluttering is absolutely not about throwing away items with any sentimental value, however small, but it is about knowing the difference between clutter and things with sentimental value. Many people never embark on de-cluttering because they don’t understand this difference but there are options such as self storage units if you really can’t bear to part with some possessions but no longer have room in your home for them (you can compare storage prices here).

The 4 main advantages are:

1. A calm, organised living space will lead to a calm, organised life.
2. The satisfaction of supporting a charity close to your heart
3. Making money from selling your unwanted goods
4. Recycling and doing your bit for the environment

Avoid excuses

Once you have convinced yourself of the benefits of de-cluttering and motivated yourself to embark on the task, watch out for the typical excuses we all make to ourselves for not assigning an item to the clutter pile:

1. You might need it at a later date – in a cluttered home, you are unlikely to find the item at the point when you need it so just get rid of it now or put it into a self storage unit.
2. It was a present from someone you are fond of – they will probably never notice it has gone so don’t hang on to it to avoid hurting their feelings.
3. You hope an item will appreciate in value – if you genuinely think it might then consider a self storage facility (many of which have excellent security for valuable items).
4. It reminds you of a particular person or place – whilst de-cluttering is not about throwing away precious memories, it is about clearing out items with little significance in your life now. Keep photos of the person or place if you wish to relive the moment.
5. I will still have too much stuff even once I have cleared out the things I no longer want – You just have to be more ruthless!.

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The task of de-cluttering a home can seem so overwhelming to many people that they never even begin tackling it; others start the job but then it all becomes to much for them and they quickly abandon the chance of living in a clutter-free environment. But if you tackle the task of de-cluttering one step at a time it can become manageable enough to encourage you to begin and will also ensure that you complete the task so that you have some rewards for your efforts.

Of course, there are other, emotional reasons why we might be reluctant to begin or finish the de-cluttering process, most particularly the fact that many of us tend to become unreasonably attached to our belongings and find it almost impossible to part with them. And by this I don’t mean the possessions that have genuine sentimental value. Decluttering is not about throwing out your memories and treasured possessions but simply about getting rid of the trivia we can surround ourselves with; trinkets and ornaments, piles of out-dated magazines, old clothes and shoes, broken electronic equipment etc. etc. It is these items that need to go.

So follow these easy steps to help you achieve that clutter-free, calm and relaxing space you have always wanted:

Where To Start

Begin in the least cluttered room in your house, for instance the bathroom, spare bedroom or study so that you are not overwhelmed before you even start. Tackling just one room at a time and started with the easiest will encourage you to continue.

Taking Stock

Look around the whole room before your start: on the shelves, in the cupboards, on the floor, under the furniture. Look for particular items that do have importance in your life, or that you use regularly then look at what else is there and see how those items make you feel – if you feel nothing (or possibly anger, frustration, stress) then these items are clutter that has to go.

Making A Start

Gather some cardboard boxes and label them “Charity”, “Recycle” and “Rubbish”, and you are now ready to start on the hard work. De-cluttering is hard work but the effort will be worth it when finished. Much like gardening is hard work but the delights of spending a sunny day in a lovely garden make the effort worthwhile.

Start working your way systematically through every item, being as ruthless as you can and placing as many items as possible in your 3 boxes. It is important to recognise that probably every item you own will trigger a memory but you need to ask yourself whether the item itself is necessary for the memories you will continue to hold. It can be helpful to imagine that you only have 5 minutes per room to grab those items most precious to you – you may be surprised at how little clutter you could live without
Cleaning Those Forgotten Corners
Once your room is clear give it a really thorough clean, including the inside of cupboards. It is a much easier task to clean a room when there are only major pieces of furniture in it so you will find it takes very little time as there is no need to move things off surfaces before they can be dusted or wiped. If you had stuff piled on the floor or under furniture there will probably be areas of your carpet, tiles or wooden floor that have not been properly cleaned for a long time!

Storing Everything You Are Keeping

Once you have boxed up and removed everything that you are not keeping then it is time to find a storage space for your precious items. Try to keep surfaces as clear as possible – this makes it easier to keep your home clean and don’t overfill drawers and cupboards, otherwise, you will not be able to find the things you want when you need them. Your room should now be uncluttered and functional with everything in an allocated space. If you need to, buy more storage units to make sure it stays that way.

All you have to do now is repeat the process for every room in the house – that might take you days, weeks or months but eventually you will have an uncluttered living environment that will make your life calmer and less stressful. If you can’t handle throwing away, donating or selling too much stuff at once then try renting a self-storage unit on a temporary basis for storing the items you would like to dispose of but aren’t quite yet ready to do so just yet (you can compare storage prices here). After a few months without them in your home you will probably find your attachment to them has gone.

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Technically at this time of year it is spring in the UK but right now we have the strange combination of blossom on the trees and snow on the ground, but that’s the UK weather for you. Nevertheless, this is typically the time of year when we are thinking of spring cleaning our homes and getting it all in order to enjoy it once the weather is warmer. It may not be a very exciting task but if we do it now we can them relax in the sunshine (or that’s the theory anyway).

While we are emptying cupboards and moving furniture to have a really good clean is also the perfect time to sort out our belongings and decide what we really need to keep, because, let’s face it, we all have far too much clutter in our homes. The only time this isn’t true is possibly when you move into your first home. Then you probably don’t have enough stuff but, trust me, it won’t take long to start filling up those empty spaces. But what if this year instead of just spring cleaning and throwing out or giving away to charity the odd item, we were to really think about a more radical approach and try to take a more minimalist view of our living spaces. Would it improve our living environment and would it make us happier?

It is a bit of a strange word – minimalism – it conjures up an image of doing without or somehow depriving ourselves of comfort but minimalist homes don’t lack comfort they simply lack clutter so perhaps the word is mis-leading. A real, comfortable living space can still be “minimalist”; it will simply contain only those possessions you know to be useful or beautiful (to paraphrase William Morris). And if items are useful but not beautiful then there will be plenty of storage space to hide them away. Better still, the items you choose to have on display, whether they are works of art, ornaments or family photos can be better appreciated because they are not hidden by a jumble of other items. For this reason it is, in fact, easier for a minimalist home to reflect your character and personality because it is allowed to shine through.

And for those of you living in period or character houses, these are just as well suited to a minimalist lifestyle as a contemporary space. In fact, the architectural details of many period homes are hidden by the sheer amount of clutter many people have so these beautiful details can be highlighted by a minimalist approach to living.

And back to that chore of spring-cleaning, it is actually much easier to keep your home clean when the surfaces are clear and uncluttered with possessions and where there is plenty of storage space for everything. But if you really can’t bear to part with all of your belongings in one go try this test: put the bulk of your possessions in a self-storage container for 6 months and you will probably find that you don’t actually need them in your home!

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But, do you ever look at your home and wonder how you can use it better? With some small changes here and there, it could become an even better place to live. Updating your home, giving it a modern tweak on it looks inside and out maybe something you would love to do – but stop short because you think – or you know! – that it is a big job and you have no idea where to start or how.

In this article, we offer five tried and tested steps to getting a modern twist on your home without necessarily taking out a second mortgage, moving home or engaging in disruptive, expensive work. Making changes starts with small steps, one room at a time.

Step 1 – De-clutter

De-cluttering is a time-consuming but cathartic process. You will come across things long forgotten, enjoy some of the memories that they bring flooding back but also sad and anxious about other memories they recall.

De-cluttering is no one’s favourite job because it can take so long, as well as feel like an enormous task. But, if you want to make changes, whether it’s decorating a room or making big, structural changes, you need to begin with the process of decluttering.

It is a job that once started, can overwhelm you. When it comes to de-cluttering, there are a few tips that can help you de-cluttering more effective:

• Don’t start BIG – if you decide to de-clutter a whole room in one go, you may find that a few hours in to the task, you run out of steam. Start small: de-clutter the items in a cupboard etc. Deciding to declutter the whole house will only mean you run out of energy and determination sooner rather than later.
• Don’t forget you need to remove and recycle – de-cluttering can be a cathartic process but only if you see it through from start to end. You may be left with a de-cluttered lounge or hallway but, if the stuff is piled up in another room ready to be recycled etc. – and stays there for months – you have only completed half of the task.
• DO set aside plenty of time – you might think it’ll take half an hour to de-clutter the sideboard but it can take three times as long. Set aside plenty of time; even half an hour is better than not doing anything.
• DO have an idea of what you want to keep – there is no hard and fast rule about what to keep and what not to keep but if you haven’t used it in the last six months or more, then consider recycling, upcycling or donating.

Step 2 – Organise storage

De-cluttering your home is a great process and once you start to come to the end of it in a room, you can start to really see what space you have to work with.

However, there is a common, often forgotten issue when you have sorted through everything: storage. Once you know what you have and what you want to keep, you need to look at effective storage options.

Storage is not just about buying plastic boxes and hiding them away in cupboard; it is about prioritising access and using the space you have in the most effective and efficient way possible; using storage units that work in your space..

Prioritising and ordering items can be a useful way of ensuring that you can find what you want when you need it:

1. Eye level – keep things at eye level that are the most important things and ones that you will access on a frequent basis. This is especially true in wardrobe and cupboard space. Finding things quickly and easily usually depends on your eye being able to spot it amongst a sea of things.
2. Below the knee – the bunch of things that you will want to access from time to time is given storage space ‘below the knee’. This could be in cupboards or the lower portion of a wardrobe. There may be more effort involved in finding something but if you order your things correctly, you won’t need to access them as often.
3. Above the head – and finally, anything that you want to keep but will access infrequently should be kept above your head. This means making more of an effort to access – like climbing a small step ladder. Storing things like winter blankets etc. in the space above your head in the top portion of a wardrobe is a prime example of this.

One way of updating to the look of your home is to use parts of it that are hitherto ‘wasted’. Small nooks and crannies, under stairs spaces and so on can, with shelving and lighting become great storage spaces. Have a look online for inspiration on how to include bespoke and unique storage solutions in your home.

Step 3 – Snag list

Now that you have de-cluttered and started to deal with storage solutions, you can now spend some time looking at the space or the room. The objective is to create a snag list of what you want changing, followed by how you will go about doing this.

Consider these questions;

• What do you really use the room or space for? What would you like or need to use the space for?

It may be a dining room but is this what you really need it to be? It might a space that for the next few years, would be better used as a playroom or kid’s hangout. The best use of your home will depend on how you need to use it, so don’t think you have to follow a prescribe list or set of traditional ideas.

• What tasks can you complete yourself? Which do you think needs professional input?

Some changes are structural so before you start knocking walls down or ripping fireplaces out, it is a wise move to have a professional check for any structural changes or modifications that need to be made. You may feel able, willing and skilled with the right tools to take on certain tasks. Many people find it satisfying to be able to take on a project and complete it.

Step 4 – Create a mood board for each room and project

Updating your whole home is a mammoth task, especially if you decide to take it on all at once; this is why, taking it as a room by room project is a great way of completing it.

Once you have a snag list, you can set a budget for the updating the room or space, as well as deciding on the final look and uplift you are looking for.

In some cases, it may be as simple as painting and decorating or laying new porcelain tiles in the kitchen  but you want it to be stylish and practical. There are many ways of doing this, including creating a mood board.

A mood board is where you gather all the ideas you have about the final look of the room all in one place. Some people spread it out over a poster-sized piece of card but other people keep theirs in folders or a scrap book.

Your mood board will contain important information:

• Measurements and dimensions – measure the floor, as well as height of walls and the windows. These measurements are handy for when ordering curtain, blinds, flooring and so on. If you have these to hand, it makes the whole process a lot less stressful.
• A floor plan of your room – drawing an accurate floor plan, with fireplaces, and any other features can also be a great way of understanding how some things may or may not work in a space.
• Photos – clippings from magazines or from internet sites of colours, patterns and ideas are all kept on your mood board. This way, you can start to visualise how the finished room will look. Many people find visualising the final room difficult; if you are one of these people, a mood board is essential.
• Samples – if you are opting for new furnishings in a space, textures and colours are important. Keeping samples of these in a book is a great way of being able to compare how certain paint or wallpaper could work with them and so on. All too often, in our mind’s eye we may think that the carpet is a perfect match only to find that once laid, it makes the room look smaller or clashes with the décor and so on.
• Inclusive – everyone should have a say in how communal spaces in your home look, and mood boards are a great way of bringing ideas together and how they will work (or not!).

Step 5 – Maintenance of your ‘new’ home

You have worked really hard. You have a de-cluttered home, great storage solutions, a feeling of space and you and your family find that the house is once again, versatile and responsive to your needs.

Keeping it this way is not as tough as you think and this is why;

• Identify your buying ‘patterns or rituals’ – have you noticed how some people’s homes seem full of trinkets without it feeling cluttered? This is because these purchases are considered and thought out ones. This is how you need to be with every purchase you make in the future. Think carefully before every purchase – and never shop when tired – it’s so much harder to resist things.
• Visualise the coming months– you have come across a beautiful, hand blown vase. You must-have it! But, think how it will look in your home in six months’ time. Will it still fit with the décor? Or, if you change the look of that room, will the vase still have a place in it?
• Compulsive buys rarely work out… – everyone has had some kind of impulsive buy. Sometimes they work but more often than not, the item becomes an object that is passed around from room to room, and then put in a cupboard and forgotten about. When it comes to buying something for your home in the future, you need to be confident that it is a well-thought out purchase.
• Regular de-cluttering – staying on top of clutter is important. It doesn’t take long for it to all start to mount up again. Recycling and upcycling are a great way of reusing stuff that you no longer need, or no longer need in its current format. If you do want to recycle items, take advantage of the kerbside collections. Local authorities are now collecting a wider range of items as part of their weekly collections, from clothing to small electrical items. Many local recycling centres also offer collection for larger items and don’t forget that your ‘rubbish’ or unwanted stuff could be just perfect for someone else.

Updating your home takes a little effort and organisation but, get the basics right and you will soon see the fruits of your labour – remember the below and you won’t go far wrong.

• De-cluttering is great but only if you make arrangements for items to be moved/recycled/upcycled and reused.
• As well as budgeting, you also need to plan your time; some aspects of updating your home can take longer than others.
• Mood boards or books are a great way of gathering inspiration and ideas so that you get the final look that you want.
• Not also changes are DIY tasks; structural changes should be OK’d by a builder first or by a structural engineer.
• Get the whole family involved and remember, just because a room has ‘always been used as a dining room etc.’, doesn’t mean it has to stay as one. If you need a play room, then make space for one. It can always be changed back when you no longer need a play space.
• Awkward places make great storage solutions, especially if you use the space available creatively.

The post How to update your home, one room at a time appeared first on Twits Guides.

Not to worry, there are plenty of other ways you can create more space in your homes with a few ‘thinking outside the box’ tactics. In many cases it isn’t a case of adding space with extensions, but utilising the space you do have more effectively, so it in turn works better for you.

Storage, Storage and more Storage

First things first, let’s take a look at storage solutions. It seems that storage is high on the agenda for most homes and something we can never have enough of. Over a lifetime, we accumulate possessions and sometimes it’s a struggle to throw things away with the justification that “this gadget will definitely come in handy one day” or “these jeans will be back in fashion in ten years’ time”. It’s this sentimental thought process and not wanting to waste anything that can cause cupboards, drawers and even rooms to be full to the brim with unused items.

Of course, this isn’t the case with every household, as many people aren’t prone to keeping everything, but they still genuinely suffer from a lack of storage space. However, there are numerous ways you can keep all your items stored away neatly and in an organised fashion to utilise the space more.

Built-in Storage Solutions

Whilst built-in wardrobes and cupboards aren’t a new phenomenon, the modern designs we see now are far better equipped to coping with multi-functional storage. They are not only a great way to deal with a storage issue, but also can add value to your home and use space more effectively too.

The great thing about built-in storage solutions, is they can be closed units fitted with swing or sliding doors, open style shelving or a combination of the two, so you can fully incorporate your storage into the room. The versatility of built-in storage units allow you to create an area to meet your exact requirements and to make use of even the smallest or oddest shaped spaces. For example, if you have a recess in your home under the stairs, in your lounge or bedroom that doesn’t get used properly, why not create a bespoke shelving unit or cupboard so you can actually use the entire space for stashing away shoes, toys, books or anything you like.

If you’re looking for larger storage solutions, it can be a great idea to opt for a built-in unit that spans across a whole wall or certainly a large part of it in bigger rooms. This maximises the amount of storage space you’ll get with the unit, but at the same time creates continuity, with the unit becoming a focal feature rather than a randomly placed freestanding block of storage. Fitting mirrored doors will also make the room feel bigger and lighter, which is particularly important in smaller spaces.

Modern built-in storage also provides numerous ideas for storing items in your unit too, from compartmentalised drawers for smaller items to hanging hooks and with some designs, you can even create a built-in working desk or dressing table, which makes them perfect for home offices, vanity units or kid’s bedrooms.

Tidy your drawers

Whilst we’re on the subject of keeping things organised, even if you don’t have built-in storage solutions, you can still make a difference to those overflowing drawers in your kitchen, bedroom, lounge or bathroom.

Drawers are a great place for tidying away small items, such as stationary, jewellery, paperwork, takeaway menus and pretty much anything that you want to keep, but don’t want on show. However, in many cases things get chucked in a draw and soon get lost, but you can create simple, organised drawer storage solutions by creating your own draw tidy using small boxes or trays and clipping them together. With a myriad of different sized compartments, everything will be neatly in its place and you’ll find more space for storing additional items as the space is used more effectively.

Brilliant Boxes and Baskets

Other great ways to add additional storage solutions into your home is investing in some good quality boxes or baskets. Storage boxes, along with baskets, are versatile and practical. They come in all sorts of designs – clear plastic, painted wicker, printed cardboard, vintage wood – and a whole host of different shapes and sizes too. This means that you can get really creative with using boxes and baskets as storage solutions in your home. Add baskets to shelving or cupboards, so you can easily store more things on the shelves in the baskets, but they’ll be nice and neatly stowed away in a stylish way, with all items out of view. Or invest in a dual purpose footstool or coffee table that has hidden storage inside.

Also, don’t forget about the amount of dead space underneath large furniture, such as beds and sofas. Make use of that wasted space and choose some shallow boxes on wheels that can easily be pulled out and put away for those items that you don’t necessarily need access to every day. This could be rotating your summer/winter wardrobe, DVD’s, books…the possibilities are endless and so are the sizes of storage solutions available – so you’ll certainly find something to suit.

Easy kitchens

Another area in many homes that suffer from storage shortages is the kitchen. It’s a place where you need easy access to ingredients, dishes and pans; and whilst a complete kitchen extension or remodel may not be an option, you can make a few tweaks to maximise the space usage to make getting to everything nice and easy. And don’t forget there are decorating and design elements that can make a space feel larger even if it is not, such as light colours on the walls or large white porcelain tiles on the floor that reflect the light back into the room.

Innovative kitchen storage solutions, include pull out cupboards and shelves, rotating corner cupboard shelving and cupboard and drawer organisers that make life so much easier. These clever storage solutions can be added to most existing kitchen units, so you can adapt keep your spices organised with pull out wire drawers, or get to those hard to reach bowls at the back of the corner cupboard.

Another great way to utilise space in cupboards and drawers is with Tupperware and plastic boxes with lids. They not only help to keep ingredients fresher for longer, but stacking tubs and boxes will use more space in your cupboards so you can fit more in, plus they make finding items easier too.

Hang It or Shelve It

A key to getting more space in your home is to create additional floor and counter space. Of course, furniture takes up the large majority of floor space, but you’d be surprised at how much of your space is taken up unnecessarily with clutter. This is where getting items up off the floor and onto the walls can make all the difference.

Incorporating hooks and hanging areas can have a dramatic effect. It doesn’t matter whether it’s hanging your jewellery on hooks on the wall next to your dressing table, rather than taking up valuable space in a drawer, having extra hanging space for coats, scarves and hats or incorporating a hanging area for kitchen utensils or pots and pans that currently take up space on the worktop or in cupboards.

Shelving units can also allow items currently taking up valuable floor space to be stored effectively. It works incredibly well in well used areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, where you have a number of items that sit on the floor or worktops. With some stylish shelving or even a closed wall unit, you can get items such as cleaning products, spare loo rolls, cooking utensils and spices up off the floors and counters and in their own allocated space.

Decluttering = Space

Whilst creating additional space with clever storage solutions is great, it doesn’t always solve the problem of clutter, as you can simply be transporting stuff from one area to another and simply putting it out of sight and out of mind.

This is why if you are looking to create more space in your home, it’s also a good idea to have a good old-fashioned clear out. No one is saying you should get rid of everything, but taking a more objective and realistic approach to your belongings can help to create additional space.

Knowing exactly what you have and where it’s stored will mean you can house your belongings in a more structured and organised way. Sorting through items and categorising them in terms of the frequency of their use, will make sure that the items you need most frequently are easily accessible, whereas things that are used once, maybe twice a year aren’t taking up valuable front row space.

If you’re worried about things going to waste, why not donate to charity shops or friends, as well as sell good conditioned items on classified websites. That bit of extra money could go towards a built in storage unit!

Consider Your Home Layout

It’s amazing that when you live somewhere, you soon become accustomed to the layout of the furniture; and what in many cases was a temporary layout, remains that way for years, despite the fact it may not actually use the space particularly well.

Where you position your furniture, as well as the size and style can play a significant role in how big or small your home feels and the amount of space that is utilised. Choosing the right position, size and style of furniture appropriate for your home can make all the difference to the amount of space you have to live in.

For example, a huge, chunky dining room table that seats 8 people, will swamp a dining room that’s really only designed to fit a table of 4-6 people. In this instance, you may want to consider downsizing to a smaller table that also has the option to expand for more seating as and when you need it. Also, think about the positioning of furniture, do you have your sofa in front of the bay window in your living room? Have you considered how much space behind the sofa is wasted? Moving the sofa against a wall, can open up the room and allow you to use the recessed area more effectively, whether it’s incorporating additional chairs, a coffee table or storage.

When you’re planning the layout of any room, be it your living room, bedroom, bathroom or kitchen, it’s important to think about the purpose of the room and how you spend your time in there, as well as factoring in walkways. These fundamental elements of planning will make sure you create an area that fits your requirements and isn’t a pain to manoeuvre around.

Where you can, position large furniture such as chairs, beds and sofas flush against the wall, as putting them at an angle will waste space. The same goes for freestanding shelving units, dressers, wardrobes and drawers. Also pay close attention that none of these furniture items are impeding access or walkways as this can make a room feel smaller and less accessible. You want to be able to easily come in and out of a room, as well as walk through it without having to negotiate a lot of furniture on the way.

Avoid Overcrowding

Also be sure that when you’re positioning your furniture that you aren’t overcrowding the room. Sometimes, less is more for creating a well-laid out room that looks spacious and comfortable, so if space is premium in your home, be as minimalistic as you can. Focus on the essential furniture you need in a room first, such as seating, entertainment and storage, then move onto less essential items.

The same rules apply for the size of your furniture. It’s all about choosing furniture that matches the size of your rooms. Unless you have lots of space, avoid large and chunky furniture designs, as these will simply take over small spaces and eat into valuable living space.

As you can see, there are plenty of options for making better use of existing space in your home without the cost of extending. Whether you incorporate clever storage solutions, declutter or reinvest in new furniture pieces, by making some small changes in your home, you can have a really big impact on the space you’re left to work with.

The post Savvy Storage Solutions – The Alternative to Building an Extension appeared first on Twits Guides.

• Be Ruthless – this is the hardest of things for us all to do. It is, however, the number one reason for our cluttered predicament. The issue we have is that we become attached at a sentimental level and it can sometimes cloud our judgement. We need to be brave and ruthless when we de-clutter; if you don’t use it, need it or love it, it goes.
• Strong plastic containers are best – when de-cluttering the worst thing you can do is to have a collection of inferior boxes gathered from your local supermarket, using old boxes with half the side missing and tops ripped off will simply not do. At worst you need to pack away your de-cluttered items into proper packing boxes like removal companies use. The best thing to use, are custom designed plastic containers with lids that fit and clip on. These will keep your precious belongings safe while they are packed away and free from dust and dirt.
• Create an inventory before you start packing everything away create an inventory. Get a pad and write a list as you pack things into the boxes. Closely linked to this tip is the next tip we have.
• Label the boxes there is nothing worse than realising that you need to get something out of storage and you have no idea which box it is in. The solution? Label the boxes and linked to our previous tip put the number of the box onto your inventory list at the top of each page. So as you write your list put the box number at the top of the inventory page to create an accurate record that will make it easy to find particular items should they be needed. There are other ways of improving this process by packing things by room or in alphabetical order.
• Self-Storage finally move your boxes to your chosen self- storage facility. There are several real advantages to using self- storage; if you do pack something away in your de-cluttering exercise that you later need, and you have created your inventory, it is very simple to retrieve your items. Most self-storage facilities have easy access, so retrieving your possessions is simple. Knowing that your favourite items are still accessible and can be retrieved at a moment’s notice makes the process of de-cluttering easier. Saying good-bye to your items is then much easier.

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Can you make your spaces bigger?

Firstly, it is important to consider if you can extend any of the existing rooms within the house in a cost effective way. By simply converting a garage in to a usable room, or adding a toilet downstairs this can make a big difference to the amount of storage space available and the level of comfort for everyone. If there is a large room, adding a small ‘en suite’ can take the pressure off the ‘family bathroom’ and it means that there won’t be a queue in the morning with everyone getting ready at a similar time to leave for work or school. If the new en-suite can be position close to the existing bathroom then that can keep costs down. There are also plenty of good, cheap bathroom fittings available online and a range of inexpensive porcelain tiles – and you won’t need many for an en-suite so it’s an affordable project.

The entrance

Another option is to perhaps add a porch and incorporate a cloak room or storage solution for coats and shoes. Remember that the entrance to the house is the first thing everyone sees when they arrive, so having an area that is clutter free, and where items such as shoes and clothing have a place to be stored is crucial. It may be that the number of people in your house is doubling, so by creating a porch area or cupboard to store the outdoor clothing it will keep everything kept out of sight.

Storage solutions for the living areas

Whether you are updating your existing living area or creating an extra space, the amount of storage available needs to factor in everyone in the house. If it is a house with younger children, they will need their homely comforts and toys to hand to make them feel welcome and keep them entertained. Whether you have older teenagers or younger children coming together, extra sofas or seating is a must. Everyone needs to be able to feel comfortable as this will be an area that is most commonly used and where everyone can come together to relax.

What to use an extra room for?

If you have the luxury of being able to convert a garage in to an extra room, it is crucial to consider everyone when allocating what this space will be used for. By using cube storage solutions, or bookshelves along a wall, you can significantly increase the amount of storage available to everyone involved. It also allows for things to be kept neat and tidy, making the home feel less cluttered. Whilst the majority of items can be stored in other rooms, everyone needs their homely comforts in the room that they will spend the most time.

Cube storage solutions

Cube storage is an ideal storage solution in living spaces. Not only can you purchase colour coordinated boxes to create a colour scheme for your room, these boxes can also hold a lot of items. Each child (or adult!) could be allocated their own box(es) or space to store their things, making everyone feel that their items are just as valued as everyone else’s. Bookcases are also a good choice too as it allows you to store a range of items; CDs. DVDs, or books will all look right at home in one of these. Certain shelves can also be reserved for those all-important family photos showing happy times together.

Creating a second space with a television will accommodate different tastes in programs and channels. If this is possible, it could be that this extra space is also where children’s toys are stored, or a home office is created. By having an additional living area, it means that if anyone is feeling the need for a bit of personal space or quiet, that this can be achieved easily. After a busy day at work or school, having the physical environment that promotes calm and peace can help to relieve stress.

The bedrooms

When two families come together, it may be the case that people who have previously had their own room now have to share. Whilst this can cause conflict, it is possible for everyone to have their own space, even within the confines of one room. In the case of children, beds that contain storage solutions within them are ideal. Cabin beds, or beds with shelving and a desk underneath mean that each child would get their own area to sleep, store their items, and study. A room can also be blocked off in to two distinct areas by using curtains or drapes. A more practical way to partition a room is to use the cube storage previously mentioned and the great thing about this type of shelving is that not only can they totally separate two areas within a room, the boxes provide extra storage solutions for toys, clothing or other personal items. As many shops stock this type of storage, it can be bought in whichever size needed to create two discrete spaces within one room.

Decoration considerations

Decorating can also be a way of distinguish different areas. It could be that the room is painted one colour but items such as wall stickers or pictures unique to each person in the room are used to create a more personal, comfortable environment. On the other hand, the room could be painted in two contrasting colours to create two very distinct (and equal!) spaces. Whichever you choose, it is important that each child is made to feel like they have their own space and create a homely environment for them.

It’s not just the kids that should be considered

As two adults come together, storage and space can also be an issue for them. Even though it is the adults who have made the decision to bring two families together in to one space, the adults too, need their bedroom to feel comfortable and inviting for them. An honest, open discussion is needed beforehand for preferences of colour and choice of storage solution. In the case of a woman moving in to a man’s home, or indeed a new home, the woman may have a preference for having a dressing table, or certain types of storage for their clothes. This will need to be factored in to the space available as these can be quite large!

Clothing storage solutions

Floor to ceiling sliding wardrobes are an ideal way to create lots of space and storage, but the space behind the door can also be adapted to suit the individual. For example, one person may prefer to have more drawers and less hanging space. This can be accommodated by buying drawer inserts for the wardrobe, and reducing the hanging rail space. Because these can be personalised it means that each person will have the correct type of storage for their items.

The bathroom

A bathroom is normally quite a fixed room in terms of the plumbing and the positioning of the suite and his can rarely be easily moved around. However, extending the bathroom or creating an extra space could be hugely beneficial. This is one room that everyone needs to have access to regularly, and quite often at a similar time of day (morning and evenings). If you can enlarge the space or create another one it would be advisable to do so. If you do not have the luxury of doing this, the space can be used creatively to ensure everyone has access to what they need quickly, reducing the amount of time they spend in there.

Bathroom storage solutions

One example of this is a mirror that is also a cupboard above the sink. If items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste and other daily essentials are stored here they can be quickly accessed by all. A cupboard under the sink is another ideal storage option to keep cleaning products, toilet rolls and even small towels to hand but keep them out of sight and make the bathroom clutter free. High shelving is an excellent way of storing towels as it keeps them to hand, and keeps the bathroom feeling like a wider, open space. Within the shower or bath, having enough storage for everyone’s hair and body products is an essential and there are shower shelves on the market that would be perfect for this. Everyone has their own preferences and creating enough space for everyone to have their own products will reduce the amount of time spent hunting for things!

The kitchen

Kitchen with Breakfast Bar and Dinning Table

Unless you have the luxury of putting in a whole new kitchen, this is another room that is totally fixed in terms of layout. In this area, it is important to ensure that there is enough cutlery and crockery to accommodate the growing family. Where 6 plates may have been enough for 2 or 3 people, it could be that more need to be purchased to allow everyone to have access to these without having to constantly wash up! If there is a breakfast bar or seating area, it is essential to consider how many more chairs or seats are needed so that everyone can sit down to eat. Whilst a breakfast bar may not accommodate everyone due to its size, having a dining table where everyone can come together for meals is a great way to bring people closer and share special moments of the day. In addition to this, there are many inserts for cupboards that provide storage solutions for many different kitchen items – after all, there will likely be a few extra items coming in to the house to cater for individual tastes.

Considering all spaces available

Looking at all the different areas within the house that could be adapted for a growing family is an ideal way to create extra space. It is a matter of looking what is available and consider how it can be used in a different way. Using the existing cupboard space, such as those under the stairs (if you have some!) or airing cupboards more efficiently, can create the much needed storage space that is needed for all the extra items that will be brought in to the home. The option of outdoor storage is also not to be forgotten. An outdoor shed is a great way to store items that won’t be affected by changes in weather.

Using attic or basement space can also add more room for everyone coming together. It can be a simple DIY job, such as boarding out the loft space which will allow items that are not needed regularly to be kept safe and sound, without cluttering up the existing space. Quite often people have sentimental items that they wish to keep, however don’t need to have access to on a daily basis. The attic is a perfect place to store these items. The attic can even be used to create a whole extra room or space. A basement can be an excellent area to place an extra freezer or fridge to store the additional food. If the plumbing is in place washing machines and dryers can be moved to basement areas creating extra living space in your kitchen areas.

Bringing everyone together happily

As you can see, there are many factors that need to be considered when combining two families. The most important thing is to ensure that each person feels like that they have their own space and feels ‘at home’. By utilising storage solutions, or using the space more creatively, it can be easy to bring together two families in to one abode. Making sure that everyone’s thoughts and opinions are shared will help to create harmony and bring two families together easily. Giving everyone a sense of the new house becoming their home, is the ultimate goal. It can be difficult to come together in a home however it is easy to make everyone feel valued and welcome with forward planning. Whether it is extending the space, adapting the space, or creating extra storage, there are many options available.

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As we get older the amount of possessions we own seem to grow and storage space becomes a most sought after attribute in any home.How many times have you said to yourself that you just don’t have enough space in your home for all your things? As we grow and make a family, the amount of things everybody has just seems to be insurmountable. It can be tempting to just say you need to move but moving home is an unnecessary hassle just to be able to store all your valuable and sentimental possession. Making use of the available space you already have with DIY is easier than you may think.

When you look around your home, there will be many places of untapped potential that, with a little bit of DIY and creative thinking, you can turn into innovative and beautiful storage areas. So let’s take a look around the home and identify some of the areas in each room which could be turned into handy storage with some DIY and a touch of creativity.

Kitchen

The kitchen is one area of the home that most people feel they simply don’t have enough room. You need cupboards for food, pans, utensil, plates; the list goes on and on. Unless you have thousands to spend on a brand new kitchen with an array of fancy storage options, you may need to get creative to get the storage you want.

So let’s start under the sink. We all have a cupboard under the sink which is generally unused. Don’t waste any valuable space in the hunt for extra storage. Add an extra shelf in there to give yourself more options. Cupboard doors can be turned into extra storage with the addition on a space saver storage rack on the back of cupboard doors. Cleaning supplies, bin bags and any other smaller objects can be stored in these racks giving you extra shelf space.

Cupboard space and storage units are key in any kitchen and most people feel they just don’t have enough. It is relatively easy to implement your DIY skills to add extra cupboards in your kitchen if you need them. You can also add shelving above existing cupboards for pans and pots which you don’t use every day. Knife blocks and magnetic knife holders, which attach to the wall, are also both great ways to save drawer space. You may also want to consider a ceiling rack above any kitchen islands as a great place to hang pots, pans and utensils to save yourself valuable cupboard space.

Lounge

The lounge is where you and your family will spend much of your time relaxing and entertaining. Most people will have amassed a collection of sentimental and personal items by the time they come to own their own home which will take pride of place in the lounge. Extra display and storage options in this room are essential to create the relaxing environment which a lounge should be.

Shelving is the obvious first solution to storage options in the lounge. Even with limited DIY knowledge and skill, putting up shelving is relatively simple and gives you an extra option to display some of your prized possessions. Selecting furniture options for you lounge with extra storage space can also give you extra space to store belongings and also add you your overall décor. Coffee tables with drawers, small cabinets, sideboards and bureaus all give you added storage solutions whilst also give you the opportunity to create a stunning, elegant look to your lounge. You can also investigate the possibility of foot stools which open up to reveal storage on the inside.

If you have alcoves in your lounge, either side of a fire place for example, you have a fantastic opportunity to create some built in storage in this space. A little DIY skill and you can create built in shelves and cupboards within your alcoves which won’t intrude into the space within your lounge and blend in seamlessly within the room. If you have stairs in your lounge then you can also add built in storage cupboards in the space underneath them and create a functional and uniquely shaped cupboard.

If your lounge features an unused or closed off fireplace and chimney breast then this can be converted into an innovative storage option. Opening up the original fireplace and blocking off the chimney above can give you a sizeable space for a built in cupboard or area to place a cabinet, sideboard or shelves. This can be made a real feature in your lounge and give you a creative and unique storage option which make use of all available space.

Hallway

You may not have considered your hallway as a space which you can add storage too but it shouldn’t be ignored. The space under your stairs makes for an ideal built in cupboard area which can be as big or small as you would like. Here you can store big bulky items such as hoovers and also an area to keep shoes and coats so that they don’t clutter your hallway. If you have a boiler cupboard either in your upstairs or downstairs hallway, then this can be converted into a handy storage place for bedding and towels with a simple touch of DIY to add shelving in this area. The hallway is also a fantastic area to add large pieces of furniture such as dressers, bureaus and sideboards. These large pieces of furniture not only give you plenty of storage options but also create a huge impact on people when the entre your home.

Bedrooms

Your bedroom should be a place of peace, tranquillity and relaxation. The presence of clutter or mess can actually have a large negative impact on your sleep as an untidy atmosphere doesn’t lend itself to a restful night’s sleep. Storage space in the bedroom is vital so that you can keep order and calm in what is meant to be the most relaxing area of the home.

Of course the furniture in your bedroom will give you extra storage such as wardrobes and sets of drawers but you can also buy beds which offer storage options. Divan beds often have drawer underneath or you can opt for a bed which mattress rises to expose storage underneath. Built in wardrobes also offer a fantastic array of storage and design options to suit any taste. You can often customise the inside of your built in wardrobe with a simply touch of DIY to add shoe racks, drawers and accessory and jewellery storage. Built in wardrobes can be made to almost any shape and specification to fit any space. They are the ideal solution for uneven or sloped ceilings and smaller bedrooms.

A window seat adds a touch of elegance and old world charm to any bedroom and can also give you added storage options. A window seat is an easily constructed built in storage option which can be made with even the basic DIY knowledge. Situated within the space underneath a large or bay window, a window seat is an innovative use of unused space and the seat itself can be hinged to expose a large storage compartment underneath; ideal for bulky bedding and towels.

Bedrooms often have chimney breasts running through them and if your fireplace downstairs in unused or blocked then you can convert the chimney breast in the bedroom into a built in cupboard or storage space. By removing some of the brickwork and inserting wooden boards and supports, a small cupboard, wardrobe or set back shelving space can be created to make use of every space possible to create unique storage options.

Bathroom

We all use a number of products in the bathroom from shampoo and body wash to moisturiser and shaving gel. Nobody likes the look of clutter and all these products sitting on the side of the bath or sink starts to look unsightly. Storage solutions in the bathroom may seem tricky or thin on the ground but if you get a little creative, there are plenty of ways to add extra storage no matter how big or small your bathroom is.

The space under the bathroom sink is often neglected when it comes to storage solutions buts it is relatively easy and quick to create a storage area in this space. You can choose to create a cupboard or shelving unit which accommodate the base of the sink and works around it to give you an area which you can store bath or cleaning products out of sight and out of the way.

Cupboard can be fixed to the bathroom wall to give you a storage option which is versatile and useful. Cupboard doors can be modified to have rack on them too to extra options to store all your bathroom necessities. You can also create a simple cupboard or shelving unit to sit above the toilet for loo rolls and wipes to be stored, all it takes is some basic DIY knowhow.

Almost everywhere in the bathroom can be used to create storage options if you get a little creative. Even the space above the bathroom door can be used to add shelves to give you a place to put your bathroom items up and out of the way. Tiles can be removed from the walls and small alcoves created in the bathroom to give you built in storage for items such as shower and wash products. A little creative and innovative thinking can help you to look at the space in your bathroom in a different light and see potential to create unique storage solutions even if your bathroom is small and compact.

Loft

Your loft or attic may currently be used as a dumping ground for unused clothes, toys, keepsakes and the Christmas tree but with a little TLC and a touch of DIY, you can turn this space into more than just a place to throw bags and boxes full of knick-knacks.

Firstly, if your loft isn’t boarded out then this should be your first job. Putting in proper, stable flooring in your loft gives you the means to be able to walk around and use all of the space in your loft without fear of coming through the ceiling. Even if you only plan on using the space to put unused items out of the way, boarding the floor is essential so that you can make the most of the space in a safe manner.

Once your loft floor is boarded out you can then look at how exactly you wish to use the space. To make the most of the room you can add built in wardrobes and cupboards around the edges of the loft. As previously mentioned, built in wardrobes can be made to any specification so they can take into account for the sloped loft ceiling and give you a storage option which is tidy and organised. You then have the rest of the floor space to do as you wish; a work are or craft room are popular choices for loft spaces. You may even consider adding a Velux window and turning the space into an extra bedroom.

Conservatory

The addition of a conservatory to your home can give you many extra storage options. The addition of a new room to your home could be just what you need to give you and your family the extra room you crave without needing to move house. While a conservatory may not be the ideal room for built in storage options due to the glass walls, it will give you extra space for items of furniture which will aid in your mission for extra storage in your home.

Get creative with DIY storage

If you need extra storage options in your home then all it takes is some creative thinking. DIY knowledge can help you save money by converting space into storage yourself and many of the tips and tricks mentioned here can be done easily yourself. Think outside of the box and get innovative in your storage solutions to create spaces and designs which suit your personality and your home.

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1. Clean as you go

Yes, it’s obvious; yes, it’s common-sense – but that’s because it really works. Keep a cordless vacuum cleaner – so vacuuming is absolutely effortless and doesn’t involve plugs and wires – and a portable ‘cleaning kit’ with sprays, polishes, dusters, cloths and wipes. Don’t leave anything out once it’s finished with. As you walk out of a room, or up the stairs, take stuff with you. Nipping to the bathroom or having a quick coffee? Wipe a surface. Put used crockery straight into the dishwasher. Train the family to do so too – no one should be allowed dinner/internet/to play until they’ve tidied up. It’ll soon become habit and nobody will even notice.

If you’re pushed for time, just clean the kitchen and bathroom. In those rooms, hygiene is a must, so prioritise. If your wall and floor tiles are clean and gleaming it’s easy to overlook the odd bit of clutter elsewhere. Let’s face it, your house is lived in! A quick polish everywhere else should suffice – the scent of polish gives the illusion of a clean house anyway.

2.Storage, storage, storage:

Everywhere. When everything has a place there’s no need for mess. Many stores specialise in storage solutions which you can customise or build up to fit your space and requirements but you could also choose to create your own to perfectly suit your rooms. Any odd spaces or alcoves are crying out for made-to-fit cupboards, shelves or other storage systems, but everyday furniture can offer storage space, too – cabinets with hooks and rails attached underneath; fireplaces with pigeonholes, tables with drawers… the list is almost endless.

3.Stack it up, but decoratively!

Are you a stacker? You know, someone who seems to collect stacks of… stuff. All sorts of stuff, all over everywhere. Catalogues, books, magazines, recipes and the like? Make a feature of them, again with useful storage. There are some really attractive and stylish office or kitchen storage systems which could actually make a lovely feature. Again, customise them or even make your own – fabric covered boxes and files, or prettily-lined baskets will keep the house neat-and-tidy as well as attractive.

4. Lose the clutter

Keep surfaces clear and the house will look cleaner (plus you won’t need to lift things in order to dust). Plants on windowsills and mantelpieces look fresh and clean and will prevent you from adding yet more clutter.

Now, treat yourself to a bunch of fresh flowers – really, they’ll help the house look clean and smell good, too!

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1. The Clearout

When moving house, you realise the amount of necessary and completely unnecessary possessions you have kept over the years.

Over a period of four months, I de-cluttered the whole house making it presentable for potential buyers. I firstly began with the jam-packed loft and garage, where I had been storing items over the past twenty years, all of which I had decided had sentimental value. The aim was to clear the junk out of both the loft and the garage so that I was able to store items there from the rest of the house that I wanted to keep.

Many would have classed what I was storing in the loft as complete junk, and as hard as it is I have to admit that some items might have just been that, such as the magazines I had kept from the 90s. So I painstakingly went through every item attempting not to put everything in the “to keep” pile.

Luckily the garage was much easier, as over the years it reached a point where the bikes would no longer fit in so we would have a good cleanout meaning we had not stored years upon years of items in there, unlike the loft. So after multiple trips to the dump both the loft and the garage were clutter free and now it was time to de-clutter the house!

Every space in the house was used for storage and all of it was items which I definitely wanted to keep, however, it made the house too cluttered which, let’s be honest, is not the best when you are trying to get your house sold. So I began placing items in the garage and loft till there was no more free space. I had hoped that the house would have looked clutter-free by now, however, this was not the case and I had still not moved some extra furniture out.

So what was my best option? I considered asking family and friends, however, everyone was stuck for space. A self storage facility was my only option, but I feared the cost of it would break my budget, so it had to be cheap. I was able to find a storage space in London which enabled me to quickly store all the extra items I had around the house. There are also a variety of self-storage money saving tips which have helped keep the cost down. So after weeks, the house looked uncluttered, with the loft, garage and my self storage unit being filled to the rafters.

2.The Final Touches

With the house being clutter free it was more obvious the repairs which need to be undertaken before the house could be put on the market. All of these were minor, and could easily be fixed such as the holes in the wall where shelving and pictures had been taken down. I also wanted to repaint the dining room to freshen it up. I found myself unsure what colour to paint the walls, however, I reminded myself that hopefully I would not have to live with it for along, so I played safe and picked an off-white, which apparently helps viewers envisage their belongings in the room better. I had also recently done up the downstairs bathroom but had not yet done the flooring, but I was now thinking of some large porcelain tiles.

One thing you have to be careful of is to avoid making it seem that there is not enough storage in the house. Through de-cluttering this was easily done but I had to pay attention how I stored the remaining items in the house. For many there is never enough storage especially if you are a hoarder like myself, so through correctly storing your belongings it could give the impression that there is more than enough storage space. Even having your cupboards neat and tidy could make the difference as a large majority take a look inside when viewing a house.

These little changes are said to make a large difference in how your house is portrayed on a viewing, as it is not easy selling your home. So with all the changes in place it is now time for the estate agent to come and make a valuation.

3. The Valuation

Estate agents are hard to read, they are both trying to get you and potential buyers the best possible deal so you don’t know really were they stand. To begin with I had three estate agents come to value my house, they attempt not to offend you about your home but at the same time are trying manage your expectations on price. This left me feeling confused and uncertain where I stand, as other houses in the neighbourhood had been on the market for quite a while, and I was unsure of the reason why.

I realised the only way to get honest advice was to be persistent, so I ended up having five estate agents value the house. However, by the fifth agent I realised that I might have been too persistent. He told me that I had to get rid of some of the clutter as well as do some re-decorating. I do wonder what he would have said if I had the valuation before I put my belongings in storage as well as the redecorating. The problem is that estate agents are susceptible to first impressions but so are potential buyers, therefore, I could have not been happier with my choice to clear out the house.

After a long decision, I finally selected the estate agent. Bring on the viewings!

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