Sheltering in place during the COVID pandemic may have put home organizational projects on your radar. And whether that involved simple purging efforts, revamping entire rooms, or taking on significant DIY endeavors, optimal use of space was probably a motivating factor.
Most Floridians don’t have the luxury of basement-storage, so it’s essential to maximize those areas you DO have. If you’re fortunate enough to be planning out your dream home, then here are nine ways you can upgrade your storage options.
1) In the Garage
Adding depth, width, or height to a garage means more than just accommodating larger vehicles. Garage shelving is a perfect way to organize yard tools, beach equipment, sports gear, house paint, cleaners, and other items that don’t require an air-conditioned space.
Additionally:
- Hang bicycles from hooks on garage ceilings that are slightly higher than the standard 8 feet.
- An offset space for a workbench or table saw is an excellent choice for woodworkers.
- A garage closet is a tidy approach to store holiday decorations, luggage, and other miscellaneous items.
2) Up In the Attic
An economical way to add storage space is to “beef up” the webs and chords of your trusses so you can put flooring down in the attic. This solution is perfect to store many of the same items you might keep in a garage.
It’s especially convenient for things that you only use during certain times of the year:
- Artificial Christmas trees
- Life vests
- Winter jackets
- Seasonal sports equipment
If you include spray foam insulation, you can keep the attic cooler.
3) Under the Stairs
Ugly crates never really enhance the decor, but they are often a necessity with our furry friends. This creative use of under-the-staircase-space can clean up the look of your living room, AND it can be a place for Fido to retreat when family-life gets too busy.
If you’re planning on a two-story home, there are limitless options to use this space. When the area is enclosed, it can hide storage boxes. Or keep it open, and use as a wine closet, space for a computer desk, or a cozy reading nook.
4) Hallway Closets
It always makes sense to take full advantage of existing closets by adding shelving above the hanging racks. This gives you a great place for hats, thick sweaters, and extra shoes or boots.
5) Custom Closets
Choosing the cubbies, hanging racks, drawers, and shelves that make sense for the things you already have is an organizer’s dream. Large walk-in closets with quality built-ins—often set up for HIS and Hers—is a perk that custom builders regularly include.
Full-length mirrors and benches or seats allow this space to also act as a changing room.
6) Pantries
When it’s possible, design a space to hang your pots and pans. This frees up cabinets and makes it simple for the CHEF to locate all his tools. It can be a wall that’s in a walk-in pantry. Or it can also be displayed above a cabinet, sink, or stove.
7) Mechanical Rooms
HVAC units and a low voltage panel often occupy a closet-sized space. Why not request some shelving in there to store bulk items that are either used periodically or need to be in an air-conditioned area.
8) Extra Closets
Bonus rooms, home gyms, game rooms, and home theaters should come equipped with a nice-sized closet. It can be used for the items necessary for that particular room, like:
- Board games
- Workout equipment
- Blankets and pillows for a theater room
- Guest items
Or it can be for extra storage that needs to be kept in cooler temps.
9) Kitchen Islands
Expand the functionality of your kitchen island by building cabinets on both sides. Barstools can still be pulled up and used for extra seating and dining options, with holiday items, large gathering dinnerware, or small appliances stored on the backside.
At Westmont…
We love the creative process.
We’ll listen to your vision, brainstorm all the best options, sprinkle in our expertise & professional knowledge to deliver a dream home that will surpass your family’s expectations for years to come.
