Sorry for skipping last week guys, I got food poisoning from a Thanksgiving buffet 
ANYWHO… With my downsizing move quickly approaching, storage has been on my mind nonstop. SO… I thought it might be a good idea to share my thoughts with you all. Without further ado, let’s take a look at some storage best practices, ideas, and even some info about storage units too!
In-Home Storage:
Bins – Bins can be used in a variety of ways. There are cube storage solutions with bins of different colors that can be on display in a home, there are higher-end wooden, wicker, or bamboo options that look beautiful in a space, there are clear, cloth, plastic, or even recycled material bins that are perfect for organizing and maximizing hidden storage like a cabinet or closet, the options are lengthy are the functionality is through the roof!
Cabinets – Cabinetry has the potential to make or break your storage game. We all know the classic trash pull-outs and lazy-susans, but there are so many other options that increase your storage capabilities immensely. My background started in cabinetry, so I have a lot of experience with this – the classics aren’t always the best. While I do think trash pull-outs are still awesome, the thought of a traditional lazy-susan cabinet in the big 2020’s makes my skin crawl. GET A SUPER SUSAN, A CORNER PULLOUT, OR NOTHING. Super susans are built into the shelves themselves rather than held up with a spinning pole, so the inevitable pole collapse that happens with every overfilled lazy susan is a thing of the past. Corner pullouts are awesome because they give you the accessibility of the back half of a blind corner cabinet without getting on your hands and knees for it. Looking into your drawer sizes of choice, optional dividers for drawers and cabinets, and different pull-out options like spice racks and utensil holders are also crucial to maximizing efficiency and clearing off your countertop.
Furniture – Couches with hidden storage under the seats or ottomans that open to reveal a stash of extra blankets are no new thing, but I think they are often overlooked because they can be viewed as less stylish. While I do think it is common for these types of furniture to be more focused on utility, there are so many options that also focus on aesthetics too! One of my dream couches is one with hidden storage, and I would like to think I value style at least a little 😉 There are also chests, consoles, entertainment centers, and event lockers that balance style with storage beautifully, depending on the look you want.
Food – Not everyone has the luxury of a pantry in their home… I know I don’t. This makes the idea of storing Food in your home a more pertinent issue than most think. While you can definitely just use your cabinets are they are to stash your goods, things like spice shelves, organization bins, plate stackers/organizers, or even reusable stackable storage bin kits can make the cabinetry feel more custom and more functional while you’re whipping up dinner.
Eco-conscious options – With all of these organization ideas, there comes the question: Is buying all of these bins really sustainable? The answer, as with an sustainability-related topic, is yes if you choose to do a little more work and diligence when selecting your products. There are storage options that are made of recycled materials like recycled plastics, some made of renewable or eco-friendly options like bamboo and some woods, and then there is always the idea of thrifting storage solutions secondhand or reusing packaging from something else you have previously purchased. For example, I use old egg cartons for seed storage, and I have thrifted glass jars and glass containers for things like spices, pastas, or pantry/freezer things that I have made for the colder months!
Storage Units:
How to tell what size – It can be stressful trying to figure out what size unit you need when you are thinking of storing outside of your home. Most storage unit websites will have an explanation of what might fit in the different unit sizes such as “1 bedroom” or “2 bedroom”, but what does that even include? If you are finding those descriptors unhelpful, there are two options for you. One is to just call the places you are looking at and see what they think will be the best size for what you plan on storing, or you can take some time to crunch the numbers yourself. You can take stock of what you plan to store, think about what can and cannot be stacked, and either sketch out how you might lay out your storage or do the math to see if it will all fit (I did this for my latest storage unit!) Either way, you don’t have to go in blind; there are ways to figure out what size fits best. When in doubt, though, SIZE UP.
How to pack it – THE most important thing about storage unit storing is the art of the stack. My unit TOWERS over me when I open the door. I have things on top of my book case, coat racks stacked on bars, chairs on tables, art on tables or chairs, the combinations are endless. I learned my lesson the hard way that stacking is the only option if you don’t want to pay $200+ a month for a unit though, so get crafty (safely!!!!) on how your stuff can be piled on top of itself.
What to keep in mind when choosing your unit – There are a couple of things to keep in mind when choosing your unit. Do you want to be able to drive right up to it? Chances are it will be an outdoor unit then. Do you need temperature controlled for nice wooden furniture? Chances are it will be inside and a little more money. Need it on the first floor, or are you okay with an elevator? All of these factors change the level of accessibility your unit has, but it also will affect the price. Weighing your options and comparing prices from different companies in your area is worth the extra effort, trust me. Also… BEWARE THE ONLINE PROMOS. Most of them will allow you to pay for your first 3 months up front for a price that seems too good to be true. IT IS. The fine print in the leasing terms will let you know about the 30-40 (sometimes up to 60)% increase that your payments will be after the promotional period is over. Or you can be like me and switch units every 3 months because you refuse to pay full price, but I don’t recommend that, it’s way too much work 🙂
Final Thoughts:
Storage needs are going to look a little different for everyone. Some people prioritize everything being unseen; others like visible storage that is part of the design. Some need accessibility while others just need bigger capacity. I personally enjoy a mix. I like my nice glassware, for instance, to be on display so I can show off my curated collection. Conversely, I want my pantry goods and most food to be hidden away so that its unsightly packaging does not hinder my design. Finally, I like my arts and crafts supplies to be hidden behind a door or sorts, but then very organized and visible so that I don’t forget about what I have in stock and ready to use. Storage is a truly custom, personal detail of a home – make sure your designer understands that so you can create a home that is functional for you!! Happy storing 🙂
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