7 Secrets of Storage

Don't buy storage containers or furntiure until AFTER you have de-cluttered. The very nature of de-cluttering suggests you will have less stuff to store, therefore less storage will be required. It's best to wait until you are finished then really work out what you need.

You want to store items, not just "away" so you don't see them, you need to store then so you can FIND them! Store like items with like - this goes for any type of storage whether it is storing all the grains together in Pantry or all the suitcases together in the self-storage unit. Keeping items together means you only have one place to look for them -ever!

Choose storage containers that is appropriate for the task. For example, for small items use a small storage container This saves rummaging around looking for items in an oversized container and the container itself takes up too much space. For storing papers, if you have lots of shelving perhaps lever arch folders would be better than introducing a filing cabinet.

Choose the correct location to store your items, taking into consideration whether you need to protect it from damp, sun, dust, heat and of course everything needs to be protected from pests!

Get creative with storage, are their storage opportunities right there that you haven't spotted yet? What about under the bed, in long low plastic containers. If you have a spare wardrobe that you don't hang items in, put a set of drawers or small book case inside so you can make use of the storage space. Hang scarves over a hanger in your wardrobe instead of them taking up a whole drawer.

Labelling, don't forget to label your stored items, in particular those items stored away for long periods of time or seasons (for example winter clothing).

Create more space. Simple things like folding clothes properly creates more space, or stacking items in the pantry or even reconfiguring your furniture layout can create more space and potentially more storage opportunities.