While storage might seem straightforward, a few common mistakes can derail your efforts to keep things tidy and organized. From overcrowded shelves to using the wrong containers, these slip-ups can create more clutter than clarity. The good news is that most are easy to fix with a bit of know-how.
In this blog, we'll walk you through simple strategies to help you streamline your storage and get things in order. Let's take a closer look at how to level up your organizing game!
Fix These 14 Common Storage Errors for Better Organization
1. Cramming Shelves to the Max
When organizing your shelves, remember that you don't have to fill every inch with items. Overstuffing can lead to clutter and make it difficult to locate things when you need them. Instead, consider a balanced approach by mixing vertical and horizontal arrangements. For instance, if one side features several books or storage containers stacked vertically, counterbalance it with a decorative photo or a unique collectable on the other side. This creates a more visually pleasing look and adds personality to your space. By allowing for some open areas, you can turn your shelves into a functional and attractive display that's both organized and easy to navigate.
2. Choosing the Wrong Storage Containers
Selecting the proper storage containers can make a difference in keeping your space organized! With options like baskets, caddies, boxes, and canisters available, choosing the right type for each task is essential. For instance, baskets are great for holding toys or throws, while caddies are perfect for containing cleaning supplies and keeping them handy. Boxes can be ideal for seasonal items or out-of-sight storage, and canisters are perfect for keeping dry foods like rice or pasta fresh and accessible. By being strategic in your container choices, you can optimize your storage solutions and keep your space clutter-free!
3. Sticking to One Type of Storage
Not all of your belongings are the same size, so why should your storage containers be? Embracing various storage options can make a world of difference in your organization efforts. Instead of sticking to just one style, mix it up! Use open mesh baskets for smaller items, colorful fabric bins to brighten your space, and glass jars to display snacks or craft supplies. Wicker baskets add a touch of warmth and can fit seamlessly into any decor. This blend of sizes and styles maximizes your storage potential and creates an eye-catching display.
4. Overlooking Narrow Spaces
Small rooms can be surprisingly versatile when it comes to storage solutions, provided you approach them with a strategic mindset. In tight spaces, it's essential to select furniture that not only complements the room's aesthetic but also serves multiple purposes. Look for pieces that maximize utility while minimizing their physical footprint, allowing for a more open and airy feel. Utilizing vertical space is key; think about tall shelves or wall-mounted units that draw the eye upward and free up valuable floor space. Additionally, consider furniture with built-in storage options, such as ottomans with hidden compartments or coffee tables that double as storage units. By thoughtfully choosing your furniture and layout, you can enhance the functionality of small rooms without sacrificing style, making them feel more organized and welcoming.
5. Ignoring Overhead Storage Opportunities
While extra-deep cabinets and wide shelves can be great for storing a variety of items, they aren't always the best solution—especially in smaller spaces. Opting for narrower storage solutions can be much more effective. These slimmer options allow you to make the most of tight areas that might otherwise be overlooked. For instance, narrow shelves can fit perfectly in hallways or beside furniture, creating additional storage without taking up too much room. Plus, by using these more compact solutions, you can keep fewer items in each space, which helps prevent clutter and makes it easier to find what you need.
6. Passing by Overhead Spaces
If you find yourself running out of storage space, don't forget to look up! There's a wealth of storage potential just above your head in various rooms throughout your home, including closets, kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms. Often, we overlook the area above eye level, but it can be a game-changer for organizing your space. Use shelves or cabinets that reach towards the ceiling to maximize vertical space. This allows you to store items you use less frequently out of the way while keeping your more commonly used items at a reachable height. Not only does this help keep your space tidy, but it can also create an opportunity for decorative displays, showcasing beautiful items, or seasonal decor.
7. Allowing Visual Clutter to Pile Up
Visual clutter can turn a well-organized space into one that feels chaotic and overwhelming. One of the biggest culprits of this clutter is electronics. With numerous devices, chargers, and cords, it's easy for your space to become tangled and disorganized. However, you can tackle this issue effectively by incorporating vertical containers in attractive patterns or colors. These stylish solutions help keep cords and devices neatly arranged and add a decorative touch to your space.
8. Insisting on Closed Doors
Storage doesn't always have to be about hiding things away. Open shelves and doorless cabinets can be a game changer for accessibility and aesthetics. Consider displaying items you use frequently instead of tucking everything behind closed doors. Your favorite purse or that go-to jacket you wear often can easily become part of your decor while remaining within arm's reach. This helps keep your space organized and adds a personal touch to your home. Open storage can transform how you interact with your belongings, making everyday life more convenient and stylish.
9. Making Things Hard to Reach
Make your home a user-friendly space by ensuring everyone can easily access what they need. If items are out of reach, family members, especially kids, might struggle to find or return them. To tackle this, storage solutions that cater to all ages should be used. For example, keep books and toys on low shelves or in cubbies where little hands can easily grab them. Hang clothes at a height everyone can manage, and fill cabinets with daily essentials that are easy to reach. This approach enhances organization and encourages independence and responsibility among family members.
10. Not Rotating Items with Use or Season
If your closet is overflowing, here's a simple solution: remove anything not in season. Coats, summer shoes, and other seasonal items don't need to clutter your space year-round. Instead, store them away in under-bed space or on upper shelves. This will help free up valuable drawer and rack space for the items you actually need right now.
11. Cluttering Up Your Drawers
Drawers often end up as catch-alls for items we don't know where to put. To prevent your drawers from becoming cluttered, use small trays, bowls, dividers, and containers to organize loose items. Start by removing anything you don't need, then assign a specific spot for each item you decide to keep. This way, you'll find what you need easily and keep your drawers tidy!
12. Not Subdividing Storage
A little organization can go a long way in preventing chaos when it comes to closets and cabinets. To transform a cluttered closet into a serene space, start by gathering an assortment of bins, baskets, and boxes in different sizes. Sort your items by color or type, placing similar items together in labeled bins. This organized approach not only makes it easier to find what you need but also keeps your closet looking neat and inviting!
13. Choosing Single-Purpose Furniture
Choose furniture that offers multiple organizing options to make the most of your storage space. Look for nightstands and side tables with drawers and shelves to keep your items tidy while displaying decorative pieces. Consider coffee tables that have hidden compartments for magazines or remotes and storage ottomans that provide extra seating and hidden storage. Bed frames with under-bed drawers are also great for stowing away seasonal clothes or blankets. This way, you can keep your space organized and functional without sacrificing style.
14. Ignoring the Possibility of a Picture-Perfect Closet
Many people overlook the possibility of a picture-perfect closet, but Roomedys® Spacing Tape (RST) can change that. RST is a simple yet powerful tool that ensures your hangers stay perfectly spaced on the rod, helping you achieve an organized, polished look. Combined with space-saving slimline hangers, RST optimizes your closet, keeping clothes neatly arranged and easily accessible. By using RST, you can categorize your clothes by color, season, or occasion, and ensure everything stays in its designated place. This spacing tape for hangers is a game-changer for anyone looking to create a functional, stylish, and picture-perfect closet. Once you try it, you'll wonder why you didn't think of it sooner!
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Author: Stephen Patrick
Stephen is the Founder and CEO of the Roomedys® brand. Stephen’s inaugural, multi-patented invention, Roomedys® Spacing Tape for Hangers (RST), is poised to transform the world of closet organization. Having spent 25 years in the hospitality industry, Stephen is an expert in functional organization. His mantra, “Everything has a place; everything stays in place,” is the key to achieving a realistic & maintainable routine that provides a feeling of balance and well-being.