Simple, Stylist, Storage Solutions for Any Space

Forward Our Mail, Home Organization, Simplify Life

simplify life:

When we lived in our family home, it has nearly 4,000 square feet of space. Our basement was divided into a large walk-out family room, and approximately 650 square feet of unfinished storage space. It was a dream come true. But what we found to also be true was that, when you have the space, you tend to fill the space. When we prepared to sell our house and downsize to a much much smaller apartment (1,200 square feet), I knew I was going to need clever, but stylish, storage solutions to make it all work. Here are some of the best, the simplest, and the most stylish storage solutions I’ve incorporated into our space. The beauty is, they can work for any space; bathrooms, bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens. Let’s talk about it…

storage boxes

Do you remember back in the 1990’s when storage boxes that looked like books were all the rage? I never really jumped on that bandwagon. I always felt like they looked like storage boxes that were supposed to look like books, but didn’t.

Since that time, storage boxes (and baskets) have come a long way. As I look around my room, I can see seven storage boxes in use right now. I’m not talking about bankers boxes or storage ottomans. Although storage ottomans can have their moment. I’m talking about smaller, more defined, refined, storage boxes.

We have a stack of three basket boxes in our kitchen. In them are extra cloth napkins and placemats, batteries and rapid chargers, and tea light candles. We have a faux bone storage box in our living room that holds extra matches, remotes, and paper notes I cannot afford to misplace. In the entryway, we have a stack of two wooden boxes that hold candle remotes, and a few odd trinkets waiting for display. The storage cabinet also holds a beautiful wooden storage box, that lovingly displays travel treasures.

These items are on display, but also do double-duty at keeping clutter at bay and offering stylish storage solutions for us in a much smaller space.

  • color palette
  • color palette
  • candle light

storage furniture

Although our motivation was to own furniture we could move ourselves without help of professional hired movers, our sofa has been the biggest storage solution we inadvertently purchased for our space.

Our sofa is from LoveSac (we have a $100 coupon code if you’re interested), but recently I have seen similar sofa solutions from other manufacturers, as well. I won’t list them because I have not researched them, or tested the quality. But I can attest to the quality and functionality of the LoveSac sofas.

We purchased seven arms / backs (they are interchangeable), four seats, four back cushions, and four storage bases. These pieces are all modular, and can be configured and re-configured in multiple ways; four chairs, two sofas, a sofa with an attached / detached ottoman, a chaise lounge, twin sized bed…on an on.

For us, we store everything from hobby supplies, extra blankets and pillows, out-of-season decor, books, board games, and so much more within the bases. We simply lift the seat cushion, and have ready access to whatever we may need.

You do not have to invest in a new sofa, however, like I mentioned before there are so many great storage furniture pieces available: ottomans, side tables with drawers, beautiful woven baskets, consoles, and benches.

  • storage solutions
  • storage solutions
  • storage solutions
  • storage solutions
  • storage solutions
  • storage solutions
  • storage solutions
  • storage solutions
  • storage solutions

hidden storage

Sometimes, the simplest storage solutions are hidden right under your nose…or under your head, in this instance. For a number of years, I struggled having enough storage for things like extra out of season bedding, heirloom quilts, and time-worn treasured blankets.

What I found was that storing them between the mattress and box spring, or simply under the mattress pad of the bed, was the simplest and most space-effective way to safely store them out of sight.

Even now, I swap out our winter-weight duvet for our summer weight quilt, and as one comes off the mattress, the other goes back on. Then, the mattress pad, then the sheet set. I even store a couple of extra quilts and blankets there as well. It’s simple enough to access, and everything stays stored tidily out of the way. Bonus, I’m not using up valuable storage space in our bathroom or bedroom closets for these out-of-season items.

life changes
life changes
the best storage

Of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t say that the best storage solution is not needing a storage solution. Often we keep things we no longer need or use when they could be passed on to a friend or loved one, or donated to charity. I’ve found that I tend to want to store items, but once they are out of sight, they are also out of mind. I don’t miss them, I don’t reach for them, and so, in honesty, I don’t really need them. And if I don’t need them, that means I also don’t need to store them.

So as you think through storage solutions for your space, think through if you truly want or need that item, and maybe consider decluttering before storing. It will save you time and money in the long run, and will go a long way toward simplifying your life.

xo, Billie

resources:

Similar Posts