{"id":228320,"date":"2024-02-23T16:41:45","date_gmt":"2024-02-23T21:41:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.livabl.com\/articles\/?p=228320"},"modified":"2024-02-29T15:51:37","modified_gmt":"2024-02-29T20:51:37","slug":"how-to-de-clutter-your-home-with-smart-storage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.livabl.com\/articles\/design\/how-to-de-clutter-your-home-with-smart-storage","title":{"rendered":"How to de-clutter your home with smart storage"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Get the most out of your bedroom closet with storage specific to clothing items. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

With spring just around the corner, the time is right de-clutter your home. De-cluttering isn\u2019t just about purging unnecessary items (although that is a big component); it\u2019s about ensuring your home has proper storage to help you maintain that spring clean feeling year-round.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the open-concept floor plan<\/a> as popular as ever, reducing clutter is even more important. While generous sightlines increase the sense of space, open concept is less forgiving for mess.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The benefits of reducing clutter<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clutter creates chaos, visually and emotionally, so reducing clutter through adopting a minimalist mindset around \u201cstuff\u201d and strategizing storage are both important steps in prioritizing health and wellness at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to causing homeowners stress, clutter can impact physical health, because it is harder to clean your home thoroughly, causing germs to linger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having less clutter also makes d\u00e9cor and architectural features more prominent, emphasizing the aesthetic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cutting down on clutter elevates your home\u2019s functionality, by making space available for its intended purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s where planning proper room-by-room storage can help. You can designate specific items to be accessible, but out-of-sight-out-of-mind when you aren\u2019t using them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Storage tips<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHonestly, you really can never have enough storage,\u201d says designer Kathy Kuo of\u00a0Kathy Kuo Home<\/a>.\u00a0and homeowners should look critically at each room in their home for opportunity to create storage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Apart from the obvious (kitchen cabinetry, bedroom and hall closets etc.), be sure to note rooms where storage is needed, but not always prioritized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, \u201cPeople sometimes forget that storage options in a dining room can be really useful, even if you also have storage in your kitchen,\u201d says Kuo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTry a stylish buffet cabinet or hutch or bar cabinet. It\u2019s visually pleasing to have an additional anchor piece other than the dining table and trust me, you’ll use the storage space,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wall space is often underused, and it\u2019s easy to create storage with hooks, shelves and racks, so take advantage of vertical space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be careful not to clutter open shelves or racks with loose belongings. Ideally, use baskets or other containers on the shelves to make it tidier. For example, shelving with cubbies in the mudroom or foyer keep items together and easy to access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Proper storage plays an active role in d\u00e9cor, by clarifying sightlines, with sought-after architectural features, such as built-ins and shelving and with multi-purpose furniture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cStorage furniture looks great and adds depth and visual interest to an interior design,\u201d says Kuo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf you focus on investing in beautifully- made pieces that blend form and function, storage furniture becomes a fun design element,\u201d rather than being strictly utilitarian, she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMany benches and ottomans have built-in storage inside or under the seat and tiered coffee tables offer additional layers of storage and shelving without taking up additional floor space. Another fun idea is using a steamer-style trunk as a coffee table or side table,\u201d says Kuo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Multifunctional furniture is particularly helpful in household high-traffic areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some room-by-room storage tips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The kitchen<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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Use in-drawer organizers in the kitchen. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The kitchen is usually the hub for busy families, and often does double duty for entertaining. That means you need to cut down on clutter on counters, as well as have high-touch items with easy reach to simplify meal prep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n