7 sneaky storage solutions

Let’s face it, we’ve all got a lot of stuff. Many of the items we have in our households are either necessary appliances and items, or are simply there because we all secretly have the tendency to hoard our possessions.

If you don’t have the heart to give away some of your favourite items or you’re simply limited in terms of space, then don’t worry, we’ve got 7 sneaky storage solutions to keep your hoarding a secret and your home tidy.

Shelves on shelves

This idea maybe isn't so sneaky, but it's definitely a good one. Mounting and stacking shelves onto the wall are a great way to save space, while still adding a bit of style. If you store and style it right, your clutter won't even look like clutter. You can stack and show off anything you collect, like books, houseplants, or even candles. You can even dangle fairy lights or any other small pieces you feel suit your personal style or work well with your home.

Go against what your mother taught you

This idea might not be for any neat freaks out there. Remember that episode of Sex and the City where Carrie said she stored her coats and sweaters in the oven? We think she might have been onto something.

One of the best ways to store items is to hide them in plain sight. By this we mean going against what your mother taught you by stuffing things under your bed or couch. If done correctly, it won’t even look that bad. To make everything sit and fit nicely, it’s best to use this space to store small items, items with a flat surface, or items that can be folded, like clothes or shoes.

Use your tub

This next tip will work best for someone with a built in tub, where you can use the surrounding of the tub for storage.You'll either need to purchase a tub like this, with room for storage around it, or you can craft it from scratch.

The goal is to transform the bathtub into a space with a few pull-out drawers. You’ll then be able to attach metal frames and compartments inside the area to hold your items. Then, you can store all your bathroom cleaning supplies, soaps, bath bombs and shampoos.

Small bathroom? Here are a few ways to make a statement and optimise space.

The stairs

This tip is for those who own a home with stairs and who have a tendency to leave their shoes at the front door. Depending on how many stairs you have, it could potentially be your next shoe closet! What you’ll need to do to transform your stairs into drawers is to hire a professional, like a cabinetmaker, to create a series of slide-out drawers in your staircase. No one will ever know!

You can also utilise the space under your stairs by turning it into a series of cupboards. For suspended staircases, why not try attaching shelves underneath?

Give the kitchen a lift

Whether you’re a baker or someone who generally uses a lot of kitchen appliances on a regular basis, this next storage idea will be perfect for you. One of the disadvantages of owning multiple, high-tech appliances is how big and bulky they tend to be. If you’re looking for a way to hide that mixer or freakishly large toaster, installing an appliance lift under the kitchen bench or in your kitchen cabinet might be the answer you’re looking for.

This simple but effective concept will not only make your kitchen appear less cluttered, but it’ll also save you the trouble of having to take the appliance out every time you want to use it.

If a tiny kitchen is getting you down, we've got a few ways you can 7 hacks to transform your tiny kitchen.

Some pure dedication

If adding appliance lifts isn't an option for you, maybe you’d like to have a large shelf in your kitchen, purely dedicated to your appliances. By storing all your appliances in one large area, it’ll subtly declutter the kitchen while making sure that all your appliances are within plain view, not stashed or hidden away in various cabinets.

Or, if you’d like to get more creative with the idea and are interested in creating an area dedicated to one of your quirky loves, a small ‘station’ of goodies might be the perfect solution. We’re talking tea, coffee, condiments or even alcohol stations. You’ll be able to make your kitchen a little more personal, while also saving your kitchen some space.

Mirror, mirror

Our last sneaky storage idea involves your full-length mirror. This idea does require a little bit of DIY, but we think the results are worth it. If you’re looking for a new, fresh way to store all your bathroom supplies, giving your mirror a bit of an upgrade might be your answer. What you’ll need to do is take your mirror and build a sort of cabinet around it, fitted with hinges, a handle and all. Kind of like a very large medicine cabinet. Then, build in some shelves and start storing!