There is a growing trend of more people living in smaller spaces, with flats and micro-apartments becoming increasingly popular.
As Brits look for simple financial solutions for setting up their homes, the efficient use of storage space has become more important than ever.
According to a survey carried out by Dr. Beckmann, 49% of Brits are struggling to find space to store all their belongings, with clothing being the most common culprit causing storage issues in 2024.
With this in mind, the cleaning specialist has teamed up with TV declutter expert and Sort Your Life Out star Mr. Carrington, who has provided his “savvy” and simple tips for compact storage solutions.
10 simple storage hacks for small spaces
1. “Make use of the space under your bed. You can purchase beds with taller legs to maximize the often-unused area. I like to use a combination of plastic crates with lids to prevent dust buildup.”
2. “The back of the door offers plenty of storage potential. Use an over-the-door rack to store your shoe collection. You can also hang wicker baskets on the back of doors, which can be used for accessories like umbrellas, making every inch of the room work harder.”
3. “Store cushion covers inside your cushions! If you enjoy changing your decor seasonally, try storing cushion covers inside each other like nesting dolls. This not only saves space but also adds extra firmness to your cushions.”
4. “Opt for a wall-mounted, fold-out drying rack. This can also serve as a towel rail, saving space in your laundry area. Pair it with something like Dr. Beckmann Magic Leaves Laundry Detergent Sheets, which are so compact they can fit in tight spaces like between your machine and the worktop.”
5. “Picnic baskets make excellent storage containers! Use them throughout your home to store items such as socks, shoes, towels, and even plates. They are breathable and lightweight, and if you get a few in different sizes, you can stack them to save even more space.”
6. “Repurpose a hanging shower caddy for storing spice jars, stationery, or even cutlery – they are great for storage outside of the bathroom as well.”
7. “Add an appliance shelf to create extra kitchen surface space. Bulky appliances can clutter countertops, but finding shelves designed to fit over your microwave, toaster, or kettle will create a handy spot. Make sure to check with the manufacturer before purchasing to ensure safety measures are taken.”
How do you organize your kitchen? (Image: Kristen Prahl/Getty) 8. “Fabric recycling bags are a great alternative to bulky recycling bins – they are lightweight, easy to carry, and much more space efficient. You can simply hang these on an adhesive hook to reduce the space needed in the cupboards.”
9. “Bathroom storage can be challenging – using narrow trolleys that fit neatly beside the toilet to store toiletries, loo roll, and cleaning products like Dr. Beckmann Toilet Cleaning Sheets is a fantastic option. The toilet sheets are compact and lightweight, fitting into small spaces nearby and effectively removing dirt, limescale, and stubborn marks.”
“The toilet cleaning sheets use 75% less plastic than traditional bottled toilet cleaners and are great to have nearby, as they make quick work of freshening your toilet, effectively removing dirt, limescale, and stubborn marks.”
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10. “Install a shelf above your door. The ledge created by the door frame is a perfect spot to add a shelf, providing additional storage for books or other decorative items, freeing up other areas in your room.”
Mr. Carrington explained: “As our homes shrink in size, every inch of space becomes important, and keeping things organized can be a challenge. Overfilled storage units can become cluttered and chaotic, leading to increased levels of stress.
“Micro-apartments are a growing trend but have very limited space, however, with the right tips and tricks, you can incorporate solutions that make your living environment feel more spacious and clutter-free.”