Storage Solutions: 8 Surprising Places That I Store Things
In this post: Sometimes being organized requires a creative approach to storage solutions. Here are 8 surprising places that I store things.⇒
Decluttering.
This was, by far, the word most often used by readers in a recent survey to describe what they are currently struggling with. Very timely, given I already had this post planned.
You will hear me talk about storage solutions a lot in the upcoming months (along with many of the other topics mentioned in the survey), as it’s something that I, too, am always working on. I tend to be exceptionally organized, but sometimes this means devising creative solutions for storing things that don’t have an obvious home.
Storage Solutions
I am a staunch believer that the key to organization is ensuring that everything has a place (preferably close to where it will be used), and that you have the right containers to accommodate the things you need to store.
But what happens when you’ve outgrown the obvious storage spots, yet aren’t ready to discard the spill-over?
Today we’ll look at storage solutions and 8 surprising places that I store things, in an attempt to tame the chaos. These aren’t outlandish or impractical storage solutions but just simple creative ways to eek out a little extra storage from the home you already live in.
1. Store plates and tableware in a closet
I am often asked where I store all the plates that I use in my tablescapes. As someone who firmly believes you need to constantly purge to stay organized, I have to admit when it comes to dishes I’m not willing to get rid of very many. I do too many table settings and purging only works for things you don’t actually use.
So when you’ve maxed out the space in your cabinets, you need to begin to look at furniture to house some of the overflow. I could do a whole post on plate storage alone! I use kitchen cabinets, butler’s pantry cabinets and a large classic china cabinet.
But when those proved to be not enough, I co-opted a hallway closet, to provide a bit more storage. It’s next to my dining room and the closed doors keep the dust out and allow me to store various sizes and colors together.
2. Store table linens in a dresser
Many years ago I bought a beautiful antique burled wood chest. The wood is stunning but the piece is in terrible shape and the drawers are not so easy to open. They work best when the contents are as light as possible, so I like to use them for my table linens.
Like plates, I collect a lot of these and the many drawers provide ample storage. I keep tablecloths, napkins, runners and throws in these drawers and as a result, I can store all my linens in one place.
When you’re pressed for storage space, utilizing furniture for this purpose is a key strategy. As I shop for furniture for almost any room, I always opt for the piece with drawers or shelving. I needed a piece for this spot in my living room anyway, so why not pick a piece that could hold all of my table linens?
2. Store teacups in a large basket
I’ve collected teacups for a long time but in my effort to declutter, I prefer not to have them scattered about the house. I think a collection has more impact when presented all together and I was stumped how to best do that when it came to my teacups.
I have presented them layered in a china cabinet or hutch, but the look is a bit outdated and I was looking for something a little more updated.
My solution was to pile a grouping, that coordinated well together, in a sumptuous rattan basket, lined with a vintage white cloth. It looks pretty on a table or tucked into a corner on the floor next to a piece of furniture.
4. Store flatware in a dining table drawer
This is one of my favorite little secrets. Our dining table has tiny drawers at either end. For many years I didn’t use them as they were very shallow and frankly, I forgot they were even there.
I always kept my silver in a traditional storage box that’s packed away in a cabinet. But as I began to entertain more and more frequently, doing lots of table settings, I wanted my flatware to be more accessible.
I also wound up with an extra set when we were cleaning out my parents’ house and so I keep one set at one end and the other set at the other. It’s not the entire set by any means, but I keep my most often used pieces there and it’s an enormous convenience.
5. Store cosmetics and makeup in shoe drawers
If you’ve been reading this blog for any length of time, you already know about my obsession with shoe drawers. I keep everything in them! I designed my closet shelving around the exact dimensions of the shoe drawers and they’re one of my best defenses against being overwhelmed by clutter.
And since I’m also fixated on efficiency, I tend to buy favorite products in multiples. So while I keep my current makeup in my dressing table, I store the extras in shoe drawers on a shelf in the closet.
(Efficency tip: as soon as you pull the last one out of the “extra” drawer, that’s when you need to buy more. This way you will never run out.)
6. Store gift wrap and cards in a writing desk
Perhaps this one is not surprising if you actually use a writing desk, but how many of us really do that? I like to have “stations” in a room that serve a particular purpose, so the writing desk in our living room is dedicated to wrapping and cards.
The drawers are perfect for stationary, gift tags, tissue paper and greeting cards, while a pail at the side of the desk (it’s actually an umbrella stand… ;-)) is where I keep wrapping paper rolls. Of course it’s on the far side of the desk where it’s not so obvious, because it’s not the prettiest thing to look at when you enter a room.
7. Store earrings in clear bead boxes
Another of my favorite storage solutions, I love to keep earrings and other decorative jewelry in individual compartments in clear bead boxes. I store them by color so I can always find what I’m looking for and the separate sections ensure that the earring pairs stay together.
8. Store paper files in a book case
The obvious place to keep files is in a classic file cabinet and we do have two in our home office. But as you get older and life gets more complicated, there always seems to be a need for more and more files.
I use pretty lattice file boxes for current projects or anything that doesn’t fit in our file cabinets, and store them behind the desk in our large bookcase.
I’ve only touched upon some surprising places that I like to stores things, but in the upcoming months I will get more and more into storage solutions, as it’s a clear pressing need for so many of us.
Every time I think I’ve solved the storage dilemmas in my home, new acquisitions crop up that require more solutions. From kids that are only half moved out to cleaning out parents’ houses, that empty nest doesn’t seem so empty anymore. Like many of you, I’m at this exact crossroads in life, so how about we navigate these very cluttered waters together?
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Good morning Lory…although I follow you this is the first I’ve learned of your obsession with clear shoe storage boxes for all things…wonderful idea…any chance you could post a photo of your closet?
Cari
Hi Cari! Sure. Here’s a link to a full post about my closet: https://designthusiasm.com/closet-organization-tips/
(But I also use them in my linen closet and pretty much everywhere else, too… ;-)).
Love your storage ideas – teacups, earrings, cosmetic storage, lattice filing bins…but then, I love everything you post!
Thank you for the kind words, Sharon! You’re so sweet!!
Loved all the good storage information. I’ve always kept my shoes in their boxes but the clear boxes would probably help me wear more of them more often. Since I have him most days, I use the clear shoe boxes for my grandsons clothes. Onesy’s fit perfectly, so far. Thank you for this great post.
You’re most welcome! I’m glad it resonated with you!!
Such great ideas! Thanks for inspiring me to rethink some storage options!
You could make covers for all your books with paper that matches your decor and the title printed down the spine (like a dust jacket so it just folds around the cover without being permanently adhered) then you don’t need to have your books facing the wrong way.
I actually did think of that. It’s a lot of books, though… 😉 I still may…
When we were in a tiny house in the days before AC was everywhere, I stored extra blankets between the mattresses, especially in the summer. I learned then, and even occasionally today, the value of under the bed storage as well. And as a serious cook and baker, every cabinet door in my kitchen has ‘command hooks’ holding something!
Wow, never heard that between the mattress thing. Very cool. Only thing is it’s not that easy to get to, but if you need the storage, go for it… 🙂
Thanks Lory for sharing all your storage ideas. I was finding I just had too much stuff. For me the best incentive to declutter was moving! (I am in my seventh home and this is it!) I discovered to truly succeed in this task I had to have a positive mindset. I realized my extra goods can truly enhance another’s life when I donated to our local women’s shelter, Ronald McDonald house, cancer society. (Everyone likes tea from a pretty teapot or to snuggle under a pretty duvet.) I also had a yard sale and used that extra cash for a family night out. I tackled a few items at a time ( I put all my vases on the dining room table sorted by colour giving me a good visual. I asked myself- Do I need this many glass vases? Do I really need four of a similar size?) Remember you don’t have to do it all in one day/week. Give yourself doable time limits. Celebrate each completed task with a cuppa or a glass of wine!
Great tips! So agree. It feels good to purge and all the better to help others… 🙂
Love all your ideas. Because I have such little storage space I have learned to put white tissue paper on the top and bottom of my placemats, and put them under the cushions of my couch and chairs in my “un-used” living room. It keeps them flat and in perfect shape for use.
Thank you! And that certainly is a creative solution!!
Thank you Lory for the tips and encouragment! I know I certainly need it! I’m at the point where I need to consider calling in a professional at this point. It’s gotten THAT BAD!! I moved all my stuff into my partners house and there is zero storage and being a neat freak, it’s really getting to me. I’m begging him to move at this point because we simply need more room! LOL! I need your words of encouragment so keep them coming! Thanks and have a great weekend!
I’m on it! It’s a constant battle, so I know how you feel… 🙂 Will share as I go!
Love the flatware storage in the drawers of the table! Did you buy special lining for each drawer to prevent tarnishing?
Thanks, Lynn! The drawers actually came lined, so I guess they kind of are made for that. Still most people use the wooden storage boxes instead which is where I keep the rest of my sets, but I use my silver so often, that it’s much easier to keep them in these drawers… 🙂 They also tarnish less when you use them often.
Two suggestions to declutter: donate unread or no longer needed books to your local library. They often resell them in book sales to raise money. Then use a scanner to eliminate having paper files…and store these things digitally.
Love both ideas! I actually have a pretty extensive post coming about digital storage… 🙂
I put my silver cutlery in a very large apothecary jar on display on my tea wagon in my dining room. Never needs to be cleaned and is always accessible. Pretty clear glass jars can keep them separated into knives forks and spoons. I am very organized and this works great for me. By the way my maiden name was Sutton
What a great idea!!
You have great solutions.
Thank you for being most generous in sharing your fab ideas.
Joan
You are so sweet! Thank you!!
Thank you for sharing your ideas. I would love to know how other people store their seasonal items. Have you ever covered this topic?
Hi Janice – sorry just noticed this comment today. Yes, I actually have a post about this, although it’s about smaller items – not the big trees and such. Here’s the link: https://designthusiasm.com/seasonal-storage-closet-makeover/
I have a teapot collection that I display in a china cabinet along with my most-loved books. Was happy to see your teacup collection similarly displayed. Lovely!
Thank you! I’m sure yours is lovely too!!
I have a wonderful dining table with drawers and I use them to store my tapers and some votives. We almost always have candles lit during dinner.
It’s so great to have table drawers! They are so convenient!!
Lori,
Absolutely LOVE all the storage ideas!! The dining room chairs are perfect for that table. Where can I order the chair slipcovers? They are exactly what I’m looking for!
Thank you! Here is the link to the slipcovers for the chairs: https://rstyle.me/+KoKCXP1-0YHduvVSa9SDNw
Phew! Happily surprised to see that I already do most of these. Thanks for helping your readers start the year strong.
I especially like the clear bead boxes for earrings. I too needed an organizational ‘fix’ for my earrings.
At the end of our bed we have a piano bench with a top that lifts for storage. I discovered that simple egg cartons fit into it perfectly. I store pairs of earrings in each egg “hole” and necklaces and bracelets get ‘draped’ in the other side (the top side) of the carton.
No it’s not as elegant as clear bead boxes but they’re out of sight yet easily accessed when needed.
I’m a firm believer in organization but often times if the budget’s tight, there are ‘freebie’ containers that will work quite well. 🙂
As to all those plastic shopping bags……We honestly DO need all of those! We have an orchard and vineyard that we allow friends to pick from. They often don’t bring enough bags so we’re always ready to supply them 😉