There could be many reasons why you needs some clever storage solutions. Modern houses are often short of spacious cubby holes, your children are getting older and they are accumulating more kit or you are downsizing and trying to fit everything into your smaller home.

Luckily, there are some great ideas that are cheap to implement but great for adding storage space. The important point to remember is that a regular clear out of unwanted clutter is definitely the best way to ensure that you dont have too much to store.

In the Hall

• If you have a wide enough hallway, a shelf unit for storing books can be installed along the wall with some interesting trailing plants and an up-lighter to add character.
• If there is under stair storage, this can be maximised with some shelving or assorted storage boxes which can be bought cheaply in different sizes and colours.

In the Kitchen

• Streamlining your kitchen utensils is key because in all honesty, if you have not used your biscuit maker in the five years you have had it, it is unlikely that you ever will. Apply the two year rule to all utensils and pop unwanted kit into your local charity shop.
• There are so many really good storage baskets that slide in and out of kitchen cupboards that can hold a huge number of food cans.
• If you have deep shelves in your pantry, it is possible to buy under shelf racks that will double your storage space.
• A clever parking place for your ironing board is inside the broom cupboard – on the inside of the door suspended on some large sturdy brackets.

In the Sitting Room

• Radiator shelves are easy to fit and provide extra storage.
• Large floor to ceiling book cases are great, but not just for storing books – smart storage boxes in the colour scheme of the room are great storage solutions for CD’s, DVDs etc. etc.
• Some large hat boxes in descending sizes look good and hold plenty.

In the Bedroom

• If you haven’t room for your laundry bag, consider hanging it on the back of the door.
• Under bed trolley boxes are a great storage facility and can be used to store winter bedding and clothes.
• Why not have a large sectioned book shelf as a headboard and fill it with books and attractive ornaments?
• Have bedside tables with good sized drawers for storage.
• Invest in some drawer organisers as these really help maximise on the space.
• Suspend a tiered hanging fruit basket from the wardrobe ceiling and use it to store gloves, hats and socks.
• If you have room, make a display in one corner of assorted old suitcases in a pile and fill them with spare bedding, winter clothes etc.
• In your children’s rooms invest in some captains’ beds that have a desk and book shelf underneath – you can buy brand new, but there are plenty on eBay too.

In All Rooms

• Add a cork pin board as these are really useful for pinning important letters and keys.
• Check out cheap practical storage containers in the local shops and pop these under wall units or bookcases to provide extra space.

Storage needs in a family home are always changing as members get older or take up new hobbies. Try and be imaginative when trying to create more space like our cycling friends who have their bicycles suspended from the kitchen ceiling in their Victorian flat!

Remember that cluttered homes do not sell as well as more minimalist designs so a good de-clutter and hidden storage will help your home sell faster and very often, for a better price too!