As a family of six we are always looking for ways to increase storage within our home. Although we welcomed the extra space when we converted our garage a few years ago, it took away a huge amount of storage which left us constantly tripping over all of the things we no longer had space for. As a large family, even when we are ruthless with our clear outs, there is always so many things to find a home for and so I’ve become quite adept at being storage savvy and thought I would share my top 5 hacks so you can do the same.

1. Invest in large storage bags

Maximising your space with the addition of storage bags is such a simple but effective way to get organised and there is no better way to do it than with Lifewit storage bags. Made from a sturdy non-woven fabric with reinforced handles, with a 90 litre capacity, you can easily place clothes which are out of season, blankets, bedding or personal possessions and store them away safely either in your loft, wardrobes, under the bed or in the garage.

The great thing is that when the bags aren’t in use, because they are simply made of fabric, you can easily fold the storage boxes flat so that they too can be placed in drawers or wardrobes to avoid cluttering up your home with anything extra. You can find out more over at their website www.lifewit.com and buy them at amazon here.

2. Add an extra rail to your wardrobes

It may sound simple but adding an extra rail to your wardrobes is a super affordable way to double your hanging space when you’re limited on space. The more hanging space you have, the less drawer space you will need which means you can utilise those drawers for alternative storage or even remove them altogether and replace them with a more effective storage solution.

3. Get creative with your under stairs storage

I’m sure many of us use our under the stairs cupboards as a dumping ground, I know I do, and yet you’re actually looking at a really large storage solution right there under the stairs. Depending on your DIY abilities it’s a relatively inexpensive way to create a huge amount of storage but for those whose skills are more limited, using free standing storage cabinets and cupboards can still be equally effective. From wardrobes to shelving, a pantry to a wine cellar, a cloak room to a downstairs toilet, the options for under stairs storage are endless.

4. Use floating shelves

Another easy storage solution is to scrap your shelving units and go with floating shelves which instantly free up floor space whilst still providing the shelving you need. Floating shelves can be fitted just about anywhere and can be purchased at very low cost or even made yourself with a few simple pieces of wood.

5. Use your doors

Every house has doors and it’s easy to overlook them when it comes to increasing your storage space. It’s super easy to fit a vertical hanging shoe rack to the back of your bedroom doors, or simply add a few extra coat hooks for dressing gowns, coats, or bulkier items. There are many laundry bags on the market you can hook on the back of a door to free up floor space, or for young children these storage solutions are great for storing soft toys. In the kitchen you can use your kitchen unit doors to hang waste bins, spice racks, your ironing board and iron, and a whole host of items to make some space.

This is a collaborative post. All words and opinions are my own.