Easily Control Clutter in Your Home With These Innovative Storage Solutions

By Jolene Monaco

Now that I have your attention with a click-baity headline (sorry!), I have to share that none of these storage solutions are innovative. However, they’re such smart ways to control clutter in your home that I wonder why they are not more widely used in new construction and remodeling. 

Control Clutter With Functional Design

Years ago when I was building my townhome, my builder allowed each homeowner to work with an architect. Now that was pretty innovative given the price point I was in. But what happened was the other homeowners all complained about my home. Not that it was offensive, but they didn’t understand why “she got that, and we didn’t.” 

What they didn’t get were functional design solutions to control clutter and manage the household more efficiently. Here are some tips for your next project to spark some envy from your friends:

Mudroom/Laundry Room

As space becomes a more valuable commodity, these hybrid rooms are popping up. Here’s how to use the space more efficiently:

• Stackable washers and dryers are no longer relegated to condos, with many large-capacity options now available. This utilizes vertical space better than having upper cabinets or shelves that are hard to reach.
• With the space you save by having a stackable washer and dryer, you can have space for an appliance closet to house your vacuum, brooms, and mops. Make sure to add an outlet to charge your vacuum!
• Built-in hampers to toss soiled clothes so they don’t have to be tracked through the house.
• Pet stations with a wash area are increasingly popular and can double to wash the mud off shoes.
• I can’t remember the last time I used my ironing board, but I still see them in all the homes we work in. The over-the-door hangers don’t work for most of these with tall doors. Ironing board cabinets have been around for ages and need to make a comeback! There’s also the option of an ironing board pull-out drawer.

Kitchen Appliance Storage Solutions

Having a clean countertop is more than just visually appealing. It allows more prep space for cooking and managing life in this high-traffic area. 

• Appliance garages keep everyday items hidden but easily accessible. 
• Charging drawers are a great way to hide all the cord clutter. Check out YouTube for easy DIY options.
• Pull-out pantries on base cabinets are a great way to save drawer and countertop space for cooking utensils. 
• Incorporate more bottom drawers and fewer bottom cabinets. Having worked in countless kitchens, I found it much easier to access pots, pans, and dishes from bottom cabinet drawers. 
• If you aren’t ready to replace all your cabinets, consider adding pull-out shelves in the lower cabinets. It will add more storage space by replacing that upper half shelf.
• Corner cabinets, AKA blind corners, are the bain of every kitchen. Opt for a lazy susan with a folding door or pull-out shelves.

The number of storage solutions out there is overwhelming. Consider hiring a professional organizer specializing in functional space planning to make your new home construction or remodel less stressful.

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Jolene Monaco, CPO,® is a board-certified professional organizer. She is a professional member of NAPO – National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals and a former board member of NAPO-DFW. She holds an inactive real estate license in the State of Texas and is currently on the affiliate committee of MetroTex Association of Realtors. Before becoming a professional organizer, Jolene worked for 28 years in domestic and international aerospace sales and jet engine maintenance operations.