When we move into our first homes, many of us tend to have few belongings. We stick to the basics and the essentials, keeping our properties clean and clear. That’s until we have children. As soon as you become a parent, you will quickly realise that there is an increasing number of belongings scattered about the house: cribs, car seats, baby grows, bottles, soft toys… the list goes on. As your children grow, these items multiply: toys, games, and puzzles start to take up every nook and cranny of the house. You also find that you have more appliances and utensils to accommodate your family: blenders, toastie makers, strimmers and lawnmowers for the garden. By the time your little ones are teenagers and slowly creeping closer to flying the nest, your home is packed to the brim. It’s almost guaranteed that by this point you’ll have drawers full of miscellaneous items, like batteries. You will also probably have a cupboard packed to bursting with things that nobody uses anymore but nobody wants to throw away. Not to mention your loft space. Chances are this is overflowing with festive decorations from years gone by, party outfits, folders filled with achievement certificates and boxes of trophies. So, where should you start when tackling these overflowing storage spaces in your home? The task may be daunting, but you’re going to need to undertake it at some point or another, so why wait? Here’s a quick guide to help you through the ordeal.
Have a Clear Out
Now, there may be items that nobody wants to throw away, but you have to be severe with your clearance of junk. If something isn’t used, doesn’t hold particularly poignant sentimental value and is gathering dust or taking up unnecessary space, it’s time for it to go. If the item is in good condition and could be used by someone else, donate it to a charity shop. It will then be put to good use instead of being sent to landfill. If something is damaged or broken, recycle it if possible. This will get rid a lot of junk. You may of course need to remove everything from the house due to a house move or a relative has passed away. This will be when a house clearance company will be the best option for a clear out.
Consider External Storage Options
If you have certain items that are used, but not very regularly (for example, artificial Christmas trees or festive decorations), consider removing them from your home without having to dispose of them or replace them each year. Bear in mind that self storage can be an affordable solution, keeping your products safe and sound, while freeing up space they usually take up in your property. Now you could actually consider home alterations like loft conversions, which will increase your property’s value and offer extra space for everyone in the home.
Tackle the Shed
It’s easy to ignore the contents of your garden shed. After all, they are out of sight and out of mind. But come the summer months, you don’t want to have to climb over all sorts of junk to reach your lawnmower or bicycle. Ensure that the floor space in your shed is clear. Stack tins of paint where possible and perhaps even install shelving for things such as plant fertilisers and watering cans.
Once you’ve cleared the storage spaces in your home, the whole building will feel more comfortable and less claustrophobic. You will finally be able to get to stored items without experiencing an avalanche of junk.
