Recently, some of you joined the brilliant webinar with Jane Leach on refurbishing your home. It got me thinking…
So often, the planting stage of a decluttering project – where we start organising and styling your home – is so much smoother when some smart storage solutions are already in place.
So here they are – my top big-ticket buys or refurbishment investments I wish my clients had made before we started working together. These aren’t quick fixes – they’re the kind of long-term, functional upgrades that really support a calm, clutter-free home.
1. Ottoman sofa
Not just a comfy seat, but a hidden gem for storing things you use less often – winter throws, occasional-use tech, or that pile of old photos.
→ https://www.organized-home.com/posts/10-easy-pieces-sectional-sofas-storage/
2. Ottoman bed
A great way to store bulky items like out-of-season duvets or guest bedding – just don’t let it become a dumping ground for undecided clutter.
3. Duvet boxes (stackable!)
These are game-changers for taming floppy, awkward items. Medium size fits a duvet and pillow. I use them all the time.
4. Mirror cabinets
If you need a mirror anyway, make it do double duty. Ideal for bathrooms or bedrooms – tidy and practical.
5. Under-sink storage
Often overlooked, but a must. These neat solutions stop that awkward space from becoming dead space – and they can store more than you think.
6. Proper recycling station
Recycling is a daily reality, so it deserves dedicated space. A decent-sized, well-designed station helps it stay tidy (and means it actually gets done).
7. Shoe storage that works
Shoes spread if you don’t contain them! Whether it’s a hallway cabinet or built-in shelves, give shoes a proper home. A few of my go-to options:
– Slimline pull-down cabinet
– Bench with built-in compartments
– Tiered metal rack for inside cupboards
8. Understairs storage
One of the most underused areas of a home. Companies like Clever Closet can turn it into sleek, built-in cupboards.
→ https://clevercloset.co.uk/under-stairs/
Eaves storage – Ideal for lofts or sloped spaces where normal furniture won’t fit
→ https://clevercloset.co.uk/home/loft-storage-solutions/under-eaves-storage/Built-in wardrobes in awkward recesses – It’s so worth asking a local carpenter to build something that fits yourspace. Built-ins look cleaner and work better than random mismatched furniture.
Extra shelves – Simple but powerful. Add a shelf in the airing cupboard, the utility room, or above existing units to make the most of vertical space.
Laundry drying solutions
If you don’t have a dedicated laundry room, it’s worth finding something that’s effective but out of sight. A few favourites:
My top pick: a slide-away drying rack – discreet and practical